North Dakota at a glance
North Dakota allows six years for an injury to the person not otherwise provided for.[1] Recovery is barred when the injured person’s fault is as great as the combined fault of all others.[2] North Dakota is a no-fault state with $30,000 in basic no-fault benefits.[3][4]
Filing deadlines
N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(5)
An action for criminal conversation or for any other injury to the person or rights of another not arising upon contract, when not otherwise expressly provided.
Source: [1]
Section 28-01-16 lists actions that “must be commenced within six years after the claim for relief has accrued.”[1] Other sections set different periods for some claims.
Shared fault
N.D. Cent. Code § 32-03.2-02
Contributory fault does not bar recovery in an action by any person to recover damages for death or injury to person or property unless the fault was as great as the combined fault of all other persons who contribute to the injury, but any damages allowed must be diminished in proportion to the amount of contributing fault
Source: [2]
This is modified comparative fault, often called the 50% bar. An injured person whose fault is less than the parties the statute compares them to can recover damages reduced by their share; at 50% or more, recovery is barred.
Auto insurance requirements
The North Dakota Insurance Department lists required coverages of “Bodily injury liability – $25,000 per person … /$50,000 per accident,” “Property damage liability – $25,000 per accident,” uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000/$50,000 and “Basic no-fault – $30,000 per person. No-fault is also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).”[3]
What this page does not cover
This page covers the main deadlines, fault rule, damage limits and auto insurance requirements. Statutes also contain exceptions, such as rules for minors, people who are incapacitated and claims discovered later, and special rules apply to medical malpractice and workers’ compensation. Always read the full statute at the official source linked below.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a head injury lawsuit in North Dakota?
Section 28-01-16 lists actions that “must be commenced within six years after the claim for relief has accrued.”[1] Other sections set different periods for some claims.
This page provides general information about the law from the sources listed below. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. See our legal disclaimer.
Sources
- N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16. North Dakota Legislative Branch. https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t28c01.pdf
- N.D. Cent. Code § 32-03.2-02. North Dakota Legislative Branch. https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/58-2003/regular/bill-text/DBMA0100.pdf
- North Dakota Insurance Department. “Auto.” https://www.insurance.nd.gov/consumers/insurance/auto
- Insurance Information Institute. “Background on: No-fault auto insurance.” https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-no-fault-auto-insurance
Sources last checked: October 11, 2026
