A side-impact crash, also called a T-bone or broadside collision, is one of the most dangerous types of accidents on the road.
Unlike front or rear impacts, the sides of a vehicle offer very little structure to absorb the force of a collision. That leaves occupants directly exposed to the point of impact, often with devastating results.
Side impacts account for 22% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths nationally. And Fargo drivers face this risk every day. According to NDDOT data, the intersection of 13th Ave S and 45th St is the most dangerous in all of North Dakota, with 76 crashes recorded over just three years. Fargo leads the state with 20 high-crash locations.
If you or a loved one were T-boned, hit broadside, or struck at a Fargo intersection, Lowe Law Group is here to help. We handle side-impact accident claims as part of our broader experience with car accident cases in Fargo at no cost to you unless we win. Call us any time, day or night.
Most side-impact crashes are preventable. They happen because a driver made a dangerous choice, or wasn’t paying attention when it mattered most.
Common causes of side-impact accidents include:
The steps you take right after a crash can make a real difference to your health and your claim.
The sides of a vehicle offer far less protection than the front or rear. In a broadside collision, that limited buffer between you and the point of impact often means serious injuries.
It’s worth knowing that adrenaline can mask pain in the hours after a crash. Injuries that feel minor at the scene can turn out to be significant. See a doctor right away, even if you think you walked away okay.
One of the first questions we answer for every client is: who is responsible for this crash? In a side-impact accident, liability isn’t always straightforward. Depending on how and where the collision happened, one or more parties could be held accountable.
The at-fault driver. Most T-bone and broadside collisions come down to driver error –running a red light, failing to yield, or driving distracted. If another driver caused your crash, their insurance is the starting point for your claim.
An employer or third party. If the at-fault driver was operating a commercial vehicle or driving for work at the time of the crash, their insurance is the starting point for your claim.
An employer or third party. If the at-fault party was operating a commercial vehicle or driving for work at the time of the crash, their employer may share liability. This is common in delivery vehicle and fleet vehicle accidents.
A government entity. Some intersections in Fargo are dangerous with poor sight lines, inadequate signage, or deferred maintenance, which can all contribute to side-impact crashes. When a government agency is responsible for road conditions that caused or worsened a collision, it can be named in a claim.
A vehicle manufacturer. If a defective side airbag, door latch, or other safety component failed during the crash and worsened your injuries, the manufacturer may bear responsibility.
North Dakota’s modified comparative fault rule means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault is less than 50%. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, which is why it matters to have an attorney building the strongest possible case on your behalf.
A serious broadside collision can upend your life in an instant, and the financial impact doesn’t stop at the emergency room. When another party is responsible for your injuries, you have the right to pursue full compensation for everything the crash has cost you.
Medical expenses. This includes emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing care your injuries require. Future medical costs count too, not just what you’ve already paid.
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity. If your injuries kept you out of work, you can recover the income you missed. If they’ve affected your ability to earn at the same level going forward, that loss is compensable as well.
Pain and suffering. The physical pain and emotional toll of a side-impact crash are real damages. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD following a serious collision are recognized and recoverable under North Dakota law.
Property damage. Compensation for vehicle repair or replacement, along with any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries have prevented you from activities and routines that mattered to you before the crash, that impact on your quality of life has value.
Wrongful death damages. When a side-impact accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and how liability is established. Our team works to make sure nothing is left on the table.
If you’re unsure where your situation falls, speaking with a Fargo personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and what your claim may truly be worth.
Insurance companies move quickly after a crash. They’re gathering information, assessing liability, and looking for reasons to limit what they pay. You need someone in your corner just as fast. Here’s what working with Lowe Law Group looks like.
We’re available 24/7. You don’t have to wait until Monday morning to get answers. Call us any time for a free case review, and we’ll tell you exactly where you stand.
We build your case from the ground up. Our team collects and preserves the evidence that matters: police reports, intersection camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction, where needed. In a side-impact claim, establishing who had the right of way is everything, and we don’t leave that to chance.
We have an in-house medical director. Dr. Andrew Georgi works directly with our team to make sure your injuries are thoroughly documented and accurately connected to the crash. Gaps in medical documentation are one of the most common ways insurers reduce payouts. We close those gaps.
We handle complex insurance situations. If your crash involved a rideshare vehicle, a commercial driver, or an underinsured motorist, we know how to navigate the layered insurance coverage those cases require.
We’re ready to go to trial. Most cases settle, but insurers know which firms will fight and which ones won’t. We don’t back down when a fair settlement isn’t on the table.
You pay nothing unless we win. Our contingency fee model means there’s no cost to hiring us and no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Lowe Law Group has recovered more than $550 million for injured clients and won over 13,172 cases. When you’re up against an insurance company with resources and lawyers on their side, experience matters.
