North Dakota Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

If you suffered an injury or loss because someone else chose to drink and drive in North Dakota, you’re experiencing intense physical and emotional trauma along with a deep sense of injustice. You may be dealing with bodily injuries, missed work, and rising medical bills. If a drunk driver killed a close family member, the pain and anguish you feel is indescribable.

The legal professionals at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers empathize with your struggle and want to help. A North Dakota drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm is here to review your case at no cost and advise you of your legal rights and options. We can guide you through the process of holding the drunk driver accountable and advocate for you to maximize your financial recovery.

Why Nicolet Law Is the Right Choice to Handle Your North Dakota Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Choosing Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers to handle your North Dakota drunk driving accident claim means working with a firm that genuinely cares about your recovery, your rights, and your future.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

With a strong commitment to helping DUI accident survivors and victims’ families, our North Dakota drunk driving accident attorneys offer compassionate counsel, dedicated support, and an unwavering passion for justice. We are here to assist you through every stage of the process and improve your odds of obtaining the best outcome possible.

Here’s what makes Nicolet Law the right choice for your case:

Deep Understanding of North Dakota Drunk Driving Laws

Our attorneys have years of experience navigating the state’s legal system to secure results for clients in situations like yours. We bring a local focus to each case, knowing how state-specific statutes and regulations can influence your claim and knowing how to use these factors to seek the best possible outcome.

Personalized, Compassionate Legal Support

As a family owned firm, we treat every client as a person, not just a case number. We listen closely to your story, understand the emotional and financial pressures you're experiencing, and shape our legal strategy around your unique needs and priorities. This approach enables us to work with empathy and focus, offering you not only legal knowledge but a reliable support system throughout the legal process.

Dedicated Advocacy Against Negligent and Reckless Behavior

Drunk driving is an act of reckless disregard for others’ safety. We believe strongly in holding accountable those responsible for the pain and damage they cause.

Our attorneys are committed to pursuing full justice for clients, including aggressively negotiating with insurance companies or taking the case to court when necessary to seek rightful compensation. We know that insurance providers often try to minimize or delay payment, and we won’t back down when your needs are at stake.

Proven Track Record of Successful Claims

Our firm has a history of helping clients secure the damages they’re entitled to following tragic incidents like drunk driving accidents. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, and our goal is to seek maximum compensation on your behalf so you can recover as fully as possible.

No Upfront Costs and No Attorney Fees Unless We Obtain Compensation for You

Our firm works on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we obtain compensation for you. This approach ensures that our interests align with yours—we’re motivated to achieve a favorable outcome for your case.

Local Presence with a Statewide Reach

With offices in Fargo, Bismarck, Williston, and Minot, Nicolet Law is uniquely positioned to represent clients in communities throughout North Dakota. We’re familiar with the specific challenges that residents may face after a drunk driving accident, and we’re ready to provide tailored assistance, no matter where you’re located.

Many of our attorneys have earned awards and top rankings from various legal organizations, and we’ve received superb client ratings on Avvo and other online sources. Choosing Nicolet Law means selecting award-winning representation that prioritizes your well-being. 

North Dakota's Drunk Driving Laws and Legal Considerations

When a drunk driver hurts someone, they may face both criminal and civil consequences. Criminal cases focus on penalizing the driver, while civil cases allow the injured party to seek damages. Here’s how North Dakota law applies to drunk driving cases and what to expect in terms of liability and legal standards.

• Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits: In North Dakota, a driver is considered legally intoxicated with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, that limit lowers to 0.04%. For drivers under 21, the state has a zero-tolerance policy, making any measurable amount of alcohol illegal.
• Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Criminal charges can lead to penalties like fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges for the intoxicated driver. However, these penalties do not cover your personal injuries and losses. That’s where civil cases come in. You can file a claim against the drunk driver to pursue compensation.
• Dram Shop Laws: North Dakota does not have traditional Dram Shop laws that hold bars and establishments liable for overserving. However, if the driver consumed alcohol illegally or was served while visibly intoxicated, an attorney can explore other avenues to establish liability.

North Dakota Drunk Driving Statistics

North Dakota recently ranked second in the nation among states that are the most dangerous for drunk driving. It also reported more DUI arrests than any other state in a recent year. North Dakota’s Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to reduce traffic fatalities throughout the state, reports:

• Over a recent five-year period, 184 people died in alcohol-related accidents.
• Alcohol is a factor in around 38% of all traffic fatalities in North Dakota each year.

