Semi-truck accidents may not be as common as other car accidents, but they can be far more devastating. The sheer size of the trucks makes commercial truck accidents extremely dangerous, especially to occupants of passenger vehicles. If a truck driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the trucking company’s insurance provider.
The Advocates are experienced North Dakota truck accident attorneys who can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. We will do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve for your truck accident claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, it’s time to call an Advocate. From understanding your medical bills to getting your car repaired, with an Advocate, you are never alone. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Immediately after your accident, check for injuries
Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery
Seek medical attention as soon as you can
Get any property damage assessed and repaired
Once you've completed treatment, your case can move forward
Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party
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.
For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have been helping victims navigate their truck accident cases, and we are ready to do the same for you. We are a capable, compassionate legal team who make it our mission to help our clients with all aspects of their recovery, not just negotiation and litigation.
In addition to providing legal representation, The Advocates are prepared to help you:
It is not unusual for semi-truck accidents to cause severe injuries. Some common types of truck accident injuries are:
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the driver of a tractor-trailer must make sure that his or her truck is in good working order at all times.
“Good working order” means the truck must have properly functioning:
If any one of these components is faulty, it could seriously endanger the trucker and other drivers on the road. Regular truck maintenance and inspection helps keep everyone safe.
At 16 years old, a driver may obtain a Commercial Driver’s License for the purpose of custom harvesting operations only. For travel within the state, a CDL applicant must be 18 years old. To obtain a CDL that allows one to cross state lines with a commercial vehicle, an applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
To obtain a North Dakota CDL, a potential truck driver must:
On rural interstates, semi-trucks may travel no faster than 75 miles per hour. Passenger vehicles have the same speed limit. However, in poor driving conditions, drivers of semi-trucks should practice extreme caution.
Driver fatigue is a serious problem in the trucking industry. Many trucking companies pay their drivers by the mile, so truckers are incentivized to keep driving, even when they are tired. Because of this, the FMCSA created the Hours of Service Rule, a federal regulation limiting how many hours a trucker may drive at once.
The Hours of Service Rule is as follows:
It is crucial that truckers adhere to the Hours of Service Rule, as well as taking any additional breaks as needed. A truck driver falling asleep at the wheel is a major hazard for everyone on the road.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, it is best to call an attorney sooner rather than later. All states have a statute of limitations on both criminal and civil matters. The statute of limitations refers to the length of time a plaintiff has to file a claim before they lose their right of action. In North Dakota, the statute of limitations for auto accidents and other personal injury cases is typically six years.
It is best to get started on your personal injury claim right away. It can take time to gather evidence, finish medical treatment, and negotiate with insurance providers. Contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you believe you have a case to give yourself the best chance at receiving a settlement.
If you were injured in a truck accident, you’re likely dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and seemingly never ending medical expenses. Attempting to navigate the claims process during your physical recovery may add unnecessary stress to your plate.
If you choose to attempt to negotiate with insurance adjusters on your own, you may end up settling for less than you deserve. These multi-million dollar companies will often go out of their way to avoid offering you a fair settlement. An experienced personal injury attorney can go up against insurance providers for you and fight for your right to compensation.
The Advocates are a law firm of competent, caring truck accident lawyers who can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. We will be there to listen to your story, help you understand the next steps in your case, and protect your legal rights.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, The Advocates are here for you every step of the way. Contact our law office today for a free consultation. You deserve a team who will fight for you. You deserve an Advocate.