Car accidents can happen anytime, and the risk is always present whenever you’re on the road. Regardless of how serious the crash is, knowing what to do after a car accident can help protect you.
Your health and safety come first. It’s also important to follow these steps to protect yourself legally and financially after a car accident in South Dakota. A Sioux Falls car accident lawyer from our firm can handle the legal details so you can focus on healing from the crash.
Below is a list of things to do if you have been in a car wreck and how securing legal representation can help you.
Check for Injuries and Damage and Get Medical Help
After a car accident, the first thing you should do is make sure your vehicle has come to a complete stop. If it’s safe, leave your car where it is and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call for emergency services and wait for them to arrive.
Even if your injuries seem minor or you feel OK, see a doctor. Some injuries, like internal injuries, might not show up right away, so getting an exam is important. Getting medical care soon after a crash also creates a record of your injuries, which can be important for your case.
Waiting for emergency services can ensure everyone gets the right care. Not all injuries show up right away, and getting medical care early helps prove that the crash caused your injuries.
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Call the Police for Help
In South Dakota, you must report a car accident that causes an injury or if the property damage is over $1,000. Calling the police right away is a smart move, even if the damage doesn’t seem bad at first. By contacting the police, you can confirm that they filed an official accident report.
This report can be important when dealing with insurance claims or legal matters later on. The police can also help manage the accident scene, direct traffic, and ensure everyone gets the medical attention they need.
Document the Car Accident Scene
After checking for injuries and calling the police:
- Document the accident scene if you can.
- Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, the damage, and the surrounding area.
- Photograph any traffic signs, road conditions, or skid marks that could explain how the accident happened.
If witnesses are at the scene, ask for their contact information. Having their statements could be important if there’s a disagreement about what caused the crash, which commonly occurs when car accidents happen. Properly documenting the scene can support your claim later.
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Collect Vital Information From Others Involved in the Crash
Get the other driver’s contact details, including their phone number and insurance information. You will need this information when filing your insurance claim. Also, note any damage to your car. If you have visible injuries, take pictures as proof.
Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company or giving statements to anyone else involved. Instead, share information with your insurance company and your lawyer to protect your rights. You can also contact our law firm immediately from the scene.
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Notify Your Insurance Company Soon After the Accident
Once you’re safe and have collected all the important information, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide the company’s representative with the facts, including the police report number, details from the scene, and any photos you’ve taken.
Be sure to give honest information about the car accident, but don’t admit fault, as this could affect your claim. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process and let you know what other steps to take. Reporting the accident quickly can help process your claim.
Our lawyers can also help you understand your car insurance policy, explaining its terms and how policy limits can affect your claim.
Why You May Want a Lawyer to Notify the Insurer for You
After a car accident, dealing with insurance companies can be stressful, time-consuming, and confusing. While you focus on making a recovery, the insurance companies might try to get you to settle quickly or offer less than what you deserve.
Our attorney can notify the insurance company to prevent these issues. We understand how they operate and can handle communications with them. This way, you avoid saying something that could harm your claim.
With our attorney managing this process, you will know a legal professional is protecting your rights, and you can focus on recovery while we handle your case. This is one reason why having legal representation helps when car accidents occur.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit? Time Limits Apply to Your Case
If you plan to file a car accident lawsuit in South Dakota, you must do it by the time limit. These time limits set a deadline for how long you have to take legal action after a car accident.
Under South Dakota law, people suing for damages generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t file your lawsuit within the time frame, the court will likely dismiss your case.
Since gathering evidence and building a case takes time, we encourage you to consult with our car accident lawyers immediately. We will meet all deadlines involved in your case.
Call Us for Help Today After a Car Accident in South Dakota
After a crash, you might feel stressed and unsure about what to do next after a car accident. You could miss important steps that protect your legal rights and financial future. Talking to our Sioux Falls personal injury lawyers about the crash can help you handle these issues.
At Hoy Law, we aim to make the world a safer place and help those recovering from others’ negligence. We will review the accident, assess your losses, identify who owes you damages, and seek full compensation from the insurance company. Call us today for a free consultation.
Call or text 605-334-8900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
