Being hit by a car while riding your motorcycle is a traumatic experience. You may find yourself in pain, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we understand how devastating motorcycle accidents can be, especially on North Dakota roads in places like Minot, Grand Forks, and nearby communities. This guide from our North Dakota motorcycle accident attorneys will walk you through critical steps to take after a crash, your legal rights as a rider, and how an experienced personal injury attorney can help.
Immediate Steps After the Crash
Staying calm and taking the right actions after a motorcycle accident can make a big difference in your safety and your legal case.
If you’re involved in a crash:
- Move away from traffic if it’s safe to do so. Your safety is the top priority.
- Call 911 immediately. A police report can document key facts and establish fault.
- Get medical help right away—even if injuries seem minor. Head injuries or internal damage can take hours to show symptoms.
- Gather evidence before leaving the scene if you can.
- Take photos of injuries, your bike, the car, road conditions, and traffic signals.
- Get the driver’s name, license number, and insurance details.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information.
Do not apologize for the accident or admit fault. Statements that imply fault could be used to deny a personal injury claim or lower the value of your claim.
Understanding Motorcycle Laws in North Dakota
North Dakota laws protect motorcyclists, but your rights can depend on the details of your case. For instance, North Dakota follows a comparative fault system (ND Century Code §32-03.2). That means more than one party can share blame for the cause of a motorcycle crash.. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages—but they may be reduced.
No-fault insurance laws do not apply to motorcycles. This means you often need to go through the at-fault driver’s insurer or file a lawsuit to get full compensation. Motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as other drivers and are protected under state traffic laws. Drivers must yield, pay attention, and share the road.
Why Medical Documentation Matters
Motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries, many of which don’t show up right away. From road rash to spinal injuries, getting your condition documented helps your recovery and your legal claim.
Your doctor’s records can:
- Show a timeline of your injuries and symptoms.
- Provide evidence that the accident caused your condition.
- Build a connection between the crash and future medical needs.
Without this proof, insurance companies may argue your injuries are unrelated or less severe than reported.
How Insurance Companies Handle Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accident claims are often more complex than regular car collisions. Insurance companies may try to reduce or deny your claim, particularly if they can’t see clear fault.
Here’s how they may respond:
- Delay investigations, hoping you’ll give up or settle for less.
- Demand recorded statements that can be used against you.
- Question medical treatment or say your injuries were pre-existing.
It’s important to know the terms of your insurance policy and the other driver’s insurance policy. Key types of insurance coverage in North Dakota include:
- Liability: Pays for the other party’s injuries if you’re at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Helps if the driver who hit you has no insurance or too little coverage.
- Personal Injury Protection (optional for motorcycles): Pays benefits to the insured regardless of fault.
A common tactic is to blame the rider for causing the motorcycle accident. It is best to allow an attorney to handle communications with the insurance company to avoid making statements that could be intentionally misinterpreted to imply fault.
When to Call a North Dakota Personal Injury Attorney
After a motorcycle crash, choosing to work with a local attorney who understands North Dakota laws can make all the difference in your recovery—both financial and physical.
You should speak with a lawyer if:
- You suffered serious injuries or expect long-term care.
- The insurance company is pressuring or lowballing you.
- There’s a debate about who is at fault.
- The accident caused emotional trauma or significant life changes.
Our personal injury attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad are well-versed in local laws, insurance tactics, and courtroom strategies. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach helps us secure the best outcome for our clients in Minot, Grand Forks, and across North Dakota.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
When another driver causes your crash, you may be eligible to recover multiple forms of compensation with the help of a legal team.
These can include:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, rehab, and future care
- Lost wages and reduced ability to earn an income
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and reduced quality of life
- Repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle
- Punitive damages, in cases of egregious wrongdoing by the driver
The amount you receive depends on many factors. The strength of the evidence proving fault, the severity of your injuries, and the availability of insurance coverage are a few of the factors that can impact the outcome of a motorcycle accident claim.
Steps to Protect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Insurance companies are quick to act—but not in your interest. There are things you can do to protect your recovery and legal rights.
Take these precautions:
- Don’t give recorded statements to the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal advice.
- Avoid accepting the first settlement offer—it’s often lower than you deserve.
- Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, treatments, emotional state, and how the crash has impacted your daily life.
Be wary of a settlement offer from the insurance company. Companies often make lowball settlement offers. Talk with a lawyer before signing any documents accepting a settlement to ensure the settlement amount is fair.
How Pringle & Herigstad Can Help You Move Forward
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we’ve helped injured North Dakotans for over a century. We understand how to build strong cases that reflect your full losses—and how to fight for justice in and out of court.
Why work with our firm:
- We have deep knowledge of local courts in Minot, Grand Forks, and beyond.
- Our attorneys don’t back down from insurers or delay tactics.
- We offer a free consultation and won’t charge legal fees unless we win your case.
For over 100 years, our North Dakota personal injury lawyers have helped accident victims and their families seek fair compensation for accident claims.
Call Our North Dakota Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in North Dakota, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. for a free consultation. Call today to get started.
Whether your accident happened in Minot, Grand Forks, or elsewhere in the state, our legal team is ready to advocate for you every step of the way.