Accident Claims in South Dakota

If you’ve been injured in an accident in South Dakota, prioritize your safety and check yourself and others for injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor, call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Follow any medical advice medical professionals offer, whether on the scene or at a hospital. Follow all recommended treatments and keep detailed records of your medical care. If your personal injury claim goes to trial, your medical records can help establish the full extent of your damages and show that you took your injuries seriously. Most importantly, following the prescribed treatments should help you recover and move forward.

If possible, use your phone to take photos and videos at the accident scene, capturing details such as vehicle damage, road conditions, visible injuries, traffic signals, and any other relevant evidence. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved and gather names, phone numbers, and statements from witnesses who saw the accident.

Next, submit a police report, as it serves as an official record of the incident and can be crucial evidence for your claim. When speaking with officers, provide truthful information and focus on the facts.

After that, notify your insurer about the accident. Be honest in your account, but refrain from admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later.

Finally, speak to a personal injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and navigate the complexities of filing a claim. An attorney will ensure you meet South Dakota’s legal deadlines.

Morgan & Morgan offers free case evaluations to explain your rights and guide you through the next steps.

Choosing the right attorney after an injury is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve.

Morgan & Morgan is the largest personal injury law firm in America, with a proven track record of success. Our South Dakota team combines national resources with local expertise, ensuring we understand the unique aspects of South Dakota law and its courts. With over 35 years of experience and over $25 billion recovered for our clients, we have the knowledge and resources to take on even the most challenging cases.

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe everyone deserves high-quality legal representation, no matter their financial situation; we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything upfront and only owe fees if we successfully win your case. This approach allows us to fight for your best interests without creating a financial burden.

We understand that dealing with an injury can be overwhelming. Morgan & Morgan’s South Dakota attorneys are committed to providing personalized attention to every client. We keep you informed throughout the legal process, answer all your questions, and are always available to discuss your case. Our attorneys treat every client with respect, compassion, and a dedication to fighting for justice.

Our South Dakota attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the state’s legal landscape, including local courts, judges, and opposing counsel. This familiarity enables us to anticipate potential challenges and adapt our strategy to enhance your chances of success. We know what it takes to win in South Dakota and are ready to put that knowledge to work for you.

At Morgan & Morgan, our motto is “For the People.” We are passionate about fighting for justice on behalf of our clients and ensuring that their voices are heard. Our commitment to client satisfaction is reflected in the positive feedback we receive and the numerous referrals from satisfied clients.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, choosing Morgan & Morgan means selecting a law firm to fight tirelessly for your rights and well-being. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

You might be entitled to compensation if you've been injured due to someone else's negligence. We want to ensure everyone can access information and get justice, so you can simply contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options. Our team can review the details of your situation and advise you on the best course of action.

To have a valid personal injury claim, you generally need to prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. This includes demonstrating the following elements:

• Duty of Care: The other party had a legal duty to act responsibly, such as driving safely or maintaining a safe environment.
• Breach of Duty: The other party breached their duty of care through actions or inactions, such as speeding or neglecting to address a hazard.
• Causation: There must be a direct link between the breach of duty and your injuries. You need to show that their actions were the actual cause of your harm.
• Damages: You suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses from the accident.

The best way to determine if you have a valid case is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can assess the details of your situation, gather and review evidence, explain your rights and options under South Dakota law, and guide you through the legal process.

The amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and the specifics of your case. However, exceptions, such as in cases involving minors, government entities, or when the injury wasn’t discovered immediately, may apply.

It's important to file your claim as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.

Because deadlines differ by state and case circumstances, it’s important to consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident. They can help you understand the specific timeline for your case and ensure your claim is filed accurately and on time.

Morgan & Morgan’s South Dakota attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

No, you do not have to pay for a consultation with a South Dakota personal injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan. Our personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to potential clients.

If you choose to work with Morgan & Morgan’s South Dakota office, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay legal fees if your attorney successfully recovers your compensation. If you don’t win, you don’t owe any fees.

The compensation you receive in a personal injury case can vary based on your case's unique details, but it typically includes:

Medical Expenses

You may be eligible to recover medical expenses related to your injury, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any necessary future medical care.

Lost Wages

If your injury has prevented you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes the income you have already missed and any future earnings you may be unable to earn due to your injury.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from your injury. This may include damages for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and a diminished quality of life.

Property Damage

If the incident damaged your personal property, you may be entitled to compensation for repair or replacement costs. This is especially common in cases involving car accidents, where vehicle damage plays a major role.

