In the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, everything can seem overwhelming, especially if you were seriously injured or a loved one lost their life. Seeking the assistance of a skilled Rapid City car accident lawyer cannot change what has happened, but it will put you on a level playing field with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and ensure the best chance of obtaining the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and damages. Most importantly, it will allow you to focus on what is most important–getting better.
We understand that many of our clients are facing financial hardship, and we are dedicated to fighting for their right to a fair recovery. We serve auto accident victims throughout South Dakota, from Rapid City to Sioux Falls, and the surrounding areas.
At Thomas Braun Bernard & Burke, LLP, we routinely handle cases involving injuries and fatalities caused by negligent or reckless drivers. Our goal is to hold these drivers accountable, both legally and financially, through personal injury claims. We strive to help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, physical injuries, disabilities, and other losses stemming from the accident. Our experienced car accident lawyers have the skills and resources necessary to fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Inattention and distracted driving
- Texting or using a cellphone while driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to obey traffic signals, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Merging or changing lanes improperly
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Unsafe or unlawful passing
- Speeding
Often, there are additional factors involved in these collisions, such as inclement weather resulting in poor road conditions and/or limited visibility, difficulty seeing during nighttime driving, construction zones, and/or mechanical failures/defects. Any of these elements can cause car accidents in South Dakota, but determining who is responsible in the context of these elements is the job of a skilled Rapid City attorney.
At Thomas Braun Bernard & Burke, LLP, our Rapid City car accident attorneys work with accident reconstructionists, mechanical engineers, weather experts, and other types of expert witnesses or specialists to fully investigate how the accident occurred, and, most importantly, that the other driver is liable. We pride ourselves in being relentless in our effects, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to sorting out what happened and holding the at-fault person responsible .
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents are traumatic events that can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises, to catastrophic injuries, to death.. The severity of an injury often depends on various factors such as the speed of the collision, the size/weight of the vehicles involved, the nature of the impact (i.e., head on versus side impact) the use of seatbelts, and the deployment of airbags. Here are some of the most common injuries that can occur in car accidents:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Death
What to Do After a Car Crash
If you are involved in a car accident, consider doing the following promptly:
- Seek medical attention if you are injured. After a car crash, the most important thing is to focus on your health. Even when a collision does not seem significant and you think that you were not hurt–or the symptoms are minor and will “probably go away”–you should consider getting checked out. Some injuries cannot be seen (such as internal bleeding) and may get worse if not treated, and other injuries frequently do not manifest themselves for a while. Getting checked out will give you peace of mind.
- Call the police so they can respond to the scene, preserve evidence of what happened by taking photographs and measurements, and prepare an accident report.
- Collect the contact information of the other motorist(s) involved in the crash as well as from any witnesses.
- If you are not injured, take pictures of the accident scene and all of the vehicles involved. If you are able to do so safely, photographs of the vehicles before they are moved from their post-crash position can be very helpful in proving that the other driver was at fault.. It is important to photograph the vehicles from as many angles as possible. Also, pay attention to photographing items that will show the scene, such as nearby traffic signs/signals, road conditions, any tire skid marks, and property damage. When you are able, it is also helpful to take photographs of your injuries, both initially and at varying stages of your recovery.
- When photographing the vehicles, do not forget that sometimes vehicle damage is often not limited to just to the exterior of the vehicle. For example, the frame may be bent, seat backs may be broken, or body components may have been pushed up against the engine.
- Reach out to a local car accident attorney in your area to discuss your legal options and whether you have a viable car accident claim worth pursuing.
Car Accident Statistics in South Dakota
When you get into your vehicle and begin traveling, you expect to arrive safely at your destination. No one anticipates being in a car crash. Thankfully, recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a more encouraging outlook for drivers in 2025.
Specifically, compared to the first half of 2023, the following areas saw decreases in fatalities during the first half of 2024:
- 9% in ejected passengers
- 7% in passengers
- 7% in unrestrained occupants of passenger vehicles
- 7% in passenger vehicle occupants less than 10 years old
- 6% in passenger vehicle rollover crashes
- 6% in passenger vehicle occupants
- 6% in speeding-related crashes
- 5% in rural or urban collector/local roads
- 5% involving roadway departure crashes
- 4% at night
- 4% during weekends
- 3% in pedestrians
- 12% during out-of-state travel
- 8% on urban interstates
These encouraging statistics reflect the ongoing efforts of organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the United States Department of Transportation, including initiatives like the National Roadway Safety Strategy and programs like the Safe Streets and Roads for All program.
While these trends are positive, it is essential to remain vigilant. Car accidents continue to happen, and factors like impaired driving, distracted driving, and speeding remain significant risks.
Contact Our Experienced Rapid City Auto Accident Attorneys
The car accident lawyers at Thomas Braun Bernard & Burke, LLP are dedicated to helping injury victims in Rapid City and throughout South Dakota. We understand the challenges you face after a car accident, and we are here to provide compassionate and aggressive legal representation. We are ready to discuss your legal rights and options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us today.
