Augment LeadsIf your firm takes North Dakota car accident cases, this guide pulls together North Dakota's official crash figures, the statutes that govern a claim and what intake should ask. Other states are on the car accident leads by state hub.
What the 2024 crash numbers show for North Dakota
There were 90 crash deaths in North Dakota in 2024. The rate, 11.3 per 100,000 residents, puts North Dakota 29th of 51 jurisdictions from highest to lowest; per mile driven, it's 0.90 deaths per 100 million miles.
- Rural roads accounted for 73 deaths, 81% in North Dakota compared with 41% across the country.
- Motorcyclists: 17 deaths, 19% of North Dakota's total, against 16% across all states.
- Of 58 passenger vehicle occupants killed in North Dakota, 27 (47%) were unrestrained; nationally, 43%.
- 49% of North Dakota crash deaths (44) came from single-vehicle crashes; the all-state figure is 52%.
Figures come from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's state-by-state fatality table (FARS data); the national comparisons add up all 51 rows.
How North Dakota law treats a crash claim
Fault and insurance system
North Dakota is one of the 12 no-fault states listed by the Insurance Information Institute. Under N.D.C.C. 26.1-41-08, a secured person is exempt from damages for noneconomic loss unless the injury is a serious injury, and from economic loss to the extent of basic no-fault benefits. Under 26.1-41-01, a serious injury is one that results in death, dismemberment, serious and permanent disfigurement or disability beyond 60 days, or medical expenses over $2,500.
Under N.D.C.C. 26.1-41-01, basic no-fault benefits can't exceed $30,000 per person for one accident, and the work loss benefit is capped at $150 per week. Actions for no-fault benefits have their own limits under 26.1-41-19.
Minimum liability coverage
N.D.C.C. 39-16.1-11 defines a motor vehicle liability policy as one with limits of at least $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people and $25,000 for property damage.
North Dakota's fault rule
North Dakota uses modified comparative fault. Under N.D.C.C. 32-03.2-02, a plaintiff's fault doesn't bar recovery unless it was as great as the combined fault of all other persons who contributed to the injury; damages are reduced by the plaintiff's share, and when two or more parties contributed, each is generally liable only for its own share.
North Dakota filing deadline
Tort claims for injury to the person fall under N.D.C.C. 28-01-16, which allows six years after the claim accrues for an injury to the person not arising on contract, when no other limit is expressly provided.
This isn't legal advice; check the linked statutes before relying on them.
What North Dakota intake should ask
- Ask about medical bills so far and any disability lasting beyond 60 days. Noneconomic damages need a serious injury under 26.1-41-01, such as medical expenses over $2,500.
- Ask whether no-fault benefits are being paid. Suits for further benefits have separate deadlines under 26.1-41-19, apart from the tort claim.
- Note how long ago the crash was. North Dakota allows six years under N.D.C.C. 28-01-16, so anything near the cutoff needs a quick look.
- Get both insurance carriers' names if the caller has them. A policy at North Dakota's $25,000 per person minimum may not cover a serious injury, which makes the caller's own policy worth asking about.
- Ask for the county and road where the crash happened. 81% of North Dakota's 2024 deaths were on rural roads, so note the exact location for the police report request.
- Ask what the caller was riding or driving. Motorcyclists were 19% of North Dakota's 2024 crash deaths, so decide up front whether motorcycle callers fit your intake.
Buying North Dakota MVA leads from us
Augment Leads is a Canada-based company, founded in 2025, generating 10,000+ leads a month for US injury firms. A North Dakota lead is exclusive to your firm, screened against your filters and replaced if it's unqualified. Details: MVA leads and exclusive vs shared leads.
Spanish-speaking MVA leads are part of our regular product.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to file a car accident lawsuit in North Dakota?
N.D.C.C. 28-01-16 sets six years for most personal injury suits. Claims against public bodies and other exceptions can differ.
When can someone sue for pain and suffering after a North Dakota crash?
When the injury is a serious injury under N.D.C.C. 26.1-41-01: death, dismemberment, serious and permanent disfigurement, disability beyond 60 days, or medical expenses over $2,500.
What car insurance does North Dakota require?
N.D.C.C. 39-16.1-11 defines a motor vehicle liability policy as one with limits of at least $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people and $25,000 for property damage.
How many traffic deaths did North Dakota have in 2024?
IIHS counted 90 crash deaths in North Dakota in 2024, or 11.3 per 100,000 people.
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