Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Sioux Falls

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Sioux Falls, South Dakota?

  To reach the Sioux Falls Police Department, call (605) 367-7212.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Sioux Falls, South Dakota?

  To obtain a police report from the Sioux Falls Police Department, visit the Law Enforcement Center at 224 W. Ninth Street from Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Please be informed that the report costs $6 per copy.

• Why is a trucking accident more complicated than a car accident in Sioux Falls?

  It is complicated because if you get hit by a private car, you have no one to go after but the driver operating it. However, if a truck has hit you in Sioux Falls, many parties could be held liable for this. These include:

  • The driver, who may be drunk or disobeying traffic laws.
  • The trucking company, which may be overworking its drivers.
  • The truck manufacturer, which may have rolled out defective car parts.

• Can you sue the owner of the property in Sioux Falls where you tripped and suffered a concussion because of a broken floor tile?

  Yes, you can. Any owner should ensure that their property in Sioux Falls does not cause any harm to anyone within it by doing either or both of the following:

  • Removing any potentially dangerous things or obstacles, or fixing anything that might cause an injury, such as a broken floor tile.
  • Putting up a warning sign to alert people, such as a wet floor sign.

• Does it count as negligence if the owner of the pool in Sioux Falls where a loved one drowned failed to hire enough lifeguards?

  Absolutely. If the only reason you're suffering from injuries is that somebody forgot to fulfill their responsibilities, then it is described as a negligent action. In this case, the pool owner did not hire enough lifeguards to guarantee the safety of his pool patrons. It is best to acquire the help of a Sioux Falls attorney to hold the owner accountable for all damages incurred.

• How long does it usually take for a personal injury claim in Sioux Falls to reach a resolution?

  It is impossible to say that there are no two cases in Sioux Falls that are the same, and a case's unique circumstances can affect the length of the ordeal. Whether or not the insurance company disputes your claim also plays into how long it is going to take. Still, if a case is pretty clean-cut, it can take between six to eight months. The complicated ones can sometimes take up to three years.

• Is there a chance that a personal injury claim is going to hurt the chances of someone seeking immigration in Sioux Falls or vice versa?

  These two things should not have any effect on each other whatsoever. It is a clear violation of ethical rules for any lawyer in Sioux Falls to be using someone's immigration status against them. Nevertheless, your attorney will be keeping your conversations confidential and should be able to provide you with an interpreter in case you need one.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.