How Video Wins Personal Injury Cases
Whether you’ve been bitten by a dog, slipped and fell in a grocery store aisle, or been in a car accident or a motorcycle accident, you’re going to need proof in order to hold those responsible for your suffering accountable. Video is one of the most powerful tools possible to help you obtain that proof. Here’s a look at just how powerful that evidence can be, and some of the different types of ways video could make or break a personal injury case. If you’ve suffered an injury due to the negligence of another, Sand Law is ready to help. Please give us a call at 701-609-1510 or use our online contact form to schedule a free review of your case. Types of Video Footage That’s Used in Personal Injury Cases Suppose you’re hurt in a car accident caused by a distracted, or otherwise negligent driver. You might not have any idea the wreck has been captured on video, but there are actually several ways this could happen. Here are just a few. Traffic cameras. There are a ton of traffic cameras in most urban locations. You probably see footage of them every morning during your local newscasts. Most major...
Stressful Situations You Can Avoid by Consulting a Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents occur every single day in the United States. Approximately 90 people die every day because of car accidents, with even more people sustaining injuries. On top of that, studies show that the average person gets into a car accident every 17 and a half years. Most people will get into a car accident at least once in their lifetime. But filing a lawsuit against the negligent party still seems to be a foreign concept to those who have never had to do it before. This is totally understandable. The lawsuit process can be confusing and even daunting for those who have never had to deal with it. That's why it's so important to hire an attorney to help with your case. By hiring an attorney, you'll be able to avoid many stressful situations and headaches, including these described below. Losing Out on Benefits Because You Settled Too Quickly In many cases, often because people don't know any better, they'll contact their insurance company to start the process of filing a claim immediately after the car accident occurs. When you contact insurance companies without an attorney present, they may try to pressure you into settling quickly and for a...
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in North Dakota?
Wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits are treated a bit differently in North Dakota, so it's important to know the differentiation. Specifically, what is a wrongful death lawsuit, how long after your loved one passes do you have to file one, and who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in the state of North Dakota? Most importantly, if someone you love has passed away because of a personal injury accident, you should contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to have your case evaluated. Wrongful death claims are often complex, as they have higher damages associated with them. Therefore, insurance companies often try to lowball victims, paying out as little as possible when they aren't represented by an experienced attorney. What is Wrongful Death? Wrongful death is outlined by North Dakota in Section 32-21 as a "wrongful act, neglect, or default" that causes another person's death. In simpler terms, a wrongful death accident occurs when someone passes away because of another person's actions, usually unintentionally. Wrongful death can be caused by: Car accidents Truck accidents Motorcycle accidents Bicycle accidents Pedestrian accidents Slip and fall accidents Oil field accidents Dog bite injuries Medical malpractice Construction accidents Nursing home abuse...
Motorcyclists, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians are the Most Vulnerable Road Users
What is a Vulnerable Road User? A vulnerable road user is a person on the road that isn't behind the wheel of a car or truck. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, roller skaters, and skateboarders (and more). They are classified as vulnerable because of the lack of protection they have compared to a passenger vehicle or larger commercial vehicle. Vulnerable road users are more likely to get into accidents that result in serious injury or fatality because of this lack of protection. They are also considered vulnerable because road infrastructure is made to benefit drivers and not pedestrians or cyclists. The infrastructure in place for vulnerable road users isn't as good, leading to more accidents and injuries. Vulnerable Road User Statistics in North Dakota When compared to other states, North Dakota is generally a pretty safe place for vulnerable road users. However, that doesn't mean that accidents don't occur. In 2019 14,221 total motor vehicle accidents resulted in 4,258 injuries and 100 fatalities. Out of those 100 fatalities: 25% were car occupants 40% were pickup truck and SUV occupants 3% were large truck occupants 11% were motorcyclists 5% were pedestrians 2% were cyclists That means that 19% of the fatalities...
