If you have been involved in an 18 wheeler accident in North Dakota, you are likely wondering how you will recover from a mountain of unforeseen medical bills and vehicle repair charges, on top of lost wages and a reduced quality of life. You might have considered legal action, but the process seems so imposing that you don’t know where to begin.
North Dakota Attorney James Shaw is here to help. Shaw has almost 30 years of experience representing clients like you looking for compensation after an 18 wheeler accident. To schedule a free consultation, call 1-800-555-0101 today.
What are the Most Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents in North Dakota?North Dakota sees the highest number of truck accidents per capita in the country at a staggering 6.54 fatalities per 100,000 population. Some of the common causes of truck accidents include:
If you believe that any of the above, or any other negligent act, may have played a part in your accident, look into North Dakota 18 wheeler accident attorneys to help you pursue a personal injury claim.
Is a Personal Injury Claim the Same as a Lawsuit?A personal injury claim and a lawsuit are two separate but related steps of the legal process.
A personal injury claim comes before a lawsuit. With a personal injury claim, you and your lawyer will present the reasons why you believe the defendant to be responsible for your injuries incurred in the accident, and how much you are owed in a settlement. This will open a period of negotiation between your lawyer and your opponent’s representation.
If you are unable to agree on a settlement, then your attorney may have you move forward with a lawsuit, a formal legal action that will see your complaint decided upon in court.
Most attorneys and clients try to avoid going to court, as the process often takes much longer. Negotiations will continue until your appointed court date, and most personal injury lawsuits end up being settled in that time.
Do I Need a Lawyer After an 18 Wheeler Accident?While you are legally entitled to represent yourself in court, an experienced North Dakota trucking accident lawyer will be essential to a successful claim.
Without an experienced attorney, your opponent is likely to take advantage of your lack of knowledge. They could offer you a settlement far less than what you are entitled to, or dismiss your claim entirely and try to deter you from pursuing it further. If you decide to sue, you will be responsible for following the legal process every step of the way, and something as simple as failure to file paperwork on time could be the end of your case. In court, a judge will hold you to the same standards as a bar-certified attorney, and you risk being charged with contempt if you do not strictly adhere to the expected decorum.
Overall, a knowledgeable North Dakota 18 wheeler accident attorney will ensure that all the necessary bases are covered and help you avoid obvious slip-ups.
How Can I Find an Attorney Who is Right For Me?When looking for legal representation, it can be hard to determine who to hire. Someone may represent themselves as a North Dakota trucking accident lawyer, but how can you be sure that they are right for your case?
For this reason, most attorneys offer free consultations. In these meetings, you can ask about their record, how they would approach your case, and what outcome they expect. You also should read over their reviews to see what past clients’ experiences have been. Whoever you hire, make sure that they have specialized knowledge of and experience with truck accident litigation like North Dakota Attorney, James Shaw.