Fargo Car Accident Lawyers

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Car crashes happen for all kinds of reasons, and no two accidents are the same. At Fay & Associates, we represent clients in a wide variety of collision scenarios and understand the unique factors that influence each type of claim:

• Rear-End Collisions – Often caused by distracted or aggressive driving; can result in serious neck, back, and spinal injuries.
• Head-On Crashes – Frequently lead to life-threatening injuries and raise complex questions about fault and driver behavior.
• T-Bone and Intersection Accidents – Common at busy Fargo intersections where one driver fails to yield or runs a red light.
• Rollover Accidents – May involve SUVs or trucks with a higher center of gravity, often occurring due to high speeds or overcorrection.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving Crashes – Drivers under the influence can be held liable for punitive damages in some cases.
• Distracted Driving Collisions – Texting, GPS use, and other distractions are among the top causes of preventable crashes.
• Uninsured or Underinsured Driver Accidents – We help you explore all available insurance coverage, including your UM/UIM policy.
• Multi-Vehicle or Chain-Reaction Crashes – These require in-depth investigations to determine fault and apportion liability.
• Fatal Car Crashes / Wrongful Death Claims – We help families hold negligent drivers accountable for the loss of their loved one.

Whether your crash involved a single vehicle or several, we’re prepared to investigate the details, build your case, and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under North Dakota law.

What to Do in the Days and Weeks After a Car Accident in Fargo

After a crash, what you do next can significantly impact the strength of your injury claim. Even if some time has passed, there are still important steps you can take to protect your rights and set your case up for success:

• Continue Medical Treatment – Follow through with all recommended care. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or that you recovered more quickly than you did.
• Preserve Documentation – Keep every relevant document: hospital records, discharge instructions, insurance communications, vehicle repair estimates, and time-off work records. These help build the foundation of your case.
• Avoid Giving Recorded Statements – Insurers often try to get you on record early. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer — and doing so could damage your case.
• Limit Social Media Activity – Posts, check-ins, or photos may be taken out of context and used to question the extent of your injuries or your credibility.
• Speak With a Lawyer Before Settling – Insurance companies may offer a quick payout that doesn’t reflect the full value of your claim. An experienced attorney can help ensure you don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to.

Taking these steps can make a major difference in how your claim is valued — and whether your recovery covers the full scope of your losses.

Understanding North Dakota's Car Accident Laws

North Dakota uses a no-fault insurance system, which means your own auto insurance covers your initial medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages — regardless of who was at fault for the crash. This coverage is provided through your policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

However, PIP benefits are limited. If you suffered serious injuries or if your damages exceed the amount of coverage your PIP policy provides, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. These types of fault-based claims open the door to recovering compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses not covered by no-fault insurance.

To bring a fault-based claim in North Dakota, you must generally show:

• You sustained serious or permanent injuries, or incurred medical costs and lost income above your PIP limits
• The other driver was negligent, reckless, or otherwise at fault for the accident

Proving negligence can involve establishing that the other driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or violated a traffic law. Our attorneys know what it takes to build a compelling liability case — and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in North Dakota?

North Dakota’s statute of limitations gives most car accident victims six years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are important exceptions that can significantly shorten your window to take legal action:

• Wrongful death claims must typically be filed within two years
• Claims against government agencies often require special notice within 180 days, and the overall deadline may be shorter
• Minors and certain medical conditions may toll or extend the deadline in rare cases

Waiting too long can hurt your ability to recover compensation. Evidence fades, witnesses disappear, and insurers may become less cooperative. Speaking with a lawyer early allows your legal team to investigate quickly, preserve critical information, and make sure your case stays on track.

Not sure what deadline applies to your case? We’re here to help clarify your options and protect your right to recovery.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

Recovering from a car accident is about more than just healing physically — it's about making sure you're not left with the financial and emotional burden caused by someone else’s negligence. In North Dakota, car accident victims may be entitled to a wide range of damages, depending on the severity of the crash and the impact it has had on your life.

These damages may include:

• Medical expenses – including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, and projected future medical costs.
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity – for time missed from work during recovery and any long-term inability to earn at your previous level.
• Pain and suffering – for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries, including chronic pain conditions.
• Emotional distress and trauma – especially in cases involving PTSD, anxiety, or life disruptions due to disfigurement or disability.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement – when injuries result in lasting impairments that affect your quality of life.
• Property damage – including repairs to your vehicle or replacement if it was totaled.

In fatal accident cases, surviving family members may also file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Every case is different. Our attorneys take the time to assess the full impact of your injuries so that nothing is left off the table in settlement negotiations or trial.