Car accidents can happen for many reasons, from distracted driving to poor weather conditions. If you’ve already been injured, our attorney can help file a claim to get money for your injuries and other costs.
A Sioux Falls car accident lawyer from our firm can guide you through the legal process, helping you deal with insurance companies and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income and benefits, and other damages from the crash.
Below are some of the most common reasons for car accidents in South Dakota.
Failure to Yield
When other drivers do not yield, they do not give you the right-of-way as they should. This can cause a serious car crash if you are not prepared to react.
Failing to yield is a common cause of accidents at intersections or when merging onto highways. These types of incidents often lead to car accident claims for injuries and property damage.
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Tailgating
Most drivers have had another driver follow too closely at one time or another. Tailgating is often a sign of impatience, but there are cases where the driver hits something or someone after failing to pay attention.
Either way, the person is increasing the risk of rear-ending you. If tailgating leads to an accident, you can file a car accident claim with an insurance company to recover compensation for injuries or vehicle damage you suffered.
Driving Too Fast
Many drivers think that as long as they stay within the speed limit, they are not driving too fast. This happens even in South Dakota, where the speed limit on rural interstates and freeways is 80 mph.
However, when road conditions are bad or unpredictable, such as during heavy rain or snow, motorists might not have enough time to react to what is in front of them.
Speeding under these conditions is dangerous and often leads to accidents, resulting in car accident claims for medical bills and other damages.
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Distracted Driving
Using a phone, adjusting the GPS device, or even eating while driving can take a driver’s attention off the road, leading to traffic accidents. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in South Dakota.
Victims of distracted driving often need to pursue car accident claims to get compensation for their injuries and losses.
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Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs remains a significant problem in South Dakota. Drunk driving increases the likelihood of a severe accident, often leading to life-altering injuries or fatalities.
Victims can file car accident claims to cover their damages if they suffer injuries in collisions caused by impaired drivers.
Poor Weather Conditions
South Dakota’s weather can be unpredictable, with icy roads and heavy snow making driving dangerous. Poor weather conditions contribute to many car accidents, as drivers fail to adjust their speed or braking distance appropriately.
Even in cases where weather is a factor, you may still be able to file car accident claims if another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Disregarding traffic signals and stop signs can result in devastating crashes, especially at high speeds. Drivers who run red lights or ignore stop signs put everyone at risk. These incidents frequently lead to serious injuries, and victims may need to file car accident claims to recover compensation.
Driver Fatigue
Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Tired drivers have slower reaction times, making it hard to avoid accidents. If you suffer injuries in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, filing car accident claims can help you seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
You Can Seek Compensation After a South Dakota Car Accident
Filing a car accident claim in South Dakota involves a few key steps. When you understand the process, you can avoid common pitfalls, and if you would like additional help, you can consult with a lawyer. Here’s what you need to know:
- Report the accident: After the crash occurs, you must report it to law enforcement. The police report can play an important role in your car accident claim. You should also get a copy of the police report.
- Get medical care promptly: Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, see a doctor soon after an accident. Medical records will serve as evidence of your injuries and are critical for your claim.
- Notify the insurance company: Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible. Be careful not to admit fault when speaking to insurers. You can consult with an attorney to avoid saying something that could hurt your claim.
- Gather evidence: Collect important details like photos of the accident scene, witness contact information, and any crash-related documents.
- File the claim: You can file your car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is where our Sioux Falls personal injury lawyers can help by handling negotiations and ensuring your claim is filed correctly.
- Negotiate your claim or take your case to court: After filing the claim, your lawyer can talk to the insurance company to get you a fair amount. If they don’t agree, your case might go to court, where your lawyer can speak for you.
By following these steps, you can help your chances of securing the compensation you need.
Compensation You Could Recover in a Car Accident Claim
When you file a claim for car accident damages, the compensation you can recover depends on the injuries and losses you’ve suffered, among other factors. Below are common types of compensation available for accident victims in South Dakota:
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the financial losses you suffered because of the accident. These damages cover costs like:
- Medical expenses: Including emergency care, hospital stays, medication, therapy, and future medical needs. Our Sioux Falls medical bills lawyers can assess the cost of your care and build your claims for fair compensation.
- Rehabilitation costs: This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation necessary for your recovery after the accident.
- Lost income: Compensation for time missed from work due to injury. It can also include loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages pay you for the pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident. These damages address how the accident has affected your quality of life, which can include:
- Pain and suffering: For emotional distress and physical pain from the accident.
- Loss of consortium: Money for how the accident hurt your relationship with your family, like losing time or support.
- Property damage: Compensation for car repairs or replacement.
How Our Sioux Falls Car Accident Lawyers Can Lead Your Case
After a car accident, the medical bills, insurance paperwork, and uncertainty of how to proceed with a car accident claim may be a great deal for you to handle on your own. This is where our lawyers can step in to guide you.
We will use our experience in handling complex accident cases to handle the legal process for you and fight for your compensation. While you treat your injuries and focus on healing, we can:
- Investigate the accident: Lawyers can gather police reports, witness testimony, and expert opinions.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can handle these negotiations to secure fair compensation.
- Represent you in court: If we cannot reach a fair settlement that covers your needs, we can take the case to trial. We will file your lawsuit on time and within South Dakota’s statute of limitations, which is three years from the accident date under state law.
Call Today for Help With a Car Accident Claim in South Dakota
No matter how well you follow the rules, there is always the chance that another driver will put you in danger. This is why it’s important to stay alert, practice defensive driving, and be aware of the most common causes of car accidents in South Dakota.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a traffic accident, working with the car accident lawyers at Hoy Law can help you manage the car accident claims process and pursue the compensation you deserve. We are ready to guide you through your legal options and next steps. Call for a free consultation.
Call or text 605-334-8900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
