Need an Injury Attorney for a DUI Accident in North Dakota?
We hear plenty of good things about North Dakota, such as the fact that it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in all of the U.S., it is rich in history, and so much more. But there is one statistic regarding life in North Dakota that nobody wants to hear: Though its population is less dense than other states, drinking and driving is a bigger problem in ND than any other state. 41% of fatal accidents happening within the state involved a driver who was drunk. And, over the years, these accidents have been increasing little by little, taking the lives of some and injuring others. Drunk driving is turning into a huge problem throughout the entire U.S., and something must be done about it. But where do you turn when you have been injured in one of these serious accidents?
Calling the Police to the Scene of Your Accident
It’s true: After a minor accident, many people turn the other cheek and don’t call the police to the scene of the accident, as they may not think the accident is as serious as it could have been. But what if you have been injured and you know that the other driver has been driving drunk? It could pay to call the police to the scene so you can gain a police report that could help you make your claim later on down the road. Sometimes, it will be as easy as police arriving at the scene and seeing alcohol in plain view when they look in the other driver’s vehicle.
Liability in DUI Cases
Obviously, in the event of a drunk driver causing an accident in North Dakota, it is clear that the intoxicated party was acting negligently and will be liable for any injuries caused. However, just like any accident, working toward the recovery you deserve can be an uphill climb. Some people will be able to return to work after they have received serious injuries, while others will sustain permanent injuries that will have an effect on the rest of their life. Because many drunk drivers are caught speeding, it is not unseen to have very serious injuries in these cases. Some of the common injuries that occur include:
- Spinal injuries that can easily lead to nerve damage or paralysis
- Leg injuries that stem from side-impact collisions
- Neck injuries, occurring when the neck is left most vulnerable in an accident
- Broken bones in the chest from high-speed accidents
- Brain injuries
Many of these accidents, as you can see, can have lasting effects. And even if they are not permanent, they can still keep you out of work for a certain amount of time or cause you pain and suffering. You may have a claim for compensation if you have been injured and want to recover from severe injuries.
Was the Drunk Driver Liable?
Drunk drivers have committed a crime and will almost always play a role of liability in your claim when you have been injured. However, you should also understand that a drunk driver may not be the only party you name in one of these accidents. What if a minor was driving drunk even though it was illegal for them to drink in the first place? If a vendor or their parent supplied them alcohol, they could also be liable, and you could easily end up with a claim involving multiple parties. So, if you have been injured, the best move you can make is speaking to an attorney as soon as possible about your case. An experienced attorney will understand the ins and outs of DUI accidents and can help you receive the compensation you deserve in your time of need.