If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Devils Lake, you don’t have to face insurance companies or medical bills alone. Hiring a Devils Lake car accident attorney can significantly increase your chance of receiving compensation for your claim. An attorney also protects your rights and alleviates the stress of navigating the insurance claims process and legal matters on your own.
The attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. have been fighting for the rights of Devils Lake accident victims since 1909. We have a long history of obtaining favorable settlements and trial verdicts for our clients.
We are local attorneys, so we have a thorough understanding of state-specific laws and have established relationships within the local legal and medical communities. For accident victims in North Dakota, these factors can significantly improve the outcome of their case.
Contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Devils Lake, ND. We provide personal, hands-on care for our clients.
Devils Lake Personal Injury Lawyers Serving North Dakota Crash Victims
For over 115 years, Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. has been representing injured victims and their families throughout North Dakota. We have extensive experience handling major auto accidents, wrongful death cases, catastrophic injuries, and other personal injury claims. Our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers who do not shy away from injury litigation when necessary.
Our top-rated Devils Lake personal injury lawyers handle all aspects of a car accident claim, including:
- Conducting independent investigations to gather and preserve evidence supporting your claim
- Document damages to assess the correct value of your car accident claim
- Work with leading experts when necessary to strengthen your claim
- Skillfully negotiate insurance settlements to obtain fair compensation for damages
- Litigate your claim in court if a settlement is not possible
Hiring local attorneys means increased accessibility and communication. We are committed to our clients and community. Our legal team works closely with each client to provide support and guidance as they continue to recover from a car accident.
Contact our Devils Lake car accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. You deserve a strong advocate to protect your best interests. Our personal injury team works on a contingency fee basis – you pay no fee if we don’t win your case.
Understanding Car Accident Injury Claims in North Dakota
North Dakota car accident law can be confusing because of the state’s no-fault insurance requirements. Drivers are required to purchase minimum auto insurance coverage. The required insurance coverage is:
- Basic no-fault coverage (PIP) of $30,000 per person
- Bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person ($50,000 per accident)
- Property damage liability of $25,000
- Uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 ($50,000 per accident)
- Underinsured motorist coverage equal to uninsured motorist coverage
When a person is involved in an accident, they file a claim with their insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident. Their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages, but coverage is limited. However, there may be a way to obtain more compensation for a car accident claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Devils Lake, ND?
No-fault insurance does not compensate accident victims for all damages. You may be eligible to step outside the no-fault system and sue an at-fault driver to obtain additional compensation for damages. A liability claim is possible if your medical bills are more than $2,500 or you sustain a serious injury or impairment that lasts longer than 60 days.
When you sue at-fault drivers for a car accident, you could receive economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Reduced earning capacity
Unlike no-fault insurance benefits, a liability claim may include non-economic damages. Examples of these damages include:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and impairments
There may be a possibility of punitive damages in certain situations, like DUI accidents. Punitive damages are rare, but they are awarded in some car accident lawsuits to punish a party for egregious conduct.
Proper medical diagnosis and follow-up treatment are crucial for proving that the accident caused your injuries. Seek prompt medical care after a car crash, then speak with a Devils Lake car accident lawyer in our office about your legal rights.
What to Do After a Car Accident in North Dakota?
Your health and legal rights are priorities after a car accident in Devils Lake, ND. Steps accident victims should take to protect themselves after an accident include:
- Report the car accident by calling 911. The operator will dispatch the correct agency for the location (i.e., Ramsey County or Devils Lake Police Department).
- Victims are required to prove causation and fault to file a liability claim. Take pictures and make a video of the accident scene. Ask the eyewitness for their contact details.
- Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. Keep to the facts and avoid making assumptions about fault.
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Medical records are crucial evidence in a personal injury claim.
- Document your losses by keeping copies of all paperwork and detailed records.
Gathering evidence and building a legal claim can be time-consuming and complicated. Our car accident attorneys in Devils Lake will handle these matters for you while you focus on your recovery.
What If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim After a Devils Lake Car Accident?
There were 10,475 auto accidents in North Dakota in 2023. Many of those accidents are caused by negligence, including impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and failing to follow traffic laws.
Accident victims have the burden of proof in car accident cases. It is not in your best interest to provide a recorded statement or answer questions before receiving legal advice. The insurance company may use information to accuse you of contributing to the cause of the crash. If so, it may deny your claim or undervalue damages under North Dakota comparative negligence laws.
Even when a party is responsible for causing an accident, their insurance provider may use unfair tactics to avoid liability. For instance, the insurance company may undervalue damages, delay the claim, or outright deny a valid claim.
If an insurance company denies your claim or treats you unfairly, our Devils Lake car accident at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. can help. We negotiate insurance settlements and litigate denials and bad-faith insurance conduct when necessary.
Talk to a Devils Lake Car Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your case. Let our attorneys fight for what you are owed. Our firm represents clients throughout North Dakota, including out-of-state clients who may have an accident while visiting or traveling through our state.
We have several easy options for free consultations in Devils Lake. Contact our office to schedule your free case review.