Car accidents are among the most common reasons for personal injury claims in Fargo, ND. The state reported 10,475 crashes in 2023, including 106 fatalities and thousands of injuries. North Dakota is a no-fault state for car accidents. Accident victims can pursue claims against at-fault parties if they meet a specific threshold. However, fighting an insurance company for fair compensation can be challenging.
For over 100 years, our attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. have provided accident victims and their families the help they need with car accident claims. We have an exceptional track record of winning cases. Our attorneys have handled some of the state’s largest personal injury settlements and jury verdicts. We have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients in life-changing compensation.
How Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. Can Help You with a Car Accident Case
Our attorneys have over a century of combined experience. Many of our lawyers have represented accident victims for decades. We provide high-quality legal representation to help accident victims receive the compensation they need and deserve.
When you hire our top-rated personal injury lawyers, you can trust our legal team will:
- Complete a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your accident
- Gather evidence proving fault and liability for the crash, including working with expert witnesses when necessary
- Defend you against allegations of contributory fault, which could reduce how much your claim is worth
- Handle all matters related to insurance claims, including negotiation insurance settlements
- Advocate for you in court if a fair settlement for your claim cannot be obtained through negotiations
North Dakota insurance laws can be confusing. Our attorneys understand the law. Our vast experience handling motor vehicle accident claims has given us a thorough understanding of how insurance companies treat claimants. We use our vast resources and experience to fight for your rights.
Understanding North Dakota’s No-Fault Car Insurance
North Dakota car owners must purchase minimum car insurance coverage. The insurance coverage required is a mixture of no-fault insurance and liability insurance. Each type of insurance provides a different type of coverage if you are involved in a car accident.
Car insurance requirements in North Dakota are:
- Bodily injury coverage per person of $25,000 ($50,000 maximum per accident)
- Property damage liability of $25,000
- Uninsured motorist insurance of $25,000
- Underinsured coverage in the same amount as uninsured motorist insurance
- Basic no-fault insurance (Personal Insurance Protection or PIP) of $30,000
Liability insurance compensates accident victims for damages when a driver causes an accident. The accident victim has the burden of proving the other driver caused the accident to recover damages.
No-fault or PIP insurance compensates the insured or other covered parties for some damages caused by a car accident. It does not depend on fault. You can file a claim for PIP benefits even if you caused an accident.
Types of Damages You Can Receive for a Car Accident in Fargo
PIP insurance and liability insurance provide different types of damages. No-fault insurance pays for economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Household services
- Childcare services
- Funeral expenses
No-fault insurance does not pay for damage to your vehicle. It also does not compensate you for pain and suffering damages. The amount you receive is limited to the policy limits.
Liability insurance coverage pays the accident victims when a driver causes an accident. Victims can receive economic damages, including medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages. However, liability insurance also pays non-economic damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impairment and disability
- Diminished quality of life
A victim may also receive future damages if they sustain a permanent impairment. Future damages can include reduced earning capacity, long-term care, and ongoing medical treatment.
The amount you receive depends on numerous factors, but the insurance company is only liable up to the policy limits. You must also prove that the other driver caused the accident to receive damages.
How Does the Car Accident Claim Process Work in North Dakota?
Accident victims file a claim with their PIP insurance provider after a car crash. It does not matter whether they caused the accident or not. Unless they meet a statutory threshold for claims, their claim is limited to their PIP insurance.
If you are injured in a car accident, you must meet one of the following conditions to sue an at-fault driver for a car accident:
- You sustained a serious and permanent disability or disfigurement that continued for more than 60 days; and/or,
- Your necessary medical bills from the accident total more than $2,500.
If you meet one of these criteria, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage. The insurance company investigates the claim to determine if the insured driver caused the crash. If so, the insurance company should pay your claim.
Unfortunately, insurance companies undervalue and deny valid claims to avoid losing money. Therefore, it is in the victim’s best interest to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney advises the victim of their legal options and rights. A lawyer also protects victims from unfair and bad faith insurance tactics.
Tips for Dealing with Insurance Claims After a Car Accident in Fargo
Some steps you can take to protect your right to fair compensation include:
- Always call 911 to report a car accident, regardless of the severity of the crash.
- Do not admit fault or apologize for the car accident. Tell the officers the facts without making assumptions about who caused the crash.
- Document the car accident scene by taking photographs and making a video. Ask eyewitnesses for their contact information.
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Delays in medical treatment can hurt your case.
Seek legal advice as soon as possible. The best way to protect your interests is to understand your rights and the legal process for filing claims.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Accident Claim with a Fargo Personal Injury Attorney
Being injured in a car crash can be devastating. The physical suffering and financial hardship are overwhelming. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we provide support and guidance as you navigate the claims process. Call our office today to speak with one of our Fargo car accident lawyers about your case.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is committed to supporting individuals in North Dakota, including Grand Forks, Minot, Fargo, Bismarck, Williston, Rugby, Devils Lake, Jamestown, and the surrounding areas.
