According to Federal Highway Administration data, there are 588,530 semi trucks registered in the state of North Dakota. And these vehicles cause devastation on our state’s roads every day, with thousands of crashes occurring each year.
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking wreck, you need to consult with a truck accident lawyer in North Dakota as soon as possible to discuss your next steps. But how do you choose the right North Dakota 18 wheeler accident attorney? And how are trucking accidents different from ordinary car crashes? If you’re looking for answers, read on to learn more from our experts.
How Are Trucking Crashes Different Than Car Wrecks?The first and most obvious difference between car crashes and trucking wrecks is the amount of damage generally inflicted by each. Big rig crashes are often catastrophic, and this is largely due to the extreme size difference between 18 wheelers and passenger cars.
A fully loaded 18 wheeler can legally weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, while passenger vehicles weigh, on average, 5,000 pounds. That size difference is a recipe for disaster when these vehicles collide. If you’ve been involved in an 18 wheeler crash, you’re likely suffering from severe injuries and dealing with serious property damage as well.
Truck drivers have to follow additional laws that do not apply to ordinary drivers. They have to receive special certifications in order to drive their vehicles, and they must abide by hours of service laws that govern when and how often they must take breaks—and how long their shifts can last.
As such, trucking accidents are litigated differently than car crashes. Car crashes are generally only litigated at the state level, while trucking accidents involve both state and federal law. And because of this, trucking accidents require specialized attorneys who are experts in both North Dakota personal injury law and federal trucking laws.
How to Choose the Right North Dakota Truck Injury AttorneyWhen choosing among personal injury attorneys following your trucking accident, the most important qualification to consider is experience. The lawyer you pick has the potential to make or break your case—so you need to do your own research before making a decision. It’s crucial to choose someone who:
And if you’re looking for a lawyer that meets all of these criteria, look no further than personal injury lawyer James Shaw. With his 28 years of experience and his renowned law firm, there’s no one better to handle your case.
Ready to Speak to a Lawyer? Schedule Your Free Consultation With North Dakota Attorney James ShawOur knowledgeable truck accident lawyers in North Dakota are ready to offer you a free consultation, and we are available 24/7 to take your call. So call us today at 1-800-555-0101 to receive your free consultation with expert North Dakota attorney James Shaw, and to find out how our team of North Dakota 18 wheeler accident attorneys can help.