A truck crash can turn your life upside down, causing physical pain, emotional stress, and serious financial problems. If you were hurt in a truck crash in South Dakota, you could file a claim for compensation to cover your damages.
You should also consider contacting an attorney as soon as possible. Our Sioux Falls truck accident lawyers will handle your case so you can focus on your recovery.
We will investigate the crash, determine liability, and assess your claim to determine if you can recover any of the seven types of compensation available in South Dakota truck accident claims. The compensation you may recover varies based on your case details.
The Main Types of Compensation in an S.D. Truck Crash Claim
Our Sioux Falls personal injury lawyers can help you understand the types of compensation you may recover, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect as you move forward with your claim.
The seven types of compensation available after a truck collision in South Dakota cover a wide range of losses and damages. They are:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are often the most significant type of compensation in truck accident claims, as injuries from truck accidents can be severe. This encompasses all past and future costs, such as:
- Emergency response
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Doctor visits
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, MRIs)
- Rehabilitation services
- Physical therapy
- Therapies (including mental health counseling)
- Home health care
- Medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, crutches)
- Follow-up appointments
- Chiropractic care
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Long-term care services
For clients who suffered fractures, spinal injuries, or other trauma requiring lengthy treatment, medical bills often exceed six figures. Our Sioux Falls medical bills lawyers aim to help you recover every penny owed for your care.
Lost Wages
Lost wages help replace the income you missed while recovering from your injuries. When you’re hurt, it often means you can’t work, which can cause financial strain if you cannot pay your bills.
In some cases, injuries can prevent you from returning to your job for an extended period or lead to permanent disability. In addition to the wages lost during recovery, the claim should account for lost earning potential—especially if your ability to work is affected long-term.
If you are facing permanent disability or cannot go back to work, we can develop a life care plan that evaluates your future financial needs. We will also make sure your South Dakota truck accident claim addresses compensation for lifelong income loss and additional care you may need.
Property Damage
Truck accident claims can help cover the costs of repairing or replacing vehicles that were damaged or destroyed in collisions. This includes compensation for any personal belongings inside the vehicle that were destroyed, such as electronics, clothing, or other valuables.
Beyond the vehicle itself, you may also recover out–of–pocket expenses for damaged property, including phones, laptops, or other essential items damaged in the crash.
In many claims, insurance covers the cost of anything damaged or totaled, whether it’s the vehicle, personal belongings, or other property the accident affected. By pursuing a claim, you can ensure the insurance company pays for the full value of your losses.
Pain and Suffering
Even after physical injuries heal, the emotional and psychological effects of a truck accident can last for years. Truck accident claims also help victims recover non-economic damages, which aim to compensate for these lasting effects.
Victims may suffer from chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or impaired quality of life—all of which can affect daily living, personal relationships, and overall well-being. While money can’t undo the emotional scars from an accident, compensation acknowledges how these injuries affect your life.
In some cases, particularly when the quality of life is severely diminished, this compensation can reach substantial amounts, sometimes in the millions, to reflect the long-term consequences on your mental health and relationships.
Disfigurement or Scarring
Severe injuries from a truck accident can leave lasting scars or permanent disfigurement, both of which are recognized by the legal system as serious forms of damage in truck accident claims.
While physical wounds may eventually heal, many survivors are left with permanent reminders of the traumatic event. In addition to the emotional and psychological toll, orthopedic injuries—such as joint damage—often lead to long-term medical needs, including potential joint replacements or ongoing rehabilitation.
When future medical expenses are certain, legal guidance is essential. We can ensure insurance providers take full responsibility for these future costs by securing compensation through truck accident claims to cover long-term care and medical needs.
Loss of Consortium
When a truck accident severely injures a spouse or family member, it can affect their ability to fully participate in family life, affecting their relationships and responsibilities. In truck accident cases, damages may be awarded for the loss of companionship, affection, or support, which is legally recognized as loss of consortium.
This type of compensation addresses the strain the family feels when an injured loved one can no longer fulfill their role, whether as a parent, partner, or caregiver. The inability to engage in daily activities, offer emotional support, or maintain physical intimacy can affect families.
Claims for truck accident crashes take this into account, and victims or their loved ones may receive compensation for these non-economic damages, which reflect the personal loss from the accident.
Punitive Damages
In extreme cases of reckless or harmful behavior, courts may award punitive damages in truck accident claims. Punitive damages are used as a means of punishing the at-fault party for the role they played in causing the injury.
These damages can help you recover while sending a strong message about the consequences of reckless behavior on the road. We can advise if these damages are available in your case.
For a free legal consultation, call 605-334-8900
Deadlines for Seeking Damages in a South Dakota Truck Crash
In South Dakota, you typically have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit and seek damages, per state law. If you miss this deadline, you risk losing your chance to recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
However, certain exceptions could apply that may extend or shorten this time frame. It’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you file your truck accident claim within the appropriate time limits.
Acting quickly also allows your legal team to gather crucial evidence, such as accident reports and witness statements, while the details are still fresh.
Explore Your Compensation Options After a South Dakota Truck Accident Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in a South Dakota truck crash, contact the injury lawyers at Hoy Law immediately. We will explain the damages you could recover from the accident and work to protect time–sensitive evidence that could be in the truck company’s possession.
Our team will walk you through the seven types of compensation you might be able to recover in a South Dakota truck accident claim.
We will guide you through the process of filing your truck accident claim and protect your rights throughout your case. During a complimentary consultation, we will review your case, explain your legal options, and outline the next steps to take. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call or text 605-334-8900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
