After a car accident in or near Fargo leaves you injured, an experienced Fargo car accident lawyer can gather evidence and take other steps to recover compensation against all responsible parties, including negligent drivers and vehicle or parts manufacturers.
At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we have many years of experience representing clients in car accident cases. This enables car accident victims and their loved ones to get the compensation they deserve.
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Why Turn to Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers?
Are you looking for legal services you can trust following a car accident? Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is a reliable firm ready to represent accident victims and their families.
We bring many years of collective experience to each case and can meet every legal challenge our clients face. Based on your case's unique needs, we'll provide tailored legal advice and guidance to help maximize the amount of compensation you can recover.
We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients over the years, including significant settlements for car accident victims throughout the Midwest. One of our recent case results includes a $1,200,000 settlement for a child who suffered burns from an auto accident.
Our attorneys work to determine the total amount of compensation each case is worth based on the nature of the accident and the damages involved. We also work to negotiate with insurance companies to recover a fair settlement for our clients.
If you’re in a car accident in or around Fargo, you can contact us online or through our office in Fargo to discuss your case. If you cannot visit our offices, we would happily hold a virtual consultation for convenience.
Contact our offices today to learn how Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you recover compensation following a car accident in Fargo.
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Recoverable Compensation for Car Accidents in Fargo
Car accidents frequently involve injuries and other extensive damages that leave victims with many losses, often because of another individual or entity’s negligence. Any liable parties responsible for a car accident in Fargo may need to compensate the victim through an injury claim or lawsuit. While this compensation may not be able to restore victims’ lives after an accident, it may help cover the costs of medical expenses and hold defendants responsible for their improper conduct.
There are several types of compensation that victims may be able to recover in a Fargo car accident case, including:
Economic Damages
Also known as special damages, these are damages that cover the financial losses that victims suffer because of a car accident. They’re often easy to calculate because of the specific dollar amounts attached to them.
Examples of economic damages in car accident cases may include:
- Immediate and ongoing care
- Ambulance rides
- Doctors’ visits
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery costs
- Property damage, including the cost of vehicle repairs or replacements
Non-Economic Damages
In addition to economic damages, car accident victims and their loved ones may be able to recover certain non-economic or general damages. While economic damages account for all the direct financial costs of a case, non-economic damages involve how an accident has personally hurt victims' lives.
The following are some examples of non-economic damages that victims may recover:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression
- Trauma
- Disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
Sometimes accidents are fatal, which is difficult for loved ones to deal with financially and personally. If a negligent party caused a wrongful death, immediate relatives such as spouses and children may recover damages in a wrongful death claim.
In instances involving wrongful death, some recoverable damages may include:
- The pain and suffering the accident victim endured before their passing
- Various economic and non-economic damages resulting from the loss of a loved one
- Loss of companionship and service that the deceased loved one provided
- Funeral and burial expenses
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may apply to some car accident cases. While compensatory economic, non-economic, and wrongful death damages compensate victims and loved ones, punitive damages punish defendants and prevent similar incidents. These damages only come into play if defendants acted with gross negligence or malicious intent.
Various factors will determine the kinds of damages and compensation the car accident case will involve. If you need assistance identifying and calculating all damages in your case, the experienced lawyers at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers are here to help.
Potential Causes of Car Accidents in Fargo
Negligent parties can be the cause of car accidents for many reasons. Like other cities across the U.S., Fargo sees many car accidents, many of which result in serious or fatal injuries. According to recent data, Fargo experienced 13 accident fatalities over four years, with many other crashes resulting in injuries.
Also, the Fargo-Moorhead metro area is dangerous in specific areas, with data finding the following intersections to be the most dangerous:
- 4th Avenue North and North University Drive
- Main Avenue and South University Drive
- 5th Avenue South and 25th Street South
- 6th Avenue South and Westrac Drive
- 2nd Avenue South and I-29 on/off ramp
These and other intersections and roads often see high vehicle traffic volumes, including commuter traffic traveling to and from Fargo.
While many circumstances can lead to car accidents in Fargo, some specific causes include the following:
Speeding
Speeding is among the leading causes of car accidents in the U.S. Drivers may speed for numerous reasons, whether they’re in a rush to get to their destination, are unaware of the posted speed limit, or using another excuse to travel faster than the posted speed limit. Speeding increases the risk of serious injuries and fatalities because of the increased impact.
Impaired Driving
Many drivers also cause accidents by driving while impaired. They may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when an accident occurs. In these cases, accidents may result from the driver’s impaired judgment, slower reaction time, or increased likelihood of driving aggressively.
