Because of a commercial truck’s size and weight, a crash involving a large truck often leads to catastrophic injuries, permanent impairments, or death. Over 70% of the people injured or killed in large truck accidents are riding in other vehicles.
With significant damages at stake, trucking companies and insurance providers aggressively fight claims. Accident victims deserve strong advocates on their side to protect their rights.
Since 1909, our Devils Lake truck accident attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. have fought for the rights of victims and their families. Because we are local attorneys, we can provide a personalized approach to our clients. We also understand the local factors that can impact a semi-truck accident injury claim in Devils Lake, ND.
Contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Devils Lake truck accident lawyer.
Devils Lake Truck Accident Lawyers Serving North Dakota
For over a century, Pringle & Herigstad has represented injured victims in Devils Lake and throughout North Dakota. We have developed extensive knowledge of North Dakota personal injury law after successfully handling thousands of injury claims. Our legal team aggressively pursues all sources of compensation and available claims to obtain the settlement or verdict you deserve.
Complex federal and state laws govern the trucking industry. Our truck accident attorneys in Devils Lake, ND, understand the roles commercial driver qualifications, FMCSA regulations, and North Dakota truck routes can play in a truck accident claim. We also consider how factors such as inspection, maintenance, hours of service, and others may affect a truck accident claim.
Our comprehensive knowledge and detailed approach evens the playing field for clients. If you need help after a truck accident in North Dakota, contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. for a free consultation with a North Dakota truck crash lawyer.
What Happens After a Truck Accident in Devils Lake, ND?
The aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be overwhelming. Many truck crashes involve multiple vehicles. Some vehicles may be crushed entirely or set on fire. Numerous emergency agencies will respond to the crash site.
Generally, it is wise for accident victims to take photographs and make videos of the accident scene. However, the scene may be too dangerous to move around. Instead, focus on moving to a safe location if possible. Take pictures, make a video, and collect witness information from a safe position.
Immediate medical treatment is crucial after a truck accident in North Dakota. Continue medical care with your doctor as advised. During your recovery, document your financial losses by keeping copies of all documents related to the accident.
An insurance company, the trucking company, or another party may contact you after the accident. It is not in your best interest to discuss the accident or your injuries without legal counsel. Statements you make could be used against you to fight your injury claim or court case. Instead, allow a personal injury lawyer in Devils Lake to handle communication for you.
Understanding Truck Accident Claims in North Dakota
Truck accident claims are complicated personal injury cases. Important things to know about truck accident claims in North Dakota include:
Burden of Proof
North Dakota is a no-fault state for accident claims. However, victims may have liability claims in some situations. If you file a liability claim, you must prove causation, fault, and damages to hold a party liable for your losses. Therefore, you must secure sufficient evidence to prove each legal element of your case, which can be challenging without a legal team working for you.
Truck Accident Investigations
You need a commercial truck accident attorney in North Dakota to handle the investigation of the accident. Truck accident investigations can be challenging. For example, an attorney needs to understand how the data on a truck’s black box could help prove liability. Therefore, immediate steps are necessary to preserve this evidence after a crash.
Truck accident investigations may involve several government agencies, expert witnesses, and numerous eyewitnesses, which can be difficult to manage without sufficient resources. Our 18-wheeler crash lawyers in Devils Lake have the resources necessary to manage these intricate investigations.
Analyzing Trucking Regulations and Laws
As mentioned above, truck accident cases may involve federal and state commercial trucking laws. Violating trucking laws could help prove fault for the accident. For example, the driver’s logs show that they exceeded the legal limit for operating a truck without rest periods. The evidence may be used to support an argument for drowsy driving.
North Dakota’s Comparative Fault Law
Numerous parties may be at fault or share fault for causing a truck accident. Responsible parties include:
- Truck drivers
- Other motorists
- Trucking companies
- Shippers and loaders
- Truck and part manufacturers for defective parts
- Repair and maintenance facilities
- Government agencies
North Dakota laws divide responsibility for damages based on a comparative fault standard. A party is responsible for damages based on their percentage of fault for causing the crash. However, if a victim is more than 50% to blame, they are barred from receiving damages.
Sorting out fault when multiple parties are involved can be difficult. The parties often blame each other for causing the accident. A victim may even be unfairly blamed, allowing the trucking company to avoid liability.
Handling Aggressive Insurance Tactics
The high value of truck accident claims means truck companies and their insurance providers aggressively work to deny claims and lower claim values. They may use numerous tactics to pressure victims to accept low settlement offers. The company may delay the claim until you give up and take the low amount they offer.
Hiring an attorney means you do not need to worry about these tactics. Your attorney is prepared for these tactics and makes it clear that if the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, they are ready to take the case to trial.
Compensation for a Truck Accident Claim in Devils Lake, ND
Compensatory damages for a truck accident case include financial losses (i.e., economic damages) and pain & suffering (i.e., non-economic damages).
Examples of damages in a Devils Lake truck accident case include:
- Scarring, disfigurement, impairments, and disability
- Medical expenses, rehabilitative therapy, and future medical care
- Out-of-pocket expenses, personal care, and household services
- Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of income, including losing employment benefits, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity
Juries, in some cases, may award punitive damages that are paid to the injured party. These damages “punish” the at-fault parties for egregious conduct. Talk with our office to learn more about damages and how much your case could be worth.
Talk to a Devils Lake Truck Accident Attorney Today
You deserve a strong advocate when you file an injury claim against a trucking company in North Dakota. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we provide compassionate client service and legal support for injured victims and their families. We do not charge upfront fees – you only pay attorneys’ fees if we win your case.
You do not need to fight a large trucking company and a massive insurance provider alone. Let us handle the fight for you while you focus on healing.
Call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. today to schedule a free case review with experienced Devils Lake truck accident attorneys.