Rapid City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Strong Legal Representation for Accident Victims

There are many pros to riding a motorcycle, from saving on gas to getting where you need to go faster. Unfortunately, there are also some cons as well. In an accident between a car and a motorcyclist, the motorcycle rider tends to suffer much more severe injuries since they are significantly more vulnerable. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have suffered life-altering injuries. You may be worried about how you will pay for emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages. Our Rapid City motorcycle accident attorneys at Whiting Hagg & Dorsey, LLP, are here to help.

Navigation:

1. Seeking Maximum Compensation for Your Accident
2. Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
3. Is South Dakota An At-Fault State?
4. How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
5. Can You Get PTSD from a Motorcycle Accident?

Seeking Maximum Compensation for Your Accident

​Motorcycle accidents can leave victims seriously injured. In some cases, the injuries suffered in these accidents may never heal. You may not be able to return to work for quite some time, if ever. If we are entrusted with a motorcycle accident claim like yours, you can rely on us to pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.

We may be able to get you compensation for:

• Current and future lost wages
• Medical bills
• Emergency room care
• Rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Medications

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in South Dakota

No two motorcycle accidents are the same, though this does not mean that many collisions have similar causes. Popular myth would have you believe that most motorcycle crashes are the result of motorcyclist negligence. In reality, it has been shown that a significant portion of motorcycle accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the drivers of passenger vehicles on the roadways. "Driver negligence" is a broad term that can be used to describe literally hundreds of different actions. Simply put, a driver can be considered negligent any time he or she fails to obey all necessary traffic laws.

Some of the most common forms of driver negligence that cause motorcycle accidents include:

• Failing to check blind spots
• Speeding
• Driving while under the influence
• Texting while driving
• Running red lights and stop signs

South Dakota is an At-Fault State for Motorcycle Accidents

While some states operate under a "no-fault" system which requires injured motorcyclists to turn to their own insurance companies for compensation after a crash, South Dakota holds negligent parties responsible under a traditional fault-based system. An attorney from our firm can review the circumstances that led to your crash and identify all parties that may be held legally accountable.

Call us if someone caused your motorcycle accident and you suffered any of the following injuries:

• Road rash
• Whiplash
• Broken or fractured bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussions / head injuries
• Cuts / lacerations
• Amputation

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Like any type of personal injury claim, motorcycle accident injury claims are subject to a strict legal deadline known as a "statute of limitations" that limits the amount of time you have to take legal action. In South Dakota, injured motorcyclists have three years from the date of their accident to file a claim in court against the responsible party. If a motorcyclist was killed in a crash, this same three-year deadline also applies to families who wish to pursue a wrongful death claim in court. Finally, property damage claims stemming from motorcycle accidents must be filed within six years of the collision to be heard in state courts.

Whichever deadline applies, if you attempt to file a claim after the statute of limitations period has passed, your case will almost certainly be dismissed and you will effectively lose your right to pursue compensation. Even if you are confident that your case will be resolved through an insurance settlement, you will want to give yourself and your attorney plenty of time to file a lawsuit if necessary. If you think you may be approaching the filing deadline, it is important to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable South Dakota motorcycle accident attorney.

Choose a Skilled Rapid City Personal Injury Lawyer

At Whiting Hagg & Dorsey, LLP, we truly care about you as our client. We work to build the strongest case possible to secure you the compensation you deserve. When we take on your personal injury case, you can count on us to keep your best interest in mind and constantly keep you updated throughout the claim process. If you believe another person was responsible for your crash, our compassionate Rapid City motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help.

Can You Get PTSD from a Motorcycle Accident?

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental and emotional injury that occurs in some victims following a traumatic event. While this type of damage isn't necessarily visible, it still qualifies as an injury that changes your life. In many cases victims of PTSD must receive professional treatment and guidance in order to overcome their trauma. If you believe you have suffered post-traumatic stress as a result of your motorcycle accident, our attorneys can help you build a case to obtain the compensation you deserve.