Local and state law enforcement are combatting DUI incidents by saturating their patrols, setting up sobriety checkpoints, and maintaining high visibility to deter unlawful driving behaviors. Still, dozens of people die and far more suffer injuries in DUI-related crashes throughout the state every year, emphasizing the need for legal advocacy to hold the drunk drivers accountable and seek compensation and justice on behalf of those affected. 

Drunk Driving Accidents Cause Serious Injuries and Losses

Drunk driving accidents are inherently dangerous, often resulting in high-speed collisions that increase the severity of injuries. Victims may suffer long-term physical impairments, ongoing emotional distress, and the burden of medical expenses and lost income. In worst-case scenarios, families lose loved ones due to DUI crashes.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Drunk driving accidents often lead to head injuries, with TBIs ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. These injuries may cause cognitive impairments, memory issues, and behavioral changes. They often require extensive rehabilitation and alter the victim’s ability to work and engage in daily activities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: When the spine sustains injury in a violent collision, victims may experience partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries necessitate significant medical interventions and lifelong care, including physical therapy, specialized equipment, and sometimes home modifications to accommodate mobility challenges.
• Broken Bones and Complex Fractures: The impact of a crash can break or shatter bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Victims may need multiple surgeries, prolonged rehabilitation, and endure lasting pain that limits their mobility and independence.
• Internal Organ Damage: Drunk driving accidents can cause severe internal injuries that damage organs such as the liver, lungs, or kidneys. Emergency medical care and surgery are often required to address internal bleeding and prevent fatal complications.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Ligaments, tendons, and muscles can suffer tears and strains in a high-impact crash. Whiplash, a common neck injury, often limits motion and causes chronic pain, affecting the victim’s ability to work and engage in daily life.
• Burns and Scarring: Some drunk driving accidents involve fires or explosions, leading to severe burns that cause scarring and disfigurement. Burn injuries often require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and result in long-lasting physical and psychological pain.
• Psychological Trauma: Surviving a traumatic accident can lead to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Many victims face a prolonged emotional recovery process, which may include counseling and therapy to help them process the trauma.

Wrongful Death in Drunk Driving Accidents

Losing a family member unexpectedly creates overwhelming sorrow and can affect many facets of family life. For some, the loss involves not just a beloved parent, spouse, or child but also a financial provider, caregiver, or source of support. Wrongful death claims allow families to seek justice and compensation for both the emotional anguish and the financial hardship that accompanies the loss of a loved one. 

Nicolet Law’s attorneys approach each wrongful death case with compassion and dedication. We work hard to help families pursue the compensation they need to cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, emotional suffering, and the lasting impact of a preventable tragedy.

Our Attorneys Can Help You Obtain Full Compensation

At Nicolet Law, we work to secure full compensation for every client. Our attorneys begin by gathering detailed evidence, working with accident reconstruction experts, and preparing a strong claim that accounts for all your losses.

We handle every interaction with insurance companies and the at-fault driver’s representatives, taking legal action if they refuse a fair settlement.

We can help you recover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and, if applicable, loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and lifestyle changes resulting from the accident
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damage
• Potentially punitive damages

Our approach centers on accountability and ensuring that the responsible party’s insurance or resources cover all your needs. Your case will receive individual attention, helping you regain a sense of security and financial stability.

Steps to Take Following a DUI Accident in North Dakota

In the immediate aftermath of a DUI accident, clear steps can help protect your health and rights:

At the Scene

• Call 911: Emergency responders can provide immediate medical help and document the scene, essential for later claims.
• Collect Evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, a full medical evaluation can detect hidden injuries and create an important record.

If You’re Recovering from a Past Accident

• Contact an Attorney: Once medical needs are managed, consulting a DUI accident attorney is essential. They can start building your case and handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
• Document Recovery: Keep records of your medical visits, treatments, and any work missed due to injuries. This documentation supports your claim for compensation.
• Avoid Discussing the Case: Until your case is resolved, limit discussions of your accident and injuries, especially on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Drunk Driving Accident Claims

Nicolet Law is a Proud Partner of NDSU Athletics. Go Bison!

Let Our North Dakota Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Help

You deserve justice for the injuries and losses a drunk driver caused in North Dakota. At Nicolet Law, we’re dedicated to helping you through this difficult time.

From managing communication with insurers to presenting your case in court if necessary, our attorneys focus on ensuring you receive a fair settlement or judgment. 

Contact our North Dakota drunk driving accident lawyers today at 1-855-NICOLET to arrange a free case evaluation.