Sioux Falls Truck Accident Lawyer

Types of Accident Cases Our Sioux Falls Truck Accident Lawyers Handle

In Sioux Falls and across South Dakota, our highways are busy with commercial truck traffic, particularly along I-29 and I-90. At Northern Plains Justice, our experienced truck accident lawyers handle all types of commercial vehicle accidents, including:

Semi-Trucks (18-Wheelers)

These massive vehicles dominate South Dakota highways, especially near the I-29 and I-90 interchange in Sioux Falls. We frequently deal with accidents caused by severe weather conditions like winter snowstorms and summer thunderstorms. Semi-truck crashes can also happen in crowded areas such as West 41st Street or Minnesota Avenue, where heavy traffic and sharp turns increase risks.

Agricultural Trucks

Unique to our region, agricultural trucks carry grain, livestock, and farm equipment across Sioux Falls. They are particularly prevalent during harvest season on rural roads and highways. Common accident causes include overloaded grain trucks, unsecured equipment, and slow-moving vehicles entering busy roads.

Box Trucks

Box trucks are vital for Sioux Falls’ growing business sector, serving retail and delivery needs. Accidents often occur in high-traffic zones like the Empire Mall area or downtown Sioux Falls. These trucks are prone to instability, especially during the region’s strong crosswinds, resulting in serious collisions.

Flatbed Trucks

With Sioux Falls’ thriving construction industry, flatbed trucks frequently carry building materials and heavy equipment through the city. We handle accidents caused by unsecured loads and shifting cargo on roads like East 10th Street and Cliff Avenue. Construction zones often exacerbate the risks.

Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks transport fuel and agricultural liquids through Sioux Falls, often traveling to industrial areas and ethanol plants. These vehicles are hazardous during icy winter conditions, as their liquid cargo can shift, compromising stability and leading to dangerous accidents.

Delivery Vans

With Sioux Falls’ rapid residential development, delivery vehicles are increasingly common in neighborhoods like southern Sioux Falls and Brandon. Their frequent stops and operation in residential zones can lead to accidents, particularly in school zones and during winter when road conditions worsen.

Common Types of Sioux Falls Truck Accidents

At Northern Plains Justice, we handle a wide variety of truck accident cases, including:

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out of control, forming an L or V shape. These incidents often result in multi-vehicle crashes and severe injuries.

Rollover Accidents

High speeds, sharp turns, or improper loading can cause a truck to roll over. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Rear-End Collisions

Large trucks require significantly more time to stop compared to passenger vehicles. Rear-end collisions with trucks frequently lead to severe injuries, especially for those in smaller vehicles.

Underride Accidents

In underride accidents, smaller vehicles slide beneath a truck’s trailer, often causing fatal or life-altering injuries.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in South Dakota

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, take these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case:

• Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get medical attention immediately.

• Report the Accident to Authorities Ensure the police arrive to document the scene. The resulting report will be vital for your case.

• Gather Evidence If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.

• Avoid Admitting Fault Do not admit fault, even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident. South Dakota’s comparative negligence rules could impact your case.

• Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer An experienced attorney can navigate the complexities of your case and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Asked Questions About South Dakota Truck Accident Injury Cases

Truck accidents often lead to devastating consequences and involve unique legal complexities, making it crucial to understand how these cases differ and what steps to take next:

Why are truck accident injury cases different from typical car accident cases in South Dakota?

Truck accident injury cases differ because of the complexity and severity involved. Trucks are governed by federal regulations, like those outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in addition to South Dakota state laws. These cases often involve multiple parties (e.g., trucking companies, drivers, or manufacturers), larger insurance policies, and more substantial damages due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Additionally, unique factors such as maintenance records, driver hours, and cargo securement often come into play.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident?

Liability in truck accident cases often extends beyond the truck driver to include:

• Trucking Company: If they pressured the driver to violate hours-of-service rules or neglected maintenance.
• Manufacturer: If a defective truck part caused the accident.
• Cargo Loaders: If improperly loaded cargo led to instability.
• Other Drivers: If their negligence contributed to the accident.
  Determining liability requires detailed investigation of records, logs, and other evidence.

What compensation can I recover in a truck accident case?

Victims may recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Current and future treatment costs.
• Lost Wages: For missed work and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: For physical and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence by the trucking company or driver.
  South Dakota uses a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you share fault.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

After a truck accident in South Dakota follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your safety comes first.
2. Call 911: Get police and emergency services involved to create an official report.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, vehicles, road conditions, and injuries.
4. Gather Information: Exchange contact details with the driver and any witnesses. Collect trucking company and insurance information.
5. Avoid Speaking to Insurers Immediately: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim.
6. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: A lawyer can protect your rights, investigate the accident, and handle complex legal processes.

Unique Challenges in Truck Accident Cases:

• Regulations: Truck drivers and companies are bound by federal and state laws, including hours-of-service rules and weight limits. Understanding these is crucial for building a case.
• Evidence Collection: Securing black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records can provide critical insights into the cause of the crash.
• Liability Issues: Multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or a third-party maintenance provider, might be responsible.

What Makes Northern Plains Justice Different:

• Local Knowledge: Sioux Falls’ busy interstates, such as I-29 and I-90, are hotspots for trucking traffic. Your familiarity with these roads and the hazards they pose adds value.
• Proven Results: Highlight case studies or settlements that demonstrate your track record.
• Compassionate Advocacy: Emphasize your client-centered approach, ensuring victims feel supported while pursuing justice.

Contact Information

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Address: 4301 W 57th St Unit 121, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 

Phone: 605-306-4100

Email: contact@northernplainsjustice.com

2025 Sioux Falls Truck Accident Trends

Most recent verifiable statistics in Sioux Falls, South Dakota include:

• In recent years, I-29 and I-90 around Sioux Falls have seen increased commercial truck traffic due to regional economic growth
• The Sioux Falls metro area accounts for approximately 30% of the state’s commercial vehicle incidents
• Winter months (November-March) typically see a higher concentration of truck accidents
• The I-29/I-90 interchange remains one of the most frequent locations for truck-related incidents

Key Risk Areas in Sioux Falls

• West 41st Street corridor near the Empire Mall
• Minnesota Avenue during peak business hours
• East 10th Street, particularly in industrial areas
• The 60th Street North industrial corridor
• Louise Avenue commercial district