Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident in South Dakota

Oct 27, 2025 | Car Accidents

Why You Need a Sioux Falls Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents in Sioux Falls often lead to serious injuries, medical bills, and lost income. Insurance companies may act quickly to minimize what they pay, leaving victims unsure of their rights.

At Northern Plains Justice, our Sioux Falls car accident lawyers know how to build strong cases under South Dakota’s comparative-fault system and hold negligent drivers accountable.

The Dangers of Driving in Sioux Falls and Surrounding Highways

Sioux Falls sees heavy traffic from Interstate 29, Interstate 90, and local routes like 41st Street, Minnesota Avenue, and Cliff Avenue. Weather plays a major role — icy roads, blowing snow, and low visibility increase crash risks, especially during the winter months.

Common risk factors include:

Distracted or impaired drivers
Speeding on interstates and rural roads
Failing to yield at intersections
Commercial vehicle and farm-equipment collisions
Rear-end crashes in stop-and-go traffic

Local familiarity matters. A Sioux Falls attorney who understands these patterns can locate witnesses, pull DOT data, and reconstruct the scene quickly.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a South Dakota Car Accident

You may be entitled to recover damages for:

Medical bills and rehabilitation
Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Emotional trauma
Wrongful death expenses (for surviving families)

The statute of limitations in most South Dakota car accident cases is three years from the date of the crash. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Sioux Falls

Following these steps can protect your claim and your health:

Call 911 and request medical help. Get a police report on record.
Document the scene. Take photos, videos, and witness information.
Avoid discussing fault. Even a casual apology can be used against you.
Seek medical care immediately. Hidden injuries like whiplash or concussions may surface later.
Contact a Sioux Falls car accident lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters.

Northern Plains Justice can gather black-box data, commercial-driver logs, and surveillance footage before it disappears.

Why Choose Northern Plains Justice

Our attorneys are based in Sioux Falls, SD, and handle injury cases across Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties.

What sets us apart:

Local knowledge: We know Sioux Falls courts, judges, and insurers.
Trial experience: We take cases to court when insurance companies refuse fair settlements.
Client-focused communication: Direct access to your lawyer, not a call center.
Proven results: Millions recovered for crash victims across South Dakota.

Under South Dakota’s negligence rules, you may still recover compensation if your fault is only slight in comparison to the negligence of the defendant. Our Sioux Falls car accident lawyers work to prove the other driver’s negligence and maximize your recovery.

Mistakes That Can Damage Your Car Accident Claim

Waiting too long to seek medical care
Giving a recorded statement to insurers without legal guidance
Posting details about the crash on social media
Accepting an early settlement offer
Failing to follow doctor’s orders

A single mistake can reduce or eliminate your compensation. Always get legal advice before signing anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was partly at fault for the crash?

You may still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your fault percentage.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. Northern Plains Justice handles car accident cases on a contingency-fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Most South Dakota car accident cases must be filed within three years of the crash. However, it’s best to contact a lawyer immediately to preserve evidence.