An injury in Sioux Falls, South Dakota can turn your life upside down—causing severe pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. The right legal representation can mean the difference between accepting pennies on the dollar and securing the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.
At Monge & Associates, we’ve been standing up for injured South Dakotans since 1993. Behind every case is a real person facing real challenges, and our Sioux Falls personal injury lawyers are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today and learn how we can help protect your rights and your future.
Over $1B+ Won For Clients
Injured Due To Someone’s Negligence?
No Fees Unless We Win!
Why Choose Our Sioux Falls Personal Injury Law Firm?
Proven Track Record
Our history of successful outcomes demonstrates our commitment to maximizing compensation for our clients. We’ve secured substantial settlements and verdicts across a wide range of personal injury cases, including a $1.2 million wrongful death recovery for a motorcycle accident victim’s family and multiple settlements exceeding $500,000 for other negligence cases.
Deep Understanding of South Dakota Personal Injury Law
Choosing Monge & Associates means working with attorneys who thoroughly understand South Dakota’s legal landscape. We can provide invaluable insights into local judges, opposing counsel tactics, and the nuances that can make or break your case.
Comprehensive Legal Support
From the moment you contact us, you gain access to comprehensive legal support designed to remove stress from your recovery process. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide updates on your case. Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing upfront—we only get paid when we win your case.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Personal injuries can happen anywhere, anytime, and in countless ways. At Monge & Associates, we have the experience and resources to handle the full spectrum of personal injury cases that occur throughout Sioux Falls, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bite cases
- Uber/Lyft accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Workers’ compensation claims
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Product liability
- Wrongful death
Understanding South Dakota Personal Injury Law
South Dakota’s Modified Comparative Fault System
South Dakota follows a modified comparative fault system that directly affects how much compensation you can receive. If you’re found to be partially at fault for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you’ll receive $80,000. However, if you’re determined to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation at all.
Statute of Limitations in South Dakota
South Dakota law gives you three years from the date of your accident to file most personal injury lawsuits. This deadline is strict, and missing it typically means losing your right to compensation forever. However, there are some exceptions, such as when injuries aren’t discovered immediately after an accident. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
South Dakota Insurance Requirements
South Dakota requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. The state also mandates uninsured motorist coverage that matches your liability limits, typically capped at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.
Damage Caps in South Dakota
South Dakota generally doesn’t limit compensatory or punitive damages in personal injury cases, allowing you to seek full compensation. However, medical malpractice cases have a $500,000 cap on non-economic damages.
What Must You Prove to Win Your Sioux Falls Personal Injury Case?
The Four Elements of Negligence
To win your personal injury case, you must prove four key elements of negligence. First, the defendant owed you a duty of care, such as a driver’s duty to operate their vehicle safely. Second, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions. Third, their breach directly caused your injuries. Finally, you suffered damages as a result of their negligence.
Evidence Collection Process
Building a strong personal injury case requires comprehensive evidence collection. This includes obtaining all medical records and expert testimony about your injuries, conducting accident reconstruction and scene investigation, gathering witness statements and surveillance footage, and documenting all financial losses related to your accident.
Your attorney from Monge & Associates will make sure this evidence is collected properly and promptly. We work with investigators, medical experts, and other professionals to build the strongest possible case for you.
Compensation Available in South Dakota Personal Injury Claims
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for the financial losses resulting from your accident. This includes all medical expenses, both past and future, related to your injuries. You can also recover property damage, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify. Examples include:
- Physical pain
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Depression and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
South Dakota allows punitive damages when a defendant’s conduct is willful, wanton, or malicious. These damages go beyond compensation and are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar future conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sioux Falls Personal Injury Cases
Do I Qualify for a Personal Injury Lawsuit in South Dakota?
You may qualify for a personal injury lawsuit if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. This includes accidents caused by distracted driving, unsafe premises, defective products, or professional malpractice.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident in Sioux Falls?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Document the scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the police and consult with a Sioux Falls personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in South Dakota?
Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident date. However, some cases involving government entities have much shorter deadlines.
Can I Still Recover If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover damages.
What Should I Do If Insurance Companies Contact Me?
Be polite but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlement offers. Refer the representative to your attorney—they will handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, and the degree of the defendant’s fault. An attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand what fair compensation should look like.
Take Action Now – Contact Our Sioux Falls Personal Injury Lawyers
With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, Monge & Associates has the knowledge and dedication to handle your case effectively. Contact us today at (888) 477-0597 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.