In this state, you have three years to file a lawsuit after getting hurt in an accident. This time limit is called the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Dakota. If you wait too long to file, you might lose your chance to get help with your medical bills and other costs.
We know it’s hard to think about legal matters when you’re hurt and trying to get better. That’s why we want to help you understand these deadlines and make sure you don’t miss your chance to get fair payment for your injuries.
Work with a Sioux Falls personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after you’ve been hurt. That will give your lawyer the best chance to build a case before they must sue because of the statute of limitations.
Time is Ticking
When you get hurt in an accident, the clock starts ticking right away. You might think three years is a long time, but building a strong case takes time. We must gather proof, talk to witnesses, and work with your doctors to understand your injuries to build your case.
Insurance companies know about these time limits, too. Sometimes, they try to delay your case until it’s too late for you to file a lawsuit. Having a lawyer helps stop these delay tactics and keep the insurers honest.
The sooner you start working with us, the better your chance of getting fair payment for your injuries. When we start early, we can collect better proof and talk to witnesses while their memories are fresh.
Special Rules That Can Change Your Time Limit
Some cases have different rules about when the three-year time limit starts. If you don’t discover an injury until later, the court might start counting from when you found out about it, not from when the accident happened.
Children who get hurt have special protection. Their time limit usually doesn’t start until they turn 18. This means they don’t lose their rights while they’re still too young to understand them.
For a free legal consultation, call 605-334-8900
Insurance Companies and their Deadlines
Insurance companies have their own deadlines for reporting accidents. These deadlines are usually much shorter than the three-year statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in South Dakota. If you wait too long to report your accident, the insurance company might refuse to pay even if it is within the statute of limitations.
Each type of insurance has different rules. Car insurance usually wants to know about accidents right away. Health insurance must also know about accidents quickly to help pay your medical bills. We know all these different deadlines and can make sure you meet them.
Insurance companies often use time pressure to get you to settle quickly for less money. They might tell you that their offer is only good for a short time. We can handle these pressure tactics and make sure you don’t feel rushed into taking less than you deserve.
What Happens if You Wait too Long
If you miss the time limit, the court won’t let you file a lawsuit. This means you might have to pay all your medical bills yourself, even if someone else caused your accident.
The court almost never makes exceptions for late filings. Even if you have a very strong case, waiting too long means losing your chance to get help with your bills and lost wages.
Insurance companies might also stop talking to you once the time limit passes. They know you can’t make them pay after that, so they have no reason to offer you any money.
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Why You Should Talk to Us Soon
It takes time to obtain medical records, accident reports, and other important papers. We can build your case carefully and ensure that we include everything important. Many cases are settled without going to court, but we need time to negotiate with insurance companies. If they don’t offer fair payment, we need enough time left to file a lawsuit if needed.
You don’t have to file a lawsuit immediately just because you talk to us. Meeting with us early keeps your options open and ensures you don’t miss any deadlines. Remember, your case is more likely to settle than go to trial.
When you meet with us, we can look at your case and tell you exactly how much time you have. We’ll explain all your choices in simple terms and help you decide what to do next. While you focus on getting better, we can handle all the legal paperwork and deadlines.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Work with a Lawyer Before the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim in South Dakota Runs Out
Don’t risk losing your right to fair payment because you missed the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in South Dakota. Three years go by faster than you might think, and building a strong case takes time.
Hoy Law helps people like you every day with injury cases in South Dakota. Our team can ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Contact our lawyers today for a free meeting to discuss your case. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help you get the money you need for your injuries.
To learn more about our approach to law and how we can help you with your claim, learn more about Hoy Law.
Call or text 605-334-8900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
