Auto Accident Injury in Fargo, ND

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Fargo? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Fargo, ND that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Fargo, North Dakota

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. The North Dakota Department of Transportation reports 105 deaths due to auto collisions in 2018. The total number of crashes was 15,242, and these accidents resulted in 4,230 injuries. Fatalities in the state have been on the decline since 2012. The DOT estimates a crash occurs in the state every 35 minutes with a fatality once every 3 1/2 days. Cass County had 4.026 accidents in 2018, with 10 deaths and 1,111 injuries.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

The City of Fargo website states that every driver involved in a collision must stop and exchange information with the other driver. If there is property damage over $4,000 or any injuries, then the parties must wait for law enforcement on the scene and complete an accident report right away. For accidents not requiring police presence on the scene, drivers must file an accident report as soon as possible at the police station.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

  • Full name, address, phone number and email address
  • Driver’s license state and number
  • Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Burn injuries
  • Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
  • Brain and head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

Increases in the costs of car repairs and healthcare expenses are making it more costly after an accident. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that in 2018, the costs for fatal accidents in the state were around $150 million. This figure includes lost wages and medical expenses.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in North Dakota

Liability Laws for Fargo

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Drivers must carry a minimum liability auto insurance policy with $25,000 per person and $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage, according to the North Dakota Insurance Department. Policies must also include property damage coverage of $25,000, uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 and underinsured motorist coverage that equals the uninsured motorist coverage. Drivers also must carry basic no-fault coverage since North Dakota is a no-fault state. The minimum coverage for this is $30,000.

Statute of Limitations in Fargo

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. The North Dakota Legislative Branch states that the statute of limitations for injuries and property damage in a motor vehicle accident is six years. The time limit begins at the time of the accident.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Fargo, ND

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in North Dakota!

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