Understanding the rules that govern your claim in North Dakota can make a real difference in what you recover. Here are the key legal points every Fargo side-impact accident victim should know.
You have six years to file, but don’t wait. North Dakota Century Code § 28-01-16 gives injured victims six years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That may sound like plenty of time, but evidence disappears fast. Surveillance footage gets overwritten, witnesses become harder to locate, and physical evidence fades. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Being partly at fault doesn’t end your claim. North Dakota follows a modified comparative fault rule under North Dakota Century Code § 32-03.2-02. As long as your share of fault is less than 50%, you can still recover compensation. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault, which is why how fault is assigned matters and why having an attorney advocate for your version of events is so important.
Don’t accept the first offer from an insurance company. Initial settlement offers rarely reflect the full value of a claim. Insurers are protecting their bottom line, not yours. Before you sign anything or accept any payment, talk to an attorney who can assess what your case is actually worth.
Call 911 and get medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Injuries from broadside collisions don’t always show up immediately. At the scene, document everything you can: photos of the vehicles, the intersection, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Then call an attorney before speaking with any insurance company.
Under North Dakota Century Code § 28-01-16, you have six years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting puts your case at risk. Evidence gets lost, memories fade, and footage gets deleted. Contact Lowe Law Group as soon as possible after your crash.
You may still be able to recover compensation. North Dakota’s modified comparative fault rule allows you to pursue damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your share of fault, but it won’t be eliminated. An attorney can help make sure fault is assigned accurately.
Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, how the crash affected your ability to work, and how clearly liability can be established. Lowe Law Group offers free case reviews and can give you a realistic picture of what your claim may be worth.
You’re not required to hire one, but going up against an insurance company alone puts you at a serious disadvantage. Insurers have experienced adjusters and legal teams working to limit your payout. A Fargo side-impact accident lawyer levels the playing field and handles the legal process so you can focus on recovering.
A broadside collision can change everything in a split second. Your claim deserves the same urgency. Lowe Law Group is available 24/7 to review your case at no cost, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Your priority now is to heal. Ours is to win your case. Here’s our 3-Step Approach:
Let us listen to your story. We’ll provide a free, no pressure case evaluation.
Our team handles everything: the legal process, gathering paperwork, reviewing your medical treatment, and more.
We win your case and maximize your compensation or we don’t get paid, guaranteed.
I was hit on my MOTORCYCLE by a PODS TRUCK in June, yep, you read that right, PODS TRUCK. I was fortunate to walk away, but knew I needed a lawyer for an accident of this magnitude. Now, let me start by saying I don’t trust lawyers, never have. But had to put my differences aside and trust this GROUP of LAWYERS from a different state…
I was hit on my MOTORCYCLE by a PODS TRUCK in June, yep, you read that right, PODS TRUCK. I was fortunate to walk away, but knew I needed a lawyer for an accident of this magnitude. Now, let me start by saying I don’t trust lawyers, never have. But had to put my differences aside and trust this GROUP of LAWYERS from a different state to handle my affairs. RIGHT AWAY, from the beginning, MARISSA REED, WAS A ROCKSTAR!!! Made me feel at ease and answered all of my ridiculous questions like a VETERAN. Now, this has taken almost 9 months to complete, and it was well worth the wait. Marissa Reed took my settlement to a PLACE WHERE ONLY EAGLES SOAR BABY!! I GOT WAAAAY MORE than expected all thanks to the LOWE LAW GROUP AND FIERY MARISSA REED. Thank you Marissa, for ALL YOU DID FOR ME, AND ALL MY STUPID QUESTIONS. I’m alive, have a HEFTY settlement to spend and am more than thankful for these LAWYERS!! MY ATTITUDE HAS CHANGED FOR THE BETTER ON THEM! HELL YA!!
-Christian W.
Washington
I was hit by a trailer that crossed the median while I was driving on the highway which not only destroyed my car, but I have had to deal with a concussion, neck and back pain along with other PTSD issues. Life happens, some events alter your life, and it can be difficult to adjust. Lowe Law Group is the absolute best. If you want someone who’s gonna be in your c…
I was hit by a trailer that crossed the median while I was driving on the highway which not only destroyed my car, but I have had to deal with a concussion, neck and back pain along with other PTSD issues. Life happens, some events alter your life, and it can be difficult to adjust. Lowe Law Group is the absolute best. If you want someone who’s gonna be in your corner and help you out big time. I HIGHLY recommend them. They made it so much easier, and they don’t care just about money. They want you to be able to get the help you need to recover. Specifically, James Brandenburg has been so helpful and relatable. Where other companies have made me feel just like a number, he has made me feel like a friend.
