Commercial vehicle accidents in North Dakota affect countless lives every year. State records show that in one recent year, accidents involving heavy trucks and other commercial vehicles killed 24 people and injured another 244. And yet, the cost of these accidents goes far beyond the number of people injured or killed, as crash victims may experience significant financial losses, intense pain, and deep emotional distress. We created this guide to explain the true cost of North Dakota commercial crashes and make sure those injured in these collisions understand their legal rights.
Effects of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in North Dakota
It’s tough to say what the average cost of a commercial vehicle accident is because injuries, property damage, and other effects can vary widely between crashes. Drivers and passengers injured in North Dakota commercial vehicle crashes often experience catastrophic consequences, such as:
- Medical Expenses – Injuries from a commercial vehicle accident can lead to costly medical bills, including expensive emergency care, multiple surgeries, and months or years of follow-up appointments. Injured drivers and passengers may also need specialized treatments, physical therapy, and prescription medications, which can lead to long-term medical expenses.
- Lost Income – Severe injuries often force commercial vehicle accident victims to take time off work for their recovery, resulting in weeks or months of lost wages. In some cases, injured drivers or passengers may lose their ability to work in their previous roles permanently, forcing them to find new jobs or other ways to support themselves.
- Property Damage – Collisions with commercial vehicles frequently cause significant property damage. Because passenger vehicles are much smaller and lighter than commercial vehicles, they often suffer extensive damage and require costly repairs. In some cases, the vehicle damage may be so extensive that crash victims must replace their cars. These costs add another financial burden for those who rely on their vehicles for daily transportation or work.
- Pain and Suffering – Along with their physical injuries, commercial vehicle crash victims can experience intense pain and emotional distress following an accident. Long-term physical pain, combined with mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, can disrupt people’s daily lives and require expensive therapy or counseling to treat.
- Reduced Quality of Life – Severe injuries from a commercial vehicle accident can lead to lasting physical limitations that affect people’s ability to enjoy everyday activities. For instance, those with permanent injuries may struggle with feeding or dressing themselves, reducing their quality of life. Though hard to quantify, this is a significant loss for many commercial vehicle crash victims.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity – When injuries permanently limit a person’s ability to work or force them to switch careers, they may face reduced future earnings. This loss can impact their long-term financial stability and affect their family’s financial future.
- Legal and Financial Strain – Finally, navigating insurance claims and potential lawsuits after a commercial vehicle accident can add significant stress and financial strain. Legal fees, combined with the challenges of negotiating with insurance companies, can complicate someone’s recovery and create additional financial burdens.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Because a collision with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle can have such catastrophic consequences, you need a lawyer’s help to recover fair compensation. The Minot, ND, commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., can represent you in a personal injury claim while you concentrate on your medical treatment.
We can document all your losses from the crash, investigate the accident to determine the liable parties, handle insurance settlement negotiations on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. We know you have a long recovery ahead, which is why we don’t charge any attorney fees unless you recover compensation for your injuries.
Trust Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., to fight for you and protect your rights during this difficult chapter. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
