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North Dakota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering events. An Advocate can help you on your road to recovery.

A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

Motorcycle crashes can be devastating events for everyone involved, but especially for the biker. Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than other motorists, and are more likely to suffer serious injuries or fatalities in the event of an accident.

The Advocates have been representing motorcycle accident victims for nearly 30 years. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help in any way we can. We are committed to ensuring our clients have the most stress-free recovery possible while also obtaining a fair settlement for their damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in North Dakota and need a competent, caring attorney for your personal injury claim, contact The Advocates for a free consultation.

The Next Steps In Your Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Property Damage

Get any property damage assessed and repaired

Treatment Completed

Once you've completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex. Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees when you hire The Advocates.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. You will not pay us unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 

We can help you:

  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance companies
  • Take your case to court if necessary

You only pay if we win your case!

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

North Dakota Motorcycle Accident Statistics

North Dakota motorcycle accident statistics  

  • A motorcyclist is involved in an accident about once every two days statewide
  • Over 80% of motorcycle accident victims are male
  • Around 35% of motorcycle accidents involve alcohol
  • The number of annual motorcycle accidents in North Dakota has decreased significantly since 2016, but fatalities have increased

Motorcycle helmet statistics 

  • Statewide, more than 60% of motorcycle fatalities happen to bikers not wearing a helmet
  • The most common motorcycle accident injury is to the lower extremities, but the most severe injuries are often to the head
  • Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%
Motorcyclist holds smart phone with glove

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

  • Distracted driving: Drivers of motor vehicles become much more dangerous and unpredictable when using a cell phone, eating, or participating in any other activity that takes focus away from driving
  • Impaired driving: Accidents are far more likely to happen when the driver or motorcycle rider is under the influence
  • Failure to see the motorcyclist: After many accidents, drivers of passenger vehicles claim they did not see the motorcycle rider in the moments leading up to the crash
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way: If motorists are unfamiliar with the traffic laws in the area, they may enter intersections when it is not safe to do so, endangering those around them

Common motorcycle accident injuries 

Depending on the nature of your accident and the protective gear you were wearing at the time, motorcycle accident injuries can range from road rash to life-threatening conditions. Some common types of motorcycle accident injuries are:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  •  Spinal cord injuries
  •  Broken or missing teeth
  • Broken bones
  •  Ligament tears or strains
  • Lacerations and bruising (“road rash”)
Common injuries that occur during motorcycle accidents

North Dakota Motorcycle Laws

What is a “motorcycle” under North Dakota law?

In the state of North Dakota, a motorcycle is defined as a vehicle that: 

  • Can travel at speeds faster than 30 miles per hour
  • Has a seat or saddle for the operator
  • Travels on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground

Is lane splitting legal in North Dakota?

Lane splitting, or the practice of motorcycles sharing lanes with passenger vehicles to reduce traffic congestion, is illegal in North Dakota.

While the practice has been legalized in an increasing number of states in recent years, it is vital that bikers do not attempt to lane split in states where it is illegal. Other motorists will likely not be expecting you to split lanes– acting unpredictably significantly increases the risk of an accident.

Are helmets required for motorcyclists in North Dakota?

Any operator or passenger of a motorcycle who is under 18 years of age must wear a helmet while riding. If the operator of the motorcycle is required to wear a helmet, then passengers must also wear a helmet, regardless of age.

Even if you are not required to wear a helmet, all riders on a motorcycle should wear one at all times. Helmets greatly reduce the risk of head injury and fatality.

What licenses must a motorcyclist have to ride on public roads?

Applicants must be at least 14 years old to obtain a motorcycle license.

Before obtaining a motorcycle license, an applicant must have a valid motorcycle permit or, if from out of state, a motorcycle license from that state. To obtain a permit, the applicant must pay applicable fees and pass a knowledge test. With a permit, an operator may drive during daylight hours only with no passengers.

To apply for a motorcycle license, applicants must have held a valid permit for at least two months. They must pay a license fee and either pass the Basic Rider Course or a road test.

Once the operator has obtained their motorcycle license, the only restrictions are as follows:

  • Operators under 16 are restricted to 510 CC motorcycles and under
  • Operators under 18 must wear a helmet
Rider takes the Motorcycle safety foundation course
Motorcyclist rides down a dark foggy mountain road

What equipment must a motorcycle have to be street legal?

At minimum, motorcycle must be equipped with the following in order to ride on North Dakota roadways:

  • At least one, and not more than two, headlamps visible from at least 500 feet
  • Tail light visible from at least 500 feet
  • Brake lights
  • Horn
  • Two rearview mirrors

When Should I Hire a North Dakota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

When Should I Hire a Motorcycle Injury Attorney?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you will need to prove that the driver of the vehicle was at fault in order to receive any damages. North Dakota is a modified comparative fault state, which means that fault can be shared by drivers. As long as you are less than 51% responsible for your accident, you can still recover compensation for your damages.

The other driver’s insurance company will do whatever they can to keep you from getting a fair settlement offer. They may try to diminish the severity of your injuries, claim your injuries were pre-existing, or deny liability for the accident altogether. A personal injury attorney can help you negotiate with insurance companies.

The Advocates’ personal injury law firm has years of experience fighting for our clients’ right to fair compensation under the law. We will take on all the stress of the claims process so that you can focus on feeling better.

We are here to help every step of the way. We provide more than just legal services– we will assist you in accessing medical treatment and getting your bike fixed, as well as understanding your medical bills. The Advocates truly care about you and your recovery, and our goal is the same as yours: a successful motorcycle accident claim. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You deserve excellent legal representation for your personal injury case. You deserve an Advocate.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

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