Seeking Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Were you injured by someone else while on your motorcycle? You may be wondering how much your injury claim is worth. Motorcycle Accident Statistics Motorcyclists are at a higher risk for serious injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles, simply because of their lack of protection. Even the best motorcycle helmet (when one is worn) can’t prevent severe brain trauma from a serious accident. Other than a helmet, there’s nothing standing in the way between a motorcyclist and the force of a motor vehicle. In 2018, there were 4,985 fatalities and 82,000 injuries from motorcycle accidents in the United States. Most of these deaths occurred on weekdays between noon and 9 p.m. and on weekends from noon to midnight. However, overall, there were more accidents on the weekdays, with the most accidents occurring between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. In North Dakota, a motorcyclist is injured every two days and killed every 23 days. What are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents? Motorcycle accidents are most often caused by driver negligence on behalf of the motor vehicle operator. This could mean distracted driving, driving under the influence, or generally not paying attention. Drivers are required to meet a standard duty...
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury
A dog bite can leave victims with hundreds to thousands of dollars in damages. Here's what to do for your dog bite injury claim. Dogs are well known for being loving and loyal pets. That could explain why over 38% of American households have a dog. Though dogs may have earned their reputation as man’s best friend, not every canine is domesticated and safe around people. Every day in the United States, approximately 1,000 citizens receive emergency medical treatment due to dog bites. The recovery process can be as expensive as it is painful. The costs of medications, reconstructive surgeries, and doctors’ visits quickly add up. Taking the following steps can help to mitigate your losses. Identify the Dog’s Owner There is a good chance you already know the dog owner. That’s because over 50% of dog bite victims are familiar with the dog that attacked them. If not, find out who is looking after the dog. In most situations, this person will be the dog owner. However, it could be another handler like a professional dog walker or a friend. If you’ve been bitten by a dog on the loose, tracking down the dog owner is more complicated, especially...
Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Brain Injury
TBI symptoms vary from person to person. Depending on the severity of the injury, effects can be short or long term. When an accident leaves you incapacitated, regaining your health and abilities is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, there are some ailments that could have an ongoing impact on your life beyond the short term. About a quarter of those who suffer head injuries are left with some degree of disability. What Causes Traumatic Brain Injury? When a person’s head is impacted, normal brain function can be disrupted. This can happen when the victim of an accident is met with a jolt, blow, or bump to the head. Some traumatic brain injuries happen when an object penetrates brain tissue. In a violent attack, that object may be a bullet or blade. In an accident, it could be a bone from the person’s own body or perhaps a piercing surgical tool in a case of medical malpractice. TBIs can also develop when the brain is thrust forward forcefully, which can happen during car accidents. Falls, however, are the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries. Short Term Effects Dizziness and headaches are two of the most expected symptoms. Symptoms like fatigue...
Wrongful Death Caused by Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause injuries that range from minor to fatal. Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents Car accidents are dangerous, and can be fatal depending on the cause of the accident, and where the collision occurs. There are many causes of fatal car accidents, including speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, and driving while under the influence. Car accidents account for a majority of cases brought to court. Therefore, having an experienced lawyer by your side can help your case exponentially. Reckless and Aggressive Driving Reckless and aggressive driving can mean multiple different things, and is dangerous for many reasons. A driver who drives recklessly may not be paying attention to their surroundings as well as they should. This is dangerous and can cause an accident if they’re not being careful. This could include accidents after changing lanes, running red lights, or following someone too closely at a high speed. Drunk Driving Drunk driving is one of the causes of car accidents that you hear about more often than others, simply because driving while under the influence is so unsafe. Driving under the influence can be dangerous, as the driver may lose control of the car, forget that they’re driving,...
Domestic Violence Growing as Coronavirus Forces Victims to Stay at Home
COVID-19 Lockdown Has Unexpected Consequences for Domestic Violence Victims How common is domestic violence? Domestic violence is an umbrella term that encompasses child abuse, partner abuse, and elder abuse. However, the most common form of domestic abuse is partner abuse. This abuse does not always have to be physical, but can include economical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Domestic abuse is never something that slows down very much, but during the COVID-19 lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, domestic abuse rates are through the roof. Because domestic abuse can occur at home (between a parent and a child or between partners), rates are increasing as everyone is required to be at home constantly. For some victims, their only escape is a trip the mall or a random trip to the craft store. During coronavirus, that is not really possible. For victims, it can feel like there isn’t an escape from their abusers. Simultaneously, abusers are seemingly getting more irate and abusive due to the frustrations of being stuck at home. These situations are tough, and getting through it may seem impossible. However, even if you’re stuck at home with your abuser, there are still ways to get help. Why are domestic violence rates...