South Dakota Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

We Don’t Back Down from Tough, Complex Cases

Being involved in a motorcycle accident is a traumatic experience. In the aftermath of the accident, you may find yourself struggling to cope with severe, life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and ongoing treatments. To make matters worse, your injuries may prevent you from being able to work during your recovery. You could even find yourself unable to return to