How North Dakota’s Highway System Contributes to Truck Accidents

North Dakota’s highway system supports long-haul truckers who move food, building materials, and all sorts of other goods throughout the US. However, not all highways and infrastructure is meant to withstand the weight and speed of large trucks. This issue is especially problematic in rural areas. As a result, truck drivers and everyone they share the road with face greater risks.

Our state’s highway system has been a subject of concern for years. Per the nonprofit transportation research group TRIP, more than 40% of North Dakota’s major urban roads are in poor condition. These conditions can contribute to serious commercial truck accidents. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that can lead to these types of accidents.

1. Poorly designed intersections and interchanges

The design of intersections and interchanges may contribute to North Dakota truck accidents. Rural areas are often meant to handle lower volumes of traffic. When commercial trucks enter the mix, the situation can become dangerous.

Here’s an example. An intersection might lack a proper turning radius, which can make it difficult for a truck driver to maneuver without having to swerve or cross into other lanes. Or, if a truck attempts to turn on a narrow road or intersection, it may have to cross into opposing lanes of traffic, which increases the risk of head-on collisions or side-impact accidents.

2. High speed limits

North Dakota has some of the highest speed limits in the country. Some stretches of rural highways allow drivers to travel up to 75 miles per hour. These higher speed limits can create hazards around commercial trucks because they aren’t as maneuverable as smaller vehicles. High-speed driving makes it even more difficult for truck drivers to react quickly to sudden changes in traffic flow or road conditions. Also, when trucks are traveling at high speeds, their braking distance increases and they take longer to stop in an emergency.

3. Uneven and poor road surfaces

North Dakota highways, especially in rural areas, may have uneven road surfaces, potholes, or other deterioration. Trucks can lose traction on a poorly maintained road, causing them to jackknife or rollover. Even though commercial trucks are designed to carry heavy loads, they can still struggle to maintain control when the road isn’t in good condition.

For example, a truck might lose control after hitting a pothole or a particularly rough patch of road. These accidents sometimes happen because the truck driver has no time to react to an obstacle.

Additionally, uneven road surfaces can cause trucks to sway or make sharp turns unexpectedly, leading to rollover accidents, especially when traveling at high speeds or with heavy loads. Rollovers can be especially dangerous because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, which makes it more difficult for smaller vehicles to avoid a collision.

4. Weather and seasonal changes

Yet another aspect of our highway system that can contribute to truck accidents is our state’s unpredictable weather. During the winter months, snow and ice can make driving conditions hazardous, and many roads become slippery or impassable. Truck drivers are supposed to be trained to drive in these conditions, but the weather can still cause accidents.

The roads in North Dakota can quickly become slick, especially on bridges or overpasses, which tend to freeze first. Blizzards and high winds can make it challenging for truck drivers to keep their vehicles under control, increasing the likelihood of a truck skidding or even causing a pile-up. In these cases, it’s important to determine if the trucking company took proper safety precautions and whether highway maintenance agencies did enough to protect against weather-related risks.

Who is liable in a truck accident caused by North Dakota’s highway system issues?

If you or a loved one are injured in a truck accident caused by highway conditions, it’s important to understand how liability works. Many factors can contribute to the accident, including the truck driver’s actions, the condition of the road, and the design of the highway itself. You need a truck accident attorney who understands these complexities and can help you through the legal process. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we are here to assist you.

In some cases, liability might fall on the truck company, especially if the driver was speeding, operating a vehicle that wasn’t properly maintained, or failing to follow safety regulations. Government agencies design and maintain roads, so if the state of the roads factored into a crash, they could be liable. Such situations can be challenging to prove, but a truck accident attorney can work to support your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on North Dakota’s highways, don’t face the challenges alone. The complexities of these cases — especially when poor road design or hazardous conditions are involved — require an experienced advocate who knows how to fight for your rights. The Fargo truck accident attorneys at Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers are here to help you work through the legal process, hold the responsible parties accountable, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Fargo, Minot, or Bismarck.