South Dakota Auto Injury Attorney Directory
Top Auto Accident Law Firms in Sioux Falls
Johnson Janklow Abdallah, LLP
- Location: Sioux Falls, SD
- Address: Historic Security National Bank Centre, downtown Sioux Falls
- Contact: 605-338-4304
- Website: https://janklowabdallah.com/areas-of-practice/car-accidents
- Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, recreational vehicle accidents
- Background: Considered by many to be the premier car accident law firm in South Dakota
- Special Services: Free consultation, thorough investigation of each case
- Special Quality: Clients work directly with attorneys throughout their cases with responsive communications
- Experience: Two decades of name recognition and litigation success
- Website Info: Available
King Law Firm, P.C.
- Lead Attorney: David King
- Location: Sioux Falls, SD
- Contact: 855-201-0098
- Website: https://www.davidkinglawfirm.com
- Focus: Motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, personal injury
- Background: Over 30 years representing clients in South Dakota and Iowa
- Achievement: Millions in recovery for clients
- Special Quality: Aggressive representation through all stages of the legal process
- Client Testimonials: Multiple positive testimonials highlighting professionalism and results
- Special Services: Regular client meetings (every 30-45 days)
- Approach: Prepares for trial from the beginning, even in cases that settle
- Service Area: Throughout South Dakota and northwest Iowa
- Website Info: Available
Top Auto Accident Law Firms in Rapid City
Beardsley, Jensen & Lee
- Lead Attorneys: Steven C. Beardsley, Gary D. Jensen, Brad J. Lee, Brett A. Poppen, Matthew McIntosh, Elliot John Bloom, Jessica L. Larson, Michael S. Beardsley
- Location: Rapid City, SD
- Address: 4200 Beach Dr., Suite #3, Rapid City, SD 57702
- Contact: (605) 777-7466
- Website: https://www.blackhillslaw.com/personal-injury/car-accidents/
- Focus: Car accidents, personal injury
- Experience: More than 100 years of collective experience
- Recognition: Founding partners hold highest possible AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- Special Services: Free, no-obligation consultation
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am to 5pm
- Notable Achievements: Multiple attorneys selected for Super Lawyers lists
- Website Info: Available
Anker Law Group
- Location: Rapid City, SD
- Contact: 605-519-5967
- Website: https://www.ankerlawgroup.com/practice-areas/auto-accidents/
- Focus: Auto accidents, including car, motorcycle, truck, ATV, boat, and pedestrian-related accidents
- Experience: Successfully representing auto accident clients for 32 years
- Special Services: Collaborates with experts including trauma doctors, chiropractors, forensics engineers, mechanics, and collision reconstruction analysts
- Approach: Emphasizes timely investigation of claims
- Website Info: Available
Top Auto Accident Law Firms in Brookings
Helsper, McCarty and Rasmussen Law Firm
- Location: Brookings, SD
- Website: https://lawinsd.com/practice-areas/personal-injury/
- Focus: Auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents
- Experience: Over 75 years of combined experience in personal injury cases
- Special Qualities: Accessible, communicative, and compassionate toward clients
- Background: Full-service personal injury firm committed to obtaining great results
- Service Areas: Auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, boating accidents, alcohol-related accidents, and more
- Website Info: Available
South Dakota Auto Accident Legal Information
Insurance Requirements in South Dakota
- South Dakota is a “fault” or “tort” state for car accidents
- Minimum liability insurance requirements:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury (multiple people)
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is required:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
South Dakota’s Slight-Gross Negligence Rule
- South Dakota follows a unique “slight-gross comparative negligence” rule
- The plaintiff can only recover if their negligence was “slight” compared to the defendant’s “gross” negligence
- If plaintiff’s fault is 50% or more, they cannot recover any damages
- If plaintiff’s fault is less than 50%, damages are reduced by their percentage of fault
- This system differs from most states’ comparative negligence rules
Statute of Limitations
- Personal injury claims: Three years from the date of the accident
- Property damage claims: Six years from the date of the accident
- Wrongful death claims: Three years from the date of death
- Missing these deadlines generally forfeits the right to compensation
Accident Reporting Requirements
- Accidents must be reported if they result in:
- Any personal injuries or fatalities
- More than $1,000 in property damage to any one person
- More than $2,000 in total property damage
- Damage to an unattended vehicle if owner cannot be located
- Drivers must immediately notify the police for qualifying accidents
- Insurance information must be exchanged with other drivers
- After Marsy’s Law passed, there is a three-day hold on releasing accident reports to give victims privacy rights
- Reports can be purchased online or at local police stations after the waiting period
Why Hire a South Dakota Auto Injury Attorney
- Navigating South Dakota’s unique slight-gross negligence rule requires legal expertise
- The three-year statute of limitations requires timely legal action
- Insurance companies often attempt to minimize settlements
- South Dakota’s fault-based system means you need to prove the other driver’s negligence
- Law enforcement statistics show Pennington and Minnehaha counties have the highest accident rates
- According to South Dakota Department of Public Safety, 12.8% of South Dakota drivers involved in collisions were injured in 2021
- Most firms offer free consultations and contingency fee arrangements
This comprehensive directory of South Dakota auto injury attorneys provides essential information for accident victims seeking legal representation. The firms listed offer specialized expertise in navigating South Dakota’s specific auto accident laws and insurance requirements, with most providing free consultations and contingency fee arrangements to help clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.