Loss of Consortium

Sometimes, your spouse or family members may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and services resulting from your injury.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant's actions were particularly egregious or reckless, you might be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Disability and Disfigurement

If your injury has led to a long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be eligible for compensation to address its effect on your ability to work, carry out daily activities, and cope with the emotional challenges of these changes.

Other Related Expenses

You may also recover other expenses related to your injury, such as transportation costs for medical appointments, home modifications needed to accommodate a disability, and the cost of assistive devices like wheelchairs.

Every case is different, and the compensation you may recover will depend on the specifics of your injury and the extent of your damages. At Morgan & Morgan, our experienced attorneys will thoroughly assess your case and relentlessly pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Who will be on my South Dakota case team?

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer; you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team with a primary attorney overseeing your case and ensuring you receive personalized attention.

When do I meet with my South Dakota lawyer?

After your initial consultation, your care team will schedule regular meetings to discuss your case, provide updates, and prepare you for upcoming proceedings. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and keeping you informed every step of the way.

These meetings can be in person, virtually, or by phone, depending on the needs of your case and your availability.

Do you have attorneys in South Dakota who speak multiple languages?

Yes, Morgan & Morgan has a diverse team of attorneys who speak multiple languages, including Spanish. We are committed to ensuring that language barriers do not hinder your access to the legal representation you deserve.

After you file your personal injury claim in South Dakota, the at-fault party's insurance company will review it. A claims adjuster will be assigned to your case to review the accident details, analyze documentation, and evaluate the extent of your injuries. The adjuster may collect evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other relevant information to determine liability and damages.

The insurance company will carefully review all submitted documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and other relevant evidence. They may contact witnesses, consult experts, or conduct site visits to understand the incident better.

Once the evidence is gathered, the insurance adjuster will assess your claim by evaluating liability and calculating damages. The insurance company will usually propose a settlement based on their evaluation. However, this offer may fall short of your expectations or actual needs. Examining it carefully is essential, as it might not adequately compensate for all your damages. If the initial offer is insufficient, your Morgan & Morgan personal injury attorney can negotiate on your behalf to seek a fair settlement that accurately reflects the true value of your claim.

Negotiations can involve back-and-forth communication between your attorney and the insurance adjuster. Your attorney may present a counteroffer based on your assessment of damages, leading to further discussions until a mutually acceptable agreement is reached. You may need to file a lawsuit if negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory settlement.

Many personal injury cases are settled before going to trial. Depending on the circumstances, resolving a case out of court can be faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective. 

Whether your case settles or proceeds to trial depends on various factors, including the strength of the evidence, the other party’s willingness to negotiate, and your personal preferences. At Morgan & Morgan, we approach every case with the expectation that it may go to trial, ensuring we are fully prepared to fight for the maximum compensation possible. Our attorneys are ready to take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

The length of a personal injury lawsuit depends on factors such as case complexity, injury severity, and the parties' willingness to settle. While some cases may be resolved within months, others can take years, particularly if they proceed to trial. 

At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys are dedicated to handling your case efficiently without compromising thoroughness. We will offer a projected timeline based on your case specifics and keep you informed of any updates. To learn more, get a free case evaluation today.

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand that staying informed about your case is important to you. In South Dakota, our attorneys are committed to keeping you updated regularly throughout the legal process. You will receive updates at key stages of your case, including when significant developments occur, important information becomes available, or crucial decisions need to be made. These updates ensure you know what’s happening and can make well-informed choices.

Along with updates at key milestones, our team will arrange regular check-ins to review your case's progress, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have.

You can contact your attorney or case manager if you have any questions or need an update between scheduled communications. We prioritize prompt responses, as clear and open communication is essential to a successful client-attorney relationship.

We aim to provide clear, transparent updates so you always know where your case stands. We are dedicated to guiding you through the process and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

Los abogados de lesiones personales de Morgan & Morgan entendemos lo importante que es resolver todas sus preguntas legales en el idioma en el que usted pueda entender mejor. Por eso contamos con una sección de Preguntas Frecuentes en nuestra página de abogados.com. Recuerde que en caso de ser victima de un accidente y necesitar ayuda legal, usted cuenta con los abogados de Morgan & Morgan. Siendo el bufete de abogados de lesiones personales más grande de los Estados Unidos, contamos con los recursos y la experiencia que usted necesita para defender sus derechos. ¡La justicia es derecho de todos!