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Top-Rated South Dakota Car Accident Lawyers

Brian dixon
Written By Naphtal Sande
Edited By Brian Dixon
Legally Reviewed by Brian Dixon

Last Modified: January 08, 2024
Written By Naphtal Sande
Edited By Brian Dixon
Legally Reviewed by Brian Dixon

Last Modified: January 08, 2024
North Dakota car accident lawyers

Known for its wide-open prairies, winding roads, iconic monuments, and uninterrupted sky views, nothing feels good like driving in South Dakota. The state’s variety of amazing landscapes portrays why South Dakota prides itself as the home of Great Faces and Great Places.

Unfortunately, driving in South Dakota comes with its own set of risks. Every year, tens of thousands of people are injured or killed in South Dakota car accidents.

According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, at least 13.6% of all drivers in the state were injured in 2021, and another 0.6% were killed. Minnehaha and Pennington counties were the two most dangerous counties in terms of car accidents in the state.

If you or your loved one were involved in a car accident in South Dakota, you already know the devasting impact it has had on your life. What you may not know is that you could be entitled to financial compensation for your vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses.

Be sure to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible to find out if you are entitled to a claim.

Car accident scene

Legal Giant Connects You to the Best South Dakota Car Accident Attorneys

Have you been involved in a car accident in South Dakota and find yourself in need of expert legal support? Look no further than Legal Giant, your premier car accident lawyer referral service dedicated to connecting you with the most qualified and experienced attorneys in South Dakota.

Recognizing the challenges and uncertainties that follow a car accident, our mission is to guide you towards the legal representation you deserve.

At Legal Giant, we help car accident victims like you get access to top-tier car accident attorneys. What makes us stand out is our unwavering commitment to your well-being – and the best part is, we don’t charge you for our services.

Our network comprises trusted car accident attorneys in South Dakota with a proven track record of success, ready to champion your rights and secure the rightful compensation you deserve.

Choosing to work with us means choosing a dedicated partner with your best interests at heart. We comprehend the complexities of car accident cases and strive to simplify the process for you.

We guarantee a seamless access to expert attorneys who will vigorously fight for your rights, ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you rightfully deserve. Let us be your beacon of support in South Dakota, providing you with access to the best car accident attorneys.

Your journey to justice begins with Legal Giant – because you deserve the most reliable legal support during this challenging time.

South Dakota Car Accident Statistics

Every car accident is a tragedy, and unfortunately, South Dakota saw a sharp increase in the number of car accident deaths in 2022. The state’s Department of Public Safety recently released a report detailing the most recent traffic accident statistics, and the information is important for all residents to know.

There is an average of 17,900 reportable traffic crashes in South Dakota each year

At least 4,400 car accident injuries are reported in South Dakota every year

There are at least 160 car accident related deaths in South Dakota every year

Economic losses related to car accidents in South Dakota  exceed $700 million every year

More than 97% of car accident cases in South Dakota settle. Only 3% go to trial.

Expect to pay up to $37,000 for a hospital stay after a car accident, at a daily rate of around $6,100

What Are the South Dakota Auto Insurance Laws?

South Dakota insurance laws require all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage and show proof of coverage at all times while driving in the state. The proof must be shown upon request by a law enforcement officer.

The minimum liability coverage allowed in the state is as follows:

  • At least $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
  • At least $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
  • At least 25,000 for property damage per accident.

The primary purpose of mandatory liability coverage is to pay for bodily injuries and property damage that you may cause in a car accident. It also pays for the injured party’s pain and suffering and lost wages.

However, you should be aware that liability coverage doesn’t cover damage to your own car or medical bills for injuries you may sustain in the accident. You need to carry collision coverage and a personal injury policy for additional protection.

Underinsured/uninsured coverage is also a mandatory requirement in South Dakota. This coverage helps you if you are involved in an accident with another motorist who doesn’t have sufficient insurance or none at all.

Most Dangerous Roads in South Dakota

Here are the top 4 most dangerous roads in South Dakota:

Roadways
1. Needles Highway
2. Interstate 90
3. Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway
4. Iron Mountain Road

Here are the most dangerous cities to drive through in South Dakota:

Cities
1. Rapid City
2. Sioux Falls
3. Yankton
4. Aberdeen
5. Chamberlain
6. Mitchell

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Common Types of Car Accidents in South Dakota

There are many different types of auto accidents that happen in South Dakota. Some of them include:

