Large truck accidents are catastrophic events for the people involved in the crash. Most deaths and injuries in large truck accidents are passengers in other vehicles. Occupants of other vehicles are more vulnerable in a truck accident because large trucks often weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles and are significantly larger. If you’re injured in a crash, you need an experienced Bismarck truck accident lawyer on your side.
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we fight for the rights of accident victims. We have been helping individuals and families across North Dakota obtain the compensation they need and deserve since 1909. Our lawyers have a proven track record of investigating complex cases, navigating complicated trucking regulations, and aggressively fighting powerful trucking companies and their insurance carriers to secure fair compensation.
If you or a family member was injured in a truck accident, contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. for a free consultation with our Bismarck truck accident attorneys.
How Pringle & Herigstad Truck Injury Lawyers Help You with a Truck Accident Claim in North Dakota
Truck accident claims are much more complex than a typical car accident case. These claims often involve severe injuries, multiple parties, government regulations, and liability disputes. Our truck crash lawyers in North Dakota have extensive experience handling these types of claims. We are recognized throughout the state for our representation of accident victims in semi-truck, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, and other commercial truck crashes.
When you hire our top-rated North Dakota truck accident law firm, our attorneys will:
- Build a strong case by gathering and preserving evidence proving fault and liability
- Collaborate with the best experts in their respective fields, including accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and others.
- Identify all parties involved in the truck accident who may be liable for your injuries
- Assess all potential damages to value your claim accurately
- Aggressively negotiate with insurers, including protecting clients from lowball settlement offers
- Navigate federal and state trucking regulations
- Litigate your claim if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Due to the unique challenges presented by truck accident crashes, an experienced lawyer is crucial for a successful outcome. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., our lawyers have the experience and resources necessary to pursue these claims.
Our client’s best interests are our top priority. Call Pringle & Herigstad truck injury lawyers today for a free case evaluation. You do not have to face this situation alone.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Bismarck, ND
Many commercial truck accidents are caused by negligence. Determining how an accident happened and who is responsible are critical steps in a truck accident case. Common reasons for truck crashes in North Dakota include:
- Poorly trained and inexperienced drivers
- Distracted driving
- Overloaded trucks
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Alcohol and/or drug-impaired driving
- Failure to follow traffic laws
- Improperly loaded trucks
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Improperly maintained trucks and trailers
- Defective trucks and parts
- Failure to follow trucking regulations, including hours-of-service requirements
Prompt legal representation significantly improves your chances of a positive outcome. Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Bismarck work quickly to preserve evidence proving why an accident happened, including driver logs and information from the truck’s black box.
Who Is Responsible for Damages After a Truck Accident in North Dakota?
Any party that contributed to the cause of a truck crash could have potential liability for damages. Truck accident crashes often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for the crash. You may have grounds for a lawsuit against one or more parties, including:
- The truck driver
- Other motorists
- The trucking company
- Loaders and shippers
- A manufacturer of a defective truck or part
- Government entities and road maintenance companies
- Truck maintenance and repair facilities
Sorting out liability can be difficult when you have multiple parties involved in a truck accident claim. The parties often blame each other to minimize their liability. Our experienced commercial truck accident injury lawyers understand where to search for evidence and how to assess the evidence to identify the parties responsible for your accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Bismarck Truck Accident Claim?
North Dakota’s no-fault system for automobile accidents means victims file claims with their insurance providers after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. PIP (personal injury protection) coverage pays for medical care and lost wages. However, PIP benefits are limited.
Truck accident victims may step outside of the no-fault system to seek additional compensation for damages. A victim can file a liability claim against the parties responsible for causing the crash if they sustain serious injuries or their medical costs exceed $2,500. Most truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries that will meet these thresholds.
A liability claim for a truck accident can include economic damages for:
- Medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
Unlike PIP claims, liability claims can include compensation for non-economic damages such as:
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
If your family member dies because of injuries sustained in a truck crash, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages.
Truck accident settlements and verdicts vary. The amount you receive for a truck accident in North Dakota depends on the injuries you sustain, your financial losses, and other factors. Our legal team carefully documents damages and pursues all sources of compensation to maximize your recovery.
What Should I Do After a Commercial Truck Accident in North Dakota?
The aftermath of a truck accident is often chaotic and overwhelming. Victims may sustain severe injuries that require emergency medical services. The steps you take after the crash can impact the outcome of a personal injury claim. Steps to take after a truck accident include:
- Report a truck accident in North Dakota by calling 911
- If possible, document the accident scene by taking photographs and making a video with your cell phone
- Ask witnesses and bystanders for their contact information
- Seek immediate medical treatment, as delays in medical care can hurt your case
- Never admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance companies without legal counsel
- Document your injuries and losses by keeping copies and detailed records
The insurer or trucking company may ask you questions about the crash. It is not in your best interest to talk with these parties. They may use your statements to blame you for causing the accident. Your compensation can be reduced under North Dakota’s comparative fault laws if the company convinces a jury you are partially to blame for causing the crash.
Talk to a Bismarck Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. represents parties involved in truck accident cases throughout North Dakota from our offices located in Grand Forks and Minot. We also help individuals who may have been traveling through or visiting our state when an accident occurred.
Call our office to speak with an experienced Bismarck truck accident attorney. Your initial consultation is always confidential and free.