If another driver’s negligence resulted in the death of your loved one, seek the advice of an experienced fatal car accident lawyer in Sioux Falls right away. You and your family have the right to receive full justice for the losses you have experienced. At Hoy Law, we represent spouses, children, and other family members in fatal car accident lawsuits.
From our office in Sioux Falls, we handle fatal car accident cases throughout South Dakota. We know that no amount of money can ever fill the void left by the loss of your loved one. However, our Sioux Falls car accident lawyers will work to recover the money you need to address your financial needs.
Reach out to us today to set up a free consultation with a member of our legal staff.
How Long After a Fatal Accident Can I File a Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit in South Dakota?
In most cases, you have up to three years from the date of death to file a fatal car accident lawsuit in the state of South Dakota. To be more specific, it is three years from the date of the crash – not the death. If your loved one passes away days or weeks after the crash, the clock still starts on the crash date.
Three years feels like ample time, but it can pass faster than you imagine. Hiring an experienced Sioux Falls personal injury lawyer shortly after your accident can help ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.
It’s also critical to note that exceptions can apply to your case that affect the standard deadline. Depending on the particulars of your situation, the filing deadline in your case could shift to an earlier or later date. Securing the services of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible will help ensure you are prepared to file your case on time, no matter the deadline.
Your lawyer will also be more likely to collect evidence before it becomes contaminated or lost. Furthermore, they will be able to record testimony from eyewitnesses while the events are still clear in their minds.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal car accident lawyer serving Sioux Falls, call 605-334-8900
Seeking the Maximum Settlement for You and Your Family
Many of the clients we talk to are unaware of their rights under the law in fatal car accident cases.
At Hoy Law, we take the time to gain a complete understanding of the contributions that your loved one made to your family and explain the various benefits available to compensate for them. We prepare detailed documentation explaining our settlement proposal to the insurance company.
If a fair settlement cannot be negotiated, we are prepared to take the matter to trial. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, it may be appropriate to seek compensation for the following considerations:
- Hospital bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income, including future income that your loved one would have earned, in certain instances
- Pecuniary loss
- Survival claim, if death was not immediate
By hiring an experienced attorney early, you equip them with the best tools to build a strong case for your injury claim. Starting immediately after your accident enables them to secure evidence before it is lost or contaminated and to record eyewitness testimony while the incident is still fresh in the minds of witnesses.
This proactive approach significantly enhances your chances of recovering the full compensation you and your family deserve.
Sioux Falls Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 605-334-8900
What Legal Steps Should I Take After a Loved One Dies in a Fatal Accident?
While the process of filing a fatal car accident lawsuit requires many steps, it’s hard to know what to do in the immediate aftermath of a loss. That’s why turning to an attorney is an important step. A skilled fatal car accident attorney serving Sioux Falls can educate you on your rights and the steps that you need to take.
South Dakota’s fatal car accident laws are complex, but we can help get you a favorable case result.
Click to contact our Sioux Falls Car Accident Lawyers today
Discuss Your Fatal Car Accident Case With an Attorney
If your loved one was killed in a car wreck, we will be there to support you through this difficult time. While we can’t ease your sorrow, we can help you find justice.
At our firm, we offer thoughtful, caring representation for families across South Dakota who have lost someone. We treat our clients like family, with care and respect. We take the time to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Who Can File a Claim After a Fatal Car Accident?
South Dakota law limits the parties able to recover compensation after a fatal car accident to close family members of the deceased. The law states that the priority for those who will be able to recover damages is as follows:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Lawful heirs
- The next closest family member
However, these parties may not bring a lawsuit directly. The fatal car accident lawsuit must be filed by a “personal representative” of the deceased’s estate.
Get Help from an Experienced Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Sioux Falls Today
After the death of a loved one caused by a fatal car accident, recovering compensation likely won’t be your top priority. However, securing damages from the liable party can be critical for your and your family’s long-term financial health. At Hoy Law, we will take care of every aspect of your legal case so you can focus your energy on your family and processing your grief.
Contact us by phone or through our website today to set up a free case evaluation with a member of our team.
Call or text 605-334-8900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
