Truck accidents in South Dakota can be very confusing. Even knowing where to find accurate information about your rights can be difficult. We know what you're going through. That's because the Sioux Falls truck accident attorneys at Northern Plains Justice, LLP have decades of experience handling such complicated cases. That's why we have such a well-earned reputation throughout the state. We know how the legal system works, and we know how to win.
Every accident is unique. That's why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to truck accidents. Contact us, and learn more about how we can help you. Schedule your free case evaluation right now.
Your Truck Accident FAQs Answered by Our Trusted Sioux Falls Legal Team
- Should I call the police if a commercial truck crashes into my vehicle?
- What information should I get from the driver if I'm involved in a truck accident?
- Who investigates commercial truck accidents in South Dakota?
- Do the same laws apply to commercial truck accidents?
- Should I contact the trucking company if a truck driver caused my accident?
- What if I can't reach the trucking company after my truck accident?
- What if the trucking company contacts me after my crash? Should I talk to them?
- Should I contact my insurance company after my truck accident?
- Should I talk to the truck driver's insurance company after my truck accident?
- Should I accept a settlement offer after my truck accident?
- Can I ask for more money than I'm offered for my truck accident?
- What is my South Dakota truck accident worth?
- Should I file a lawsuit after my truck accident?
- How can a lawyer help me with my South Dakota truck accident?
Should I call the police if a commercial truck crashes into my vehicle?
Yes. If the truck driver who caused your crash tries to talk you out of calling the police, insist on having the police respond to your accident. When a police officer investigates your crash, they create an official accident report. This report can serve as a critical piece of evidence. Insurance companies regularly rely on accident reports when determining if they should compensate the accident victim and with how much. Without an official accident report, you might have a difficult time getting the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What information should I get from the driver if I'm involved in a truck accident?
If a truck driver causes your car accident, make sure you get the following information from the truck driver:
- Full name
- Home address
- Phone number
- License plate number
- Insurance provider
- Insurance policy number
- Trucking company name
- Trucking company address
- Trucking company phone number
Who investigates commercial truck accidents in South Dakota?
Depending on the location and severity of your truck accident, the following local, state, and federal agencies may investigate your accident:
- Local police
- South Dakota Highway Patrol (especially if the accident occurred
- on an interstate highway)
- National Transportation Safety Board (especially if the accident was severe)
In addition to these official government agencies, the insurance company for the truck driver and the trucking company itself might investigate your accident. That's why it's critical that you have someone investigating the truck accident on your behalf. That's why you need us in your corner, fighting for your rights.
Do the same laws apply to commercial truck accidents?
No. You might not realize it, but different laws apply to truck accidents and the commercial truck drivers who operate such large vehicles. In order to legally operate a large truck, the driver must have a special Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Federal laws governing CDL drivers are also stricter. Such laws include:
- Texting while driving prohibited for all CDL drivers
- Lower Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for CDL drivers in South Dakota
- Limiting the number of hours CDL drivers can drive in a 24-hour period
- Keeping accurate Hours of Service (HOS) records
Our attorneys thoroughly understand all these unique regulations. That's why we have such a strong track record of success. We know the rules and what it takes to win.
Should I contact the trucking company if a truck driver caused my accident?
Yes. But if you are not comfortable doing so, we can contact the trucking company on your behalf. We know what questions to ask and what information you need to build a strong legal case. Such records include:
- Driver's qualification file (DQF)
- Hours of Service (HOS) records
- Maintenance records
- Truck driver's driving history
And if the trucking company refuses to provide such information, we're prepared to do whatever it takes to uncover the truth.
What if I can't reach the trucking company after my truck accident?
Contact our law firm. We know how to track down trucking companies throughout the country. Whether they’re from South Dakota or out of state, our truck accident lawyers know how to locate trucking companies to demand the information about your accident and the truck driver who caused it. Don't give up trying to contact the trucking company. Let us take care of it. That's what we're here for—to help you hold trucking companies and truck drivers accountable for their actions.
What if the trucking company contacts me after my crash? Should I talk to them?
Absolutely not. Anything you say to the trucking company could be used against you. Instead, politely decline to answer their questions, and tell them you have retained an attorney. Then, contact our Sioux Falls law firm. We have years of experience dealing with trucking companies. We know what to say and what information matters most after a truck accident.
Should I contact my insurance company after my truck accident?
Yes. But simply tell them you were in an accident. Don't say too much. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you might need to seek compensation for your crash from your own insurance company. And if that's the case, your own insurance company might give you a hard time. If they can, your own insurance company might deny your accident claim, especially if your accident-related expenses add up to thousands of dollars.
Should I talk to the truck driver's insurance company after my truck accident?
No. Don't say a word to the other driver's insurance company. Their questions might sound innocent. But what they're really doing is looking for reasons to reduce or deny your accident claim. Simply tell the truck driver's insurance company to contact our law firm. We know how to handle these conversations. That's because we have years of experience dealing with complicated truck accidents.
Should I accept a settlement offer after my truck accident?
Always carefully consider what to do before agreeing to accept any financial offer for your truck accident. What might seem like a reasonable offer may not even come close to covering all your accident-related expenses. And once you agree to accept a settlement offer for your truck accident, you might not be able to ask for any additional money ever again. That's why we want to meet with you to review any offer you receive for your accident. If we think it's a good deal, we'll tell you. If not, we'll vigorously fight for the compensation you deserve.
Can I ask for more money than I'm offered for my truck accident?
Yes. Insurance providers and trucking companies don't want you to know that you have the right to ask for more money after your crash. They want you to simply accept whatever offer they provide. We can help you demand the compensation you rightfully deserve. We have years of experience negotiating sizable settlements for truck accident victims. We know how the system works and how to get results.
What is my truck accident worth?
Every accident is different. Some truck accidents are worth thousands of dollars. Others can potentially be worth millions of dollars depending on the circumstances of your crash. Common accident-related expenses include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost future income
- Car repairs
- Physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
Your accident and expenses could be very different. That's why we want to meet with you to learn more about your accident. We can help you evaluate your crash and decide how much compensation we should pursue on your behalf.
Should I file a lawsuit after my truck accident?
Perhaps. Sometimes, filing a lawsuit is the best way to obtain the money you rightfully deserve for your truck accident. This is especially true if the truck driver's insurance company refuses to negotiate with us after your crash. Some law firms do everything they can to avoid going to court after a truck accident. We're prepared to do whatever it takes. If filing a lawsuit is the best approach, that's exactly what we will do for you. We have years of courtroom experience. We know how to prepare a case for trial, and we have the case results to prove it. That's why we have such a well-earned reputation for being an effective law firm that gets the job done right.
How can a lawyer help me with my truck accident?
Truck accident cases can be very complicated. Unlike car accidents, you're not just dealing with another driver. You're often dealing with several different companies, including the:
- Trucking company
- Company that manufactured products that were on the truck
- Company that loaded the truck
- Truck manufacturer
And in each case, you could be dealing with each company’s insurance provider and all of their attorneys. Trying to take all these people on by yourself and successfully obtaining the money you deserve for your accident can be impossible. That’s why it’s critical that you have our Sioux Falls legal team in your corner standing up for your rights. Our truck accident attorneys know what evidence to look for, what questions to ask, and how to win tough legal cases. You often only have one opportunity for justice. Give your case an advantage. Contact Northern Plains Justice, LLP right now.