  • Hit-and-Run Accidents: Hit-and-run car accidents can be quite frustrating because the driver who caused the accident fled from the scene. In this case, you are left to deal with your insurance company without a clear picture of how to handle things.
  • Rear-end Collisions: If you are hit from behind, you almost certainly were not responsible for the accident. The other motorist might have been distracted or not simply paying attention to the road ahead. Rear-end collisions can result in extensive damage to your car plus severe bodily injuries such as broken bones, sprains, neck injuries, and brain injuries.
  • T-bone collisions: T-bone is a phrase that is commonly used to describe a side-impact or broadside collision. These types of accidents usually involve one car’s front end slamming into the side of another vehicle. You might have been stuck in an intersection by a motorist who ignored a stop sign, red light, or failed to yield.
  • Sideswipe collisions: Sideswipe accidents are similar to T-bone collisions, but occur when cars collide while traveling in the same direction. These accidents often happen when a driver changes lanes and fails to check their blind spot.
  • Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents. They often occur when a driver loses control of their car, especially on curves or hills. A rollover accident can lead to severe injuries or death.
  • Drunk driving accidents: Drunk driving accidents are unfortunately common in South Dakota. If you are involved in a collision with an impaired driver, you might be able to file a lawsuit against that individual.

FAQs

Have you been involved in a car accident in South Dakota? If so, you probably have questions. Here are some answer to frequently asked questions about car accidents in South Dakota:

Some of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in South Dakota include:

  • Speeding.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Tired/fatigued driving.
  • Distracted driving such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving.
  • Poor road conditions.
  • Adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice, or rain.
  • Potholes.
  • Debris on the road.
  • Large animals on the road.

Immediately after a car accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention for yourself and any others who may have been injured.

Once you have done so, gather as much information as possible, such as the names and contact information of all parties involved, photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, witness statements, and police reports.

Once you have taken care of your immediate needs, it is recommended to seek legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected and you have the best chance at receiving fair compensation for damages.

When you are involved in a South Dakota accident, you may suffer a number of injuries. The most common car accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries: This is a type of damage to the brain that can be caused by a fall, a car accident, or a violent blow to your head. TBIs often result in long-term complications and can lead to death.
  • Spinal cord injuries: A spinal cord injury can cause paralysis, weakness, and loss of sensation in the arms and legs. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to lifelong disability.
  • Broken bones: Broken bones are a common result of car accidents. They often require surgery to fix and can take months or even years to heal completely.
  • Whiplash: Whiplash is a type of injury to the neck that often occurs in car accidents. It can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches.

If you are injured in a car accident in South Dakota, it is essential to seek medical treatment right away. You may also want to speak with experienced South Dakota car accident lawyers about your options for filing a lawsuit.

Even if you feel fine after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated. You will need a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out any potential injuries.

In South Dakota, you only have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.

If your loved one dies as a result of the accident, then you have three years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death claim.

South Dakota is a fault/tort state when it comes to determining fault in car accidents. Unlike in no-fault states, it means you will not be able to recover compensation from your own car insurance company after the accident.

Instead, you will be required to pursue a claim from the at-fault motorist’s insurance company. To do this, you must be able to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that they were to blame for the accident.

When you use our service, we ask you to provide details about your case. Our team then uses this information to match you with an attorney in our network who has the necessary expertise and experience for your specific case. We strive to match you with a local attorney near you.

Legal Giant’s matching service is completely free for users. If you decide to hire an attorney through our platform, they will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case.

We Connect You With Top-Rated South Dakota Car Accident Lawyers

At Legal Giant, we take great pride in our unique ability to connect you with highly qualified car accident lawyers right here in South Dakota.

We understand the significance of having a legal representative who is not only experienced and skilled but is also well-acquainted with the local laws and nuances specific to your car accident case.

Our specialized approach involves matching you with a local attorney who possesses a deep understanding of the legal landscape in South Dakota. This ensures that you receive personalized and context-specific legal guidance tailored to the regulations governing car accidents in the state.

So, if you have been injured in a car accident in South Dakota, call us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and let you know your legal options.

Speak with a Local South Dakota Car Accident Lawyer Today

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Brian dixon

EDITED BY

Personal Injury/ Business Law Attorney
Brian Dixon has more than three years of experience handling personal injury litigation. Brian has represented defendants and plaintiffs during personal injury litigation, giving him unique insight into lawsuits. As a plaintiff’s attorney, Brian has helped multiple clients secure six-figure awards for their injuries. In addition to personal injury litigation, Brian advises businesses on avoiding liability. Using his experience in litigation, Brian has recently started providing in-house council services to start-up companies and established businesses. His experience working with companies includes negotiating and securing partnership agreements, sales agreements, liability assessments, and advising them on industry rules and regulations.
Naphtal Sande

WRITTEN BY

Legal Writer
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