How North Dakota’s Rural Roadways Affect Personal Injury Cases

Rural RoadwaysNorth Dakota has beautiful landscapes and miles of open roads. However, this also comes with significant risks. Whether you’re driving on a quiet country lane or a long stretch of highway surrounded by fields, rural areas can result in more severe accidents and complex claims.

Unlike busy urban areas with stoplights, crosswalks, and multiple lanes of traffic, rural roads present completely different driving conditions. The following are some common factors that contribute to accidents in rural areas.

  • Deer, elk, and other wildlife are a constant concern on rural roads. A collision with a large animal can cause damage to your vehicle as well as severe injuries to those inside. These types of accidents are especially common at dawn and dusk when the animals are most active.
  • Rural roads don’t always get the same level of maintenance as highways or urban streets. This means that potholes, uneven surfaces, and narrow shoulders can make driving more dangerous. And, in the winter, snow and ice can linger longer on these roads, increasing the chances of a serious accident.
  • Snow, sleet, and freezing rain can make rural roads treacherous. Black ice, low visibility, and drifting snow can lead to multi-car pile-ups or single-vehicle accidents. Strong winds or heavy rains can create hazards even in warmer months.
  • Rural highways often have lower speed limits, and drivers may exceed these limits due to the lack of traffic. When accidents happen at high speeds, injuries tend to be more severe and property damage more extensive.

Why are rural accidents more severe than other accidents?

The nature of rural roads often means that these accidents are more serious than those in urban areas. There are a few reasons for this:

  • Without frequent stop signs, stoplights, or other vehicles slowing traffic, rural accidents often occur at higher speeds, which increases the force of impact.
  • The longer it takes for emergency services to reach the accident site, the greater the risk of life-threatening injuries or complications.
  • Many rural roads lack adequate lighting, making it more difficult for drivers to see potential hazards at night. Curves, hills, and intersections without traffic signals can further reduce visibility.

And these factors don’t just affect the severity of the accident. They can also complicate the legal process when you’re seeking compensation.

How do rural accidents differ from urban accidents?

Rural personal injury claims often require a different approach than claims related to accidents in cities. Here are some of the key differences:

  • In urban areas, traffic cameras and eyewitnesses can help establish what happened in your accident. On a rural road, you might not have these resources. Without clear evidence, demonstrating who was at fault can be a challenge.
  • Wildlife collisions rarely happen in urban areas. If a driver swerves to avoid a deer and hits another vehicle, the circumstances surrounding the accident may complicate your claim.
  • Similarly, accidents caused by poorly maintained rural roads may involve claims against a government entity, which can be a more complex legal process.
  • Insurance adjusters might argue that rural accidents are less clear-cut, especially if there isn’t any concrete evidence like a police report or photos from the scene. Adjusters might downplay the severity of your injuries or try to shift blame onto you.
  • If medical help is delayed, injuries might require more extensive treatment, which leads to higher medical bills. In rural accidents, damages might also include costs associated with being transported over a long distance for specialized care.

How can your Minot personal injury lawyers help?

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident on a rural roadway, you may have a lot of questions. Between medical bills, lost wages, and dealing with insurance companies, it’s a lot to handle. That’s where the attorneys at Larson Law Injury & Accident lawyers come in. Here’s how we can help.

  • Evidence is critical in a rural accident claim. We can help track down witness statements, gather police reports, and hire accident reconstruction experts to determine what happened.
  • Insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their bottom line than providing fair compensation. We negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, making sure they don’t take advantage of you or unfairly deny your claim.
  • If your accident involved a poorly maintained road, you may need to pursue your claim against a government agency or other third party. These claims typically have different rules and deadlines. We can help you navigate this process.
  • In addition to medical expenses, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We work to ensure all your losses are accounted for so you can secure the full compensation to which you’re entitled.

How can I stay safe on North Dakota’s rural roads?

Accidents can’t always be avoided. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially during dawn and dusk. Use your high beams when driving at night (when it’s safe) to spot animals earlier.
  • Even if the road feels empty, stick to the speed limit. This gives you more time to react to unexpected hazards.
  • Here in Minot, bad weather can come out of nowhere. Always check the forecast before heading out, and keep emergency supplies like blankets, water, and a flashlight in your car.
  • Ensure your tires, brakes, and headlights are in good working order. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to fail you on a rural road.
  • Travel with a fully-charged phone and let someone know your route and expected arrival time. In remote areas, having a GPS or map can be a lifesaver if cell service is spotty.

Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident on one of North Dakota’s rural roadways? You don’t have to go through the legal process alone. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, our team of Minot personal injury attorneys is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, we’re here to handle the legal issues so you can focus on your recovery. Call our Minot car accident attorneys now or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Fargo, Minot, or Bismarck.