Distracted Driving
Certain distractions while driving could also increase the risk of an accident. Many potential distractions could take drivers’ attention away from the road, including texting or talking on mobile devices, tuning the radio or otherwise engaging with the dashboard, or interacting with passengers in the vehicle.
Poor Road Conditions
Another factor that may contribute to an accident is a poorly maintained road or dangerous weather conditions. Fargo will likely see poor road conditions requiring maintenance and caution because of the winter weather this area experiences. For example, asphalt’s frequent expansion and contracting could lead to cracks and potholes, or sleet and snow could make the roads slippery. In these cases, the government may be liable for failing to maintain roads or warn drivers of potential hazards.
Mechanical Failure
Car accidents could also result from mechanical failure. For instance, a defective tire could blow out, or an airbag may deploy unexpectedly. If these issues occur, they may fall under the responsibility of vehicle or part manufacturers or mechanics.
Types of Car Accidents and Injuries
Accidents in Fargo may involve:
- Rear-End Collisions. One of the most common types of accidents is a rear-end collision, which involves one vehicle hitting the rear of another. In most cases, the rear driver is responsible for these accidents due to the failure to maintain sufficient space between vehicles.
- Head-On Collisions. These are among the most serious accidents because of the impact of two vehicles traveling at high speeds in opposite directions. The force of impact in these accidents often leads to serious injuries and fatalities.
- Side-Impact Collisions. Car accidents may also involve side impact, which occurs when one vehicle hits the side of another to form a “T” shape, which is why they’re also called T-bone accidents. In many cases, these accidents result from drivers failing to yield to others who have the right of way, causing the offending driver to crash into the side of the other.
- Rollover Accidents. These accidents involve a vehicle flipping onto its side and roof, with many potential factors causing them. These accidents frequently result in catastrophic and fatal injuries.
These and other types of car accidents in Fargo can lead to many injuries, including:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Soft tissue and internal injuries
- Burns
- Road rash
- Amputations
The Risks of Negotiating With Insurance Companies Without Help
After a car accident occurs in or near Fargo, you may want to file a claim against the negligent party’s insurance company to begin seeking compensation. However, this process is risky if you don’t have an attorney to help you file and build your claim. An attorney with experience in these matters will help you navigate your case and minimize the chances of compromising your case.
Many people who file third-party insurance claims must become more familiar with how the claims process works. As a result, they may make the wrong statement or fail to submit sufficient evidence to prove their claim, which can reduce or eliminate their ability to recover the compensation they deserve. Insurance companies and adjusters want to avoid paying out large settlements, meaning they’ll work hard to limit your ability to recover damages if a lot of money is at stake.
In addition, it's important to remember that each negligence case has a statute of limitations, giving you a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. If the statute of limitations passes, you cannot use the court to pursue compensation unless you qualify for rare exceptions. North Dakota sets a six-year statute of limitations for car accidents.
If you need assistance from a Fargo car accident attorney, the attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers could represent you when negotiating with insurers. Our legal team can help victims and their families get the compensation they deserve, allowing clients to spend time with their loved ones and focus on recovery.
Steps to Build a Fargo Car Accident Case
There are several specific steps to take that may increase your chances of success in building a car accident case in Fargo. After you’ve initially sought treatment for your injuries and begun a treatment plan, take the following actions:
Stick With Your Doctor’s Care Plan
Your doctor will likely prescribe specific treatment and a care plan to help you recover from your injuries after an accident. Sticking with this plan and treatment will help you recover efficiently and provide you with medical documentation that may help support a claim.
Gather Evidence
Another crucial step is to collect evidence supporting your case. This could include police reports, photographs of the accident scene and injuries, witness statements, and insurance correspondence, among other documentation. An attorney may help obtain this evidence if you cannot.
Speak With an Attorney
Before you begin the claims process or lawsuit, consult a Fargo car accident lawyer to discuss a potential case. An attorney can review your case's details and explain your legal options. They can collect and organize your evidence and guide you through the claim or legal process.
Request a Free Case Evaluation With a Reputable Fargo Car Accident Lawyer
Fargo Car Accident Attorney, North Dakota
In the event of a car accident in Fargo, you may benefit from consulting a car accident lawyer with experience handling these types of cases. The right attorney may provide representation and help you get fair compensation in a claim or lawsuit. Reach out to a Fargo personal injury lawyer.
To discover how Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you, contact us for your free case evaluation by calling (701) 970-2185.
Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers- Fargo Office
1630 1st Ave N Suite B
Fargo, ND 58102-4246