A car crash can turn your life upside down in seconds. Whether you are dealing with medical bills, car repairs, or calls from insurance adjusters, knowing what to do next can make all the difference. If you have been in a car accident anywhere in South Dakota — from Sioux Falls to Rapid City to Brookings to Aberdeen — this guide will walk you through the key steps to protect your rights and your recovery.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911 – If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately. South Dakota law (SDCL 32-34-3) requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Even in minor accidents, contacting the police is important — the report can serve as valuable evidence for your claim. Call the police when you are a victim of any kind of car crash.
Step 2: Exchange Information and Document the Scene – Get the name, contact information, driver’s license, license plate, and insurance details from the other driver(s). Take photos of the scene, damage, injuries, and any relevant road conditions, signage, or weather — particularly important during South Dakota winters, when black ice and snow can contribute to crashes.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention, Even If You Feel Fine – Many car accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. A prompt medical evaluation creates a clear record linking your injuries to the crash. Visit a local hospital or urgent care provider — such as Avera Health, Sanford Health, Monument Health, or other Urgent Care facilities located in South Dakota.
Step 4: Understand South Dakota’s Comparative Negligence Law – South Dakota is unique in that it applies a version of modified comparative negligence. Under SDCL 20-9-2, you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault — as long as your negligence is “slight” compared to the other party’s. Courts in South Dakota often leave it to juries to determine what qualifies as “slight,” making legal guidance critical.
Step 5: Avoid Giving Statements to the Insurance Company – Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Never admit fault or give a recorded statement without first consulting an attorney. This is especially important in South Dakota, where fault laws can be nuanced and statements may be used against you later.
Step 6: Track All Your Expenses and Missed Work – Keep a file of all medical bills, receipts, repair invoices, and proof of lost wages. This documentation is essential to building a strong claim under South Dakota personal injury law.
Step 7: Contact an Experienced South Dakota Car Accident Attorney – At Robert J. Rohl, Trial Lawyer, we help people throughout South Dakota hold negligent drivers accountable. We understand the local laws, courts, and insurance tactics — and we fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries/Claims We Handle:
● Wrongful Death
● Amputation
● Traumatic Brain Injury
● Degloving Injuries
● Whiplash and neck injuries
● Broken bones
● Concussions and head trauma
● Spinal cord injuries
● Emotional distress and PTSD
Damages You May Be Entitled To:
● Medical expenses (past and future)
● Lost income
● Pain and suffering
● Loss of Enjoyment of Life
● Disability/Permanent Injury
● Vehicle repair or replacement
● Future medical care and rehabilitation
● Costs attributable to modifying your home to live comfortably with your injuries
● Costs attributable to making life more comfortable with injuries
Why Choose Robert J. Rohl, Trial Lawyer? We’re based in South Dakota and proud to serve our community. We provide personal attention, responsive communication, and aggressive advocacy — from initial consultation through settlement or trial. Our clients are not just case numbers — they’re our neighbors, and we treat them that way.
Call Today for a Free Consultation – If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in South Dakota, contact Robert J. Rohl, Trial Lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you get your life back on track.