According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), the number of motorcycles in North Dakota has increased by about 8% over the past five years. Unfortunately, the number of motorcycle accidents also increased.
A motorcyclist was involved in an accident every two days in 2023, including a fatal crash every 23 days. About 90% of the motorcycle crashes that year resulted in death or injury.
Since 1909, our personal injury lawyers at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. have fought for the rights of accident victims and their families. Many of our attorneys have decades of experience practicing personal injury law. We use our extensive resources and knowledge to obtain life-changing results.
Our impressive track record of winning cases includes representing clients in cases involving some of the state’s largest verdicts and settlements. We have won hundreds of millions of dollars for thousands of clients.
Call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. to schedule a consultation with our Bismarck motorcycle accident lawyers to discuss your case.
How Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. Can Help You with a Motorcycle Accident Case in North Dakota
Motorcycle accidents result in devastating and catastrophic injuries for riders. Many riders sustain injuries that result in lifelong impairments. It is crucial for riders to receive fair compensation from the parties who caused their accident.
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we fight for the rights of motorcyclists. When you hire our top-rated Bismarck personal injury lawyers, you can trust our legal team will:
- Conduct an independent accident investigation to gather evidence proving fault and liability
- Work with leading expert witnesses in their fields as necessary to strengthen the evidence in your case
- Determine how much your claim is worth by documenting and analyzing your damages
- Prepare and file all paperwork for an insurance claim and handle all communications with the insurance company
- Aggressively defend you against allegations of contributory fault
- Negotiate a fair insurance settlement based on the factors in your case
- Take your case to trial if the other parties refuse to agree to fair settlement terms
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we understand what is at stake after a motorcycle accident. Call our office to speak with an experienced Bismarck motorcycle accident lawyer.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires vehicle owners to purchase minimum amounts of insurance coverage. All drivers must purchase insurance coverage in the amounts of:
- Bodily injury liability in the amount of $25,000 per person with a maximum of $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability in the amount of $25,000
- Uninsured motorist coverage in the amount of $25,000 per person with a maximum of $50,000 per accident
- Underinsured motorist coverage in the same amount as the uninsured motorist policy
Liability insurance pays damages to accident victims when you cause an accident. Your liability insurance coverage does not compensate you for damages. You may receive compensation from your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if another driver caused an accident and does not have sufficient insurance coverage to pay your damages.
North Dakota’s no-fault insurance requirements (Personal Injury Protection or PIP) do not apply to motorcycles. Other drivers must have PIP coverage that they use if they are involved in an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Motorcyclists may purchase MedPay insurance that can help pay for medical bills after an accident, but they are not required to do so.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Bismarck, ND
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, whether you can pursue a claim against the other driver depends on fault. Establishing fault for the accident is the first step in a motorcycle accident claim. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Weather and road conditions
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Defective vehicle parts
- Failing to obey traffic laws
Motorcyclists are often blamed for causing accidents. An insurance company may use the unfounded perception of riders as dangerous and reckless to accuse a rider of being at fault.
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., our motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared for this tactic. Our skilled legal team thoroughly investigates your crash to gather evidence proving the other driver was at fault. We use evidence to push back against misconceptions used to shift blame in a motorcycle accident case.
How Does Comparative Fault Work in a Motorcycle Accident in North Dakota?
North Dakota uses a modified comparative fault standard to divide damages in an accident case. NDCC §32-03.2-02 states that contributory fault does not bar a victim from receiving damages unless their fault is equal to or greater than the fault of the other parties.
In other words, if a rider is more than 50% to blame for causing a crash, they cannot recover compensation for damages. However, if their fault is less than 50 percent, their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault.
Insurance companies use comparative fault to undervalue damages. They try to shift the blame to the rider so they can pay less for damages. Therefore, seeking legal counsel before talking with an insurance adjuster is generally in a motorcyclist’s best interests.
What Damages Are Available for a Motorcycle Accident in Bismarck, ND?
Accident victims can seek economic damages for a motorcycle accident. You could receive compensation for your:
- Past and future medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Personal and/or nursing care
- Diminished earning capacity
Motorcycle accident claims against at-fault parties may also include non-economic damages. Your pain and suffering damages can include:
- Impairments and disabilities
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Mental anguish
The value of damages depends on many factors. The severity of your injuries is a significant factor. However, fault, evidence, insurance coverage, and other factors may also impact how much your case is worth. Our legal team diligently pursues all sources of compensation to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
Learn More During a Consultation with our Bismarck Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities after a motorcycle accident is the best way to protect your interests. Call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. to speak with a Bismarck motorcycle accident lawyer about your case.