-Maia. C
Idaho
I have been working with Lowe Law Group since May 2023. I was in a terrible head on collision and have been undergoing coming up on 2 years of medical treatment. I have had 3 case managers throughout the 2 years and have been working closely with Cassi these last few months and she has been amazing. She keeps me updated on whats going on with my…
I have been working with Lowe Law Group since May 2023. I was in a terrible head on collision and have been undergoing coming up on 2 years of medical treatment. I have had 3 case managers throughout the 2 years and have been working closely with Cassi these last few months and she has been amazing. She keeps me updated on whats going on with my case and is doing everything in her power to ensure the best outcome. She has come up with ideas my other two case managers had not that will benefit me in the long run! Its so nice to be able to feel taken care of and having a team backing you.
– Hailey B. Washington
I was in my car waiting at a stoplight when I was rear ended hitting my head, giving me whiplash, and a concussion. It also reaggravated other injuries I was making progress on. Cyra at Lowe Law Group was great jumping right into my case. She was professional and did well in keeping me informed of the process and updating me as needed. There were some challe…
I was in my car waiting at a stoplight when I was rear ended hitting my head, giving me whiplash, and a concussion. It also reaggravated other injuries I was making progress on. Cyra at Lowe Law Group was great jumping right into my case. She was professional and did well in keeping me informed of the process and updating me as needed. There were some challenges in dealing with the culpable party but Lowe Law I believe was able to get me the best settlement possible given all the circumstances and would recommend to anyone who has been involved in an accident.
– Nick W. Colorado
I had a wonderful experience with Lowe law group after my accident. They were great and my case manager Cyra was an absolute ANGEL to work with!! Highly recommend.
I cannot say enough, good things about Heather at Lowe Law Group! From the very beginning, she was a beacon of kind…
I cannot say enough, good things about Heather at Lowe Law Group! From the very beginning, she was a beacon of kindness, compassion, and professionalism. She truly cares about her clients, and her empathy shines through in every interaction. Heather made a potentially overwhelming process feel effortless, guiding me with such care and attention to detail that I always felt completely supported and understood. It’s rare to meet somebody who combines such warmth with incredible expertise, but Heather doesn’t flawlessly. She’s truly a gem, and I am beyond grateful for everything she has done!
Giselle was always kind. I love how she always communicated with me through this whole process. If I didn’t understand…
Giselle was always kind. I love how she always communicated with me through this whole process. If I didn’t understand something , She would explained it in terms that I could. I give Giselle and Lowe Law Group a 5 star rating. I highly recommend this Law Group if you are needing one. Thank you to everyone for your time consuming and hard work.😀
After one of the worst things that has happened to my daughter or me, Harmony was able help me work throug…
After one of the worst things that has happened to my daughter or me, Harmony was able help me work through it in every aspect I needed. From the first day we spoke she worked was so kind, honest and she worked hard for us and went above and beyond. Giving me space when I needed it encouraged me to talk when I needed to. She helped me get medical information, check out the boxes of requirements, find a counselor, and More behind-the-scenes I don’t even know about. I NEVER FELT ALONE, it stopped being my battle and it became her’s.This whole process took maybe five months and at the beginning I guessed this would be over one year. I really appreciate her and because of her work! If I ever meet someone who has an unfortunate accident, I will give them the contact information for Lowe Law Group and song their/ Harmony’s praises! THANK YOU HARMONY!
Being in a car accident and dealing with everything from the car damage to the injuries and everything in between is very…
Being in a car accident and dealing with everything from the car damage to the injuries and everything in between is very stressful. I am so grateful for everyone at Lowe Law for helping me every step of the way. Kaitlyn kept me updated on the progress of the case and answered all the questions I had. Jason and Pete are very knowledgeable and explained each step and helped guide me throughout the process. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has been in a car accident.
Thanks to Ethan for his gentle persuasion and persistent efforts.
…
Thanks to Ethan for his gentle persuasion and persistent efforts. I am very grateful to have the burden shifted to the real professionals. I might even be able to ski this winter as I expect to be recovered from this accident by the time Powder Mountain has enough snow.
Thank You Olga Baranova ( I mention you first and foremost due to the fact you were my case manager, and whom I had prima…
Thank You Olga Baranova ( I mention you first and foremost due to the fact you were my case manager, and whom I had primary contact with.) And to all who worked for me, with me, & on my behalf. For the knowledge, expertise & professionalism applied .. I not only applaud you all .. I thank you all. Wishing Blessings Bountiful To All As well as Good Health, Good Fortune Kind Regards Marc Goulet & Family.
Marissa Reed IS AWESOME!! Took 1+yrs. Difficult client & case she made it look easy. A True Professional. Need more like Marissa!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
I answered an advertisement for this law group. I had fired the first attorney. So I retained Lowe Law Group, and Maris…
I answered an advertisement for this law group. I had fired the first attorney. So I retained Lowe Law Group, and Marissa Reed was my contact person. She could not help me but pointed me in the right direction. No charge. Thank you Marissa. I very much recommend this Law Group.
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