Sample Car Accident Lawyer
Sample Sioux Falls Car Accident Lawyer Page
Sioux Falls Car Accident Lawyer
If you were recently involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to fair compensation for the various ways your life has been affected by the injuries you sustained. With a highly experienced Sioux Falls car accident lawyer by your side, you can hold the at-fault party accountable to the fullest extent of the law and recoup the full value of your damages.
Backed by 100+ years of combined trial experience, your Sioux Falls personal injury attorney from ACS Injury Law will fight for the compensation you deserve. When you are ready to take back control of your life but are unsure of where to begin, do not hesitate to contact our law office and request a 100% free consultation.
We Handle Virtually Every Type of Car Accident Case
Car accidents can occur in a number of different ways. Whether you were involved in a minor collision or a devastating crash, we are here to guide you through the legal claims process and help you maximize your payout. Some of the most common types of car accident our clients have endured include:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions often occur due to distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops in traffic. South Dakota traffic laws, including SDCL § 32-26-40, require drivers to maintain a safe following distance to avoid these types of accidents. Victims of rear-end collisions frequently suffer whiplash, back injuries, or other complications that require considerable medical treatment and financial recovery.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the most devastating car accidents, often resulting from driver fatigue, intoxication, or distracted drivers drifting into oncoming traffic. These accidents frequently cause severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or broken bones.
Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents commonly occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, run red lights, or misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic. These crashes are especially dangerous due to the high potential for side-impact collisions, which can cause significant injuries to occupants. Proving liability in these cases often requires reviewing traffic signals, witness statements, and crash scene evidence.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving remains one of the most common causes of car accidents in South Dakota, despite the fact that the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) are harsh under SDCL § 32-23. Drunk driving accidents victims can pursue compensation not only for their physical and financial losses but also for emotional distress and punitive damages.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving, including texting while driving, is a significant cause of accidents in Sioux Falls. South Dakota’s texting ban, outlined in SDCL § 32-26-47.1, prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, helping to reduce distraction-related crashes.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents leave victims in a difficult position, especially if the at-fault driver cannot be identified. You may be able to pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or work with a Sioux Falls catastrophic injury lawyer to investigate and identify the responsible party. By documenting the scene and gathering as much evidence as possible, we can build the strongest case possible against the hit-and-run driver so we are prepared to move forward with your claim once they are identified.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Sioux Falls
Knowing what steps to take after a car accident can protect your health, legal rights, and ability to pursue compensation. The actions you take immediately following a collision can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim. Here are some of the most important steps you should take in the aftermath of your collision:
Prioritize Medical Attention
Seeking medical care should be your first priority after a car accident, even if you feel relatively unhurt at the time. Injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen without treatment. Additionally, medical records from your evaluation provide crucial evidence linking your injuries to the accident.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Documenting the scene is essential for building a strong claim and establishing liability. Take photos or videos of the accident site, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect witness information, such as names and contact details, as their statements may help corroborate your version of events.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
Insurance adjusters often prioritize minimizing payouts and may use your statements against you to reduce or deny your claim. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing settlement offers before consulting with a lawyer. Your Sioux Falls car accident attorney with ACS Injury Law can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the fair compensation that is rightfully yours.
Contact Our Sioux Falls Car Accident Law Firm Quickly
Reaching out to a car accident law firm as soon as possible gives us a chance to collect and preserve critical evidence and ensures your claim is filed within South Dakota’s deadlines. Our team can guide you through the claims process, investigate the accident, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. This way, you can demand the justice you deserve without having to worry about any of the legal details.
Compensation Available After a Car Accident in Sioux Falls
Car accident victims like you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses caused by another driver’s negligence. These compensatory damages are designed to ensure you receive compensation for every single loss you have experienced as a result of your injuries. Here are some of the most common types of damages awarded in Sioux Falls car accident claims:
Economic Losses
Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses resulting from your car accident. These include medical expenses such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Lost wages and diminished earning capacity may also be recovered if your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently. Additionally, economic damages can include the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Losses
Non-economic damages address the emotional and physical toll of your injuries. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical discomfort and limitations caused by the accident. Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or trauma, may also qualify for compensation, particularly if the accident has significantly affected your mental well-being. If your injuries have prevented you from enjoying activities or hobbies you once loved, you may also recover damages for loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Relief
Punitive damages may be awarded under SDCL § 21-3-2 in cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless, intentional, or malicious. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future. Examples of situations that might warrant punitive damages include drunk driving accidents or crashes caused by extreme speeding or aggressive driving.
The Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident, as outlined in SDCL § 15-2-14. This means that you must initiate your claim within this timeframe to protect your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Failing to file within the statute of limitations typically results in the court dismissing your case, leaving you without legal recourse.
Acting quickly after an accident is also critical to preserving evidence and building a strong claim. Over time, important evidence such as accident scene photos, witness testimony, and medical records may become harder to obtain. Consulting with a legal advocate as soon as possible means you can meet critical deadlines, gather the necessary documentation, and focus on making the at-fault party pay.
Sioux Falls Car Accident FAQ
After a car accident in Sioux Falls, you may have questions about the claims process, compensation, and your legal rights. Below, we address some of the most common concerns to help you better understand your options. If you have additional questions or concerns we did not cover here, do not hesitate to contact our office to request a free consultation so we can further discuss your specific needs.
1. What should I do if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is required in South Dakota under SDCL § 58-11-9. UM coverage is designed to protect victims in these situations by covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Sioux Falls?
We work on a contingency fee basis, as outlined under SDCL § 16-18-19, which means you do not pay any upfront fees to hire a legal advocate. Instead, our fees are a percentage of the money we recover for you, and if we do not win your case, you owe us nothing. This makes it easier for you to focus on healing while we fight to get you the compensation you deserve without adding financial stress.
3. Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, South Dakota’s comparative negligence laws under SDCL § 20-9-2 allow victims to recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you can receive will be reduced by the percentage of blame you carry. For example, if you are found 35% at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by 35%. Our team will do everything possible to minimize your liability and protect your payout.
Contact a Respected Car Accident Attorney in Sioux Falls for Help Today
If your car accident injuries have upended your life, seeking knowledgeable legal guidance can help you regain control and fight for justice. A dedicated car accident lawyer in Sioux Falls from ACS Injury Law will manage every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company for maximum compensation. Reach out today by phone or through our confidential contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward rebuilding your future.
**Note: ACS Injury Law is not a real law firm. This is a sample practice area page for a mock law firm website.**
