One individual was seriously injured and another is facing charges after a three-vehicle crash Tuesday that occurred five miles south of Lisbon.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the incident took place at 2:45 p.m.
Jerry Rufsvold, age 67, was operating a Toyota Camry and had come to a stop on State Highway 32 waiting to make a left turn. At that time, a 37-year-old Oakes woman rear-ended the Toyota with her Honda Civic, causing it to be pushed into a northbound lane where it was hit head-on by a Chevrolet Cruze.
Rufsvold suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Sanford Hospital in Fargo.
The Chevrolet driver was not injured.
The woman in the Honda also escaped injury but was charged with DUI and criminal vehicular injury.
The highway patrol continues to investigate.
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
This accident was clearly preventable. Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and can senselessly ruin people’s lives.
“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,’’ explained Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
She added, “Separate from criminal charges, the family of a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”
According to the National Safety Council, the cause of 10 percent of all fatal automobile accidents is drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medications. These accidents are the second-leading cause of automobile fatalities in this country.
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Jerry Rufsvold may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim pending an investigation.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
“Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” he added.
