How Does Truck Type Affect North Dakota Truck Accidents?

When large commercial trucks are involved in accidents, the consequences can be devastating. With nearly 1,000 heavy vehicle crashes in 2024 alone, this is especially true on the winding highways and unending stretches of rural roads in North Dakota.

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, a North Dakota truck accident lawyer can explain your rights and next steps.

Why does truck type matter?

The type of truck that was involved in a crash will play a role in how the crash is investigated and who might be to blame. Most trucks are owned by large companies, while others are owned by small businesses or even drivers considered “independent contractors.” Some trucks transport heavy, oversized, or hazardous loads, while others make frequent stops in high-traffic areas.

For instance, a semi-truck that travels across state lines may have to follow federal safety rules. A delivery truck in your neighborhood may be more likely to be in an accident while driving in stop-and-go traffic. It’s important to pay attention to the details when building a case because every situation is different.

The type of truck can also affect what evidence matters most after a crash. For example, a long-haul tractor-trailer will probably have electronic logging records, inspection reports, GPS data, or maintenance records that help piece together what happened in the moments leading up to the accident.

How do truck accidents happen?

Truck accidents happen for lots of reasons. Some of the most common are fatigued driving, distracted driving, speeding, and drivers not maintaining their vehicles. Sometimes, the company that owns the truck decides that safety rules don’t apply to them, or pressures drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines.

North Dakota’s weather is another factor. Trucks need a lot of room to maneuver, and truck drivers may have a much harder time stopping or staying in control of the vehicle in snow, ice, and gusty winds, making them more likely to crash in inclement weather. Another frequent cause of trucking accidents is cargo problems. If trucks are loaded beyond their capacity or the load isn’t properly secured, the truck may destabilize while moving, causing it to drop its load or overturn.

Another major issue in truck accidents is their blind spots. Large trucks have sizable blind spots around the front, back, and sides where drivers may not be able to see surrounding vehicles. A smaller vehicle tailgating a truck essentially becomes invisible, increasing the likelihood of a catastrophic lane change or rear-end accident. Wide turns, shifting cargo, and poor road conditions can also make truck accidents more likely.

Who can be liable for a North Dakota truck accident?

It’s fairly commonplace for truck accident cases to be more complex than car accident cases. This is because more than one person is likely involved. The driver, the freight company, the cargo loading company, and even the company tasked with the vehicle’s maintenance could all be at fault.

If a driver was too tired because they were forced to work long hours, the freight company may be partly to blame. If the brakes failed because they weren’t properly repaired, the company tasked with truck maintenance could be held liable.

Fault is determined by reviewing records such as driver logs, inspection reports, and company rules thoroughly. A North Dakota truck accident lawyer can help you get this information and build a strong case.

What is the statute of limitations for truck accidents in North Dakota?

If you plan to file a claim after a truck accident, timing is important. By and large, North Dakota truck accident lawsuits are subject to a six-year deadline, but some claims have shorter statutes of limitations. For instance, wrongful death claims typically have a two-year limit, while claims against the state are, for the most part, limited to three years and may require written notice much sooner. If you drag your feet on filing, you could lose your right to compensation, regardless of the severity of your damages.

This timeline can change in some cases. For instance, cases involving minors or certain kinds of claims may have different rules. Always talk to a lawyer as soon as you can so you don’t miss any important deadlines.

What should I do after a North Dakota truck accident?

After a truck accident, it’s important to take care of your health and protect your rights. Seek medical care right away, even if your injuries do not seem serious at first. Some injuries are not immediately obvious.

You should also report a truck accident and, if possible, gather information at the scene. This could mean obtaining witness contact information, taking photos, and recording specific details about the truck and its driver. If you are able, try to write down details while they are still fresh in your memory. Things like road conditions, weather, traffic, the truck company’s name, or what the driver said after the crash may later become important evidence in your case.

Notify your insurance company as required by your policy, but avoid giving detailed statements or accepting a settlement until you have spoken with an attorney about your case. They might try to settle your claim quickly for less than what it’s worth. Getting legal advice early on can help you make informed choices.

Speak with a North Dakota truck accident lawyer

It can be hard to deal with the fallout of a serious truck accident. If you were hurt in a crash, Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers can help. Call us or fill out the online contact form to set up a free legal consultation. Our North Dakota truck accident lawyers can help.