Being involved in a car accident can result in horrific injuries and complex legal processes. At Pringle & Herigstad, PC, our Trenton car accident lawyers help clients navigate insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits to fight for fair settlements for their injuries and damages. Since 1909, our North Dakota injury lawyers have stood for the rights of car accident victims and their families.
From our offices in Grand Forks and Minot, we represent accident victims in Trenton and throughout North Dakota. Our firm’s local presence provides us with extensive experience working with the courts, medical facilities, and insurance companies that serve the residents of Trenton, ND. We handle all types of car accidents, including both minor and serious auto accidents, drunk driving accidents, uninsured motorist claims, and commercial truck accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Williams County, on ND Hwy. 1804, US Route 2, or any of the roads surrounding Trenton, we can help. Contact Pringle & Herigstad, PC to schedule a free consultation with one of our Trenton car accident attorneys.
North Dakota Injury Lawyers Serving Auto Accident Victims in Williams County
Car accidents can be life-altering for the victims and their families. From pain and suffering to financial losses, accident victims suffer the consequences of another party’s negligence and wrongdoing. If you were injured in a car crash, you deserve to be compensated fully for all losses.
Working with a legal team that understands North Dakota state laws, insurance practices, and local courts improves your chances of winning a car accident claim. At Pringle & Herigstad, PC, our top-rated Williams County personal injury lawyers have decades of experience handling car accident claims. We help victims secure compensation by:
- Performing comprehensive accident investigations to secure evidence supporting your claim
- Handling all paperwork and communications for insurance and personal injury claims
- Determining how much your case is worth after documenting and assessing damages
- Working with expert witnesses to strengthen the evidence in your case, as necessary
- Negotiating insurance settlements that reimburse you for financial losses and compensate you for your suffering
- Preparing your case for trial from the beginning should settlement negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory outcome
Our attorneys have secured millions of dollars in damages for our clients through settlements and trial verdicts. We understand how insurance companies handle claims and leverage that knowledge for your benefit. Our law firm has the resources, skills, and legal expertise to investigate and litigate the most complex claims.
Call Pringle & Herigstad, PC today for a free and confidential consultation with a Trenton car accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Trenton Car Accidents
There were 10,475 reported motor vehicle crashes in North Dakota in 2023, resulting in 106 fatalities and thousands of injuries. Many car accidents are caused by driver negligence. Causes of car crashes include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Failing to obey traffic laws, including failure to yield the right of way and following too closely
Other factors that could contribute to a car accident include hazardous weather and poor road conditions. Defective vehicles and parts may also be to blame for a car crash. The parties responsible for the factors contributing to the car accident can be liable for damages.
Understanding Car Accident Claims in Trenton, North Dakota
North Dakota is a no-fault state for car insurance. State law requires drivers to purchase a minimum of $30,000 in basic no-fault insurance coverage, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Additionally, drivers must purchase minimum amounts of liability insurance, including:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person ($50,000 per accident)
- $25,000 property damage
- $25,000 uninsured motorist insurance ($50,000 per accident)
- Underinsured motorist coverage equal to the amount of uninsured motorist insurance
PIP or no-fault insurance pays benefits regardless of who caused the accident. After a car accident, accident victims file insurance claims with their insurance providers. No-fault insurance covers medical bills, lost wages, and essential services, including household maintenance. PIP does not compensate victims for pain and suffering.
North Dakota’s no-fault system allows victims to sue at-fault drivers if they meet a specific tort threshold. You may have a claim against the other driver if:
- Your medical bills exceed $25,000; OR,
- You sustain serious and permanent disability or disfigurement that lasts more than 60 days.
A liability claim against the at-fault driver can result in additional compensation not available under PIP benefits. However, the accident victim has the burden of proving the legal elements to prove that the other party caused the car crash before they can recover money for their claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover for Injuries Sustained in a Trenton Auto Accident?
Car accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and soft tissue injuries. The damages available in a liability claim can include economic damages for financial losses. These damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expense
- Personal and/or nursing care
- Rehabilitative therapies
Victims can also seek compensation for non-economic damages when filing liability claims. These damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Mental anguish
- Impairments and disabilities
- Physical pain
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The money you receive for a car accident claim depends on the unique factors of your case. Severe injuries and long-term impairments can increase the amount of damages. However, comparative fault can reduce the amount you receive.
North Dakota uses a modified comparative fault system for personal injury claims. If the victim is more than 50% to blame for causing an accident, they cannot recover damages. If they are less than 50% to blame, their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault.
What Happens After an Accident or Injury in North Dakota?
After an auto accident in Trenton, prioritize safety by checking for injuries in yourself and others. Call 911 to request emergency service and police officers. Other steps to take include:
- Gather insurance and registration information to provide to the police officers
- Gather evidence at the accident scene (i.e., make a video with your cell phone, take pictures of the damage to the vehicles, etc.)
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact details
- Avoid admitting fault for implying that you could have contributed to the cause of the accident
It is crucial to seek prompt medical attention after a car accident. Injuries may not be immediately apparent after a crash. Only a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. Delays in medical care could complicate a personal injury claim.
What If the Insurance Company Denied Your Claim?
Insurance companies aggressively fight claims to avoid liability. They undervalue and unjustly deny claims. Some companies use bad faith insurance tactics to cheat victims out of the money they deserve.
At Pringle & Herigstad, PC, we fight back against insurance tactics. Our legal team works to maximize compensation and protect your rights. If an insurance company delays, ignores, or denies your claim, call us immediately to discuss your legal options.
Talk to a Trenton Personal Injury Lawyer Today – You Deserve a Strong Advocate on Your Side
The time to file a car accident claim is limited by North Dakota’s statute of limitations. Missing the deadline to file a claim can cause you to lose your right to sue the party who caused your car accident.
Our accident attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, PC, represent North Dakotans in accident cases throughout the state. We also represent tourists and drivers from neighboring states, including Montana, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Hiring a local lawyer for an out-of-state auto accident has many advantages.
Contact us today to learn more about filing claims for car accidents. Our Trenton car accident attorneys offer free case evaluations to help individuals make informed decisions to protect their best interests.