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North Dakota Truck Accident Lawyer

Semi-truck accidents are dangerous events that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, particularly for occupants of passenger vehicles. The Advocates are here to help.

Attorney comforts client in a meeting room

A Truck Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

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.

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 Complete

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 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:

  • Access necessary medical treatment
  • Find body shops in your area for vehicle repairs
  • Get a rental car if needed
  • Communicate with your employer regarding your injuries
  • Keep track of expenses and paperwork related to your accident

You only pay if we win your case!

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

North Dakota Truck Accident Statistics

Where do truck deaths occur?

  • I-94 and I-29 see the most motor vehicle accidents, including semi-truck accidents, in the state
  • Most crashes involving tractor-trailers occur between the hours of noon and 3:00 pm
  • Cities and metro areas, such as Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Williston, and Minot, have the largest number of accidents, but they are less likely to be fatal than rural accidents

North Dakota state semi-truck accident statistics  

  • More than 1,000 truck accidents happen in North Dakota every year, leading to an average of almost 300 injuries and 18 deaths annually
  • Most truck accident victims are male, due largely in part to the lack of female truck drivers
  • North Dakota has one of the country’s highest rates of fatal semi-truck accidents, behind only Wyoming, Vermont, and Nebraska
  • Most crashes occur on dry roads, though wet and icy roads do present a hazard
female truck leans arm outside of the truck's window
Exhausted and tired trucker rests on the steering wheel of his truck

Common causes of truck accidents

  • Driver fatigue: Commercial vehicle drivers work long hours, often driving on long stretches of rural road. It is easy to become tired, and it is crucial that truckers take regular breaks to rest
  • Distracted driving: Any activity that causes motorists to take focus off of the road in front of them increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents
  • Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol creates a hazard for everyone on the road, regardless of the type of vehicle you drive
  • Mechanical failure: One of the most common causes of semi-truck crashes is faulty equipment
  • Improper passing or turning: Big rigs have a much larger stopping distance than passenger cars. If a truck is cut off by a car, it may be difficult for the driver to avoid an accident
  • Bad weather: North Dakota is prone to snowy, icy conditions, which can be especially dangerous for large trucks

Common truck accident injuries 

It is not unusual for semi-truck accidents to cause severe injuries. Some common types of truck accident injuries are:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash
  • Disfigurement
  • Broken or missing teeth
  • Ligament tears or strains
  • Lacerations and bruising
Common injuries in truck accidents

North Dakota Truck Laws

Man inspects truck tires to ensure safety on the road.

What condition does a truck need to be in to drive?

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:

  • Brakes
  • Tires, wheels, and rims
  • Headlights, tail lights, and turn signals
  • Reflectors
  • Windshield and wipers
  • Mirrors
  • Steering system
  • Gauges
  • Horn

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.

What is required to obtain a CDL?

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:

  • Prove residency within the state
  • Meet federal medical requirements
  • Pass a vision test
  • Pass a knowledge test and obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
  • Pass a road test after holding a CLP for at least 14 days
  • Pay all fees associated with testing and licensure
Truck driver candidate showing CDL driving license. Successfully passed training driving exam.

What is the speed limit for semi-trucks in North Dakota?

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.

How many hours can a truck driver work at one time?

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:

  • Truckers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
  • Drivers may only be on-duty, driving or not, for a maximum of 14 consecutive hours
  • Drivers are required to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
  • In adverse conditions, the 11-hour and 14-hour maximums may be increased by up to 2 hours

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.

Attorney goes over case with client

How long do I have to file a claim?

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.

When Should I Hire a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney?

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.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

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