In an attempt to ensure commercial trucking companies and drivers do not pose any danger to others, there are very specific federal regulations impinged upon them. This may include standards as to how the vehicles are taken care of, maximum weight limits, and the number of hours they may drive. However, this does not mean that drivers follow the regulations or laws, especially when their bottom line is in question.
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a semi-truck, big rig, tractor-trailer, delivery truck, or any other large commercial vehicle, reach out to Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., as soon as possible. You could have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against the trucking company or another liable party, and our North Dakota truck accident attorneys can help. Our team has been representing injured individuals and the families of those wrongfully killed throughout the state since 1909. We have two offices, conveniently located in Minot and Grand Forks, and are ready to fight tirelessly for the fair compensation you are owed.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
To determine how your accident occurred and who was at fault, there must be a thorough investigation. This may include interviewing any bystanders or witnesses, reconstructing the scene of the accident, or documenting evidence. We may also examine the logbook, and maintenance records, or review police reports. Our North Dakota truck accident attorneys are extremely thorough, and we do not cut corners to finish a case up quickly.
There are many causes of truck accidents, including:
- Improperly loaded trucks
- Overloaded trucks
- Fatigued drivers/under-rested drivers
- Poorly trained/inexperienced drivers
- Alcohol or drug use while driving
- Lack of necessary maintenance
- Failure to adhere to regulations, including hours-of-service rules
- Distracted driving
- Traveling at excessive speeds
- Improper vehicle repairs
- Truck defects
- Blind spots
No matter the cause of your accident, you should not be left paying for another party’s recklessness or negligence. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., our attorneys are prepared to aggressively fight to hold responsible parties accountable and help ensure that you recover maximum compensation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Accident?
On the surface, it may seem obvious that the truck driver is responsible for the accident. However, even if the driver caused the crash by acting negligently or wrongfully, they may not be the only liable party. In fact, you may have grounds to take legal action against the trucking company or another liable entity depending on how the accident occurred, what factors played a role, and who was negligent.
Potentially responsible parties include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company that leases/owns the truck
- The cargo loader
- A manufacturer of a defective truck or truck part
- The party responsible for truck maintenance/repairs
- A construction company
- An entity responsible for road maintenance
Because trucking accidents can involve so many different parties and because gathering evidence to prove liability can be difficult, having an attorney helping you through the legal process of compensation is invaluable. Our North Dakota truck accident attorneys understand that serious injuries significantly complicate life and finances, and we are here to help. Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Who Is More at Risk During a Large Truck Collision?
The individuals at higher risk in large truck collisions are typically passenger vehicle occupants. This increased risk stems from the significant disparity in size and weight between large trucks and passenger vehicles. Large trucks can weigh anywhere from 20 to 30 times more than a typical passenger vehicle, and when a collision occurs, the occupants of the smaller vehicles are often disproportionately affected. Consequently, fatalities and severe injuries are more common among those traveling in the smaller, lighter passenger vehicles involved in these accidents.
Going Outside North Dakota’s No-Fault System
When it comes to seeking compensation after most car accidents in North Dakota, victims can file claims with their own auto insurance providers and receive payments through their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This is true regardless of fault, meaning you do not need to prove that the other driver (or another party) was at fault for the crash in order to file a PIP claim.
However, PIP coverage is limited, and it does not pay for any non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. However, truck accident victims often sustain severe injuries and suffer immense harm, causing significant physical, financial, and emotional hardship. Your PIP coverage may not be enough—but you have options.
It is possible to step outside the state’s no-fault system and bring a third-party accident claim against a negligent driver (or trucking company) if you can prove that your injuries resulted in “serious and permanent disfigurement or disability” for a period of more than 60 days, or your medical costs exceed $2,500. In most truck accident cases, both are typically true.
It is very important that you work with an experienced attorney after a truck accident. These cases are complex, and the trucking company and its insurance company will likely fight to deny or significantly underpay your claim. Getting fair compensation for your damages is difficult—but critical. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we are ready to fight for you and your maximum recovery. Turn to our truck accident attorneys today for compassionate, aggressive legal representation you can trust.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?
Compared to most other states, North Dakota has a relatively long statute of limitations on personal injury claims. You have six years to file a lawsuit after a truck accident and two years to take legal action if the accident caused the wrongful death of your loved one. If you fail to bring a claim within the appropriate timeframe, you will lose your chance to seek compensation for your damages.
While it may seem that you have a long time to act, the sooner you reach out to an attorney, the better. The trucking company will likely try to contact you immediately after the accident. You should NOT talk to anyone from the trucking company or its insurance provider. Do not provide any written or oral statements, and do not sign anything they give you. Instead, contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. right away to learn how our team can protect your rights and fight to hold the trucking company accountable.
Contact Our North Dakota Truck Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Our firm has spent over 100 years representing injured clients from our offices in Minot and Grand Forks. We know that filing a lawsuit can be extremely stressful and our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family. Our top priority is that you receive quality legal care that allows you to focus on recovery while we take care of the legal aspects of your lawsuit. Contact us today.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is committed to supporting individuals in North Dakota, including Grand Forks, Minot, Fargo, Bismarck, Williston, Rugby, Devils Lake, and Jamestown, as well as the surrounding areas. Our dedicated team is here to provide legal assistance and guidance to those facing the complex challenges that arise from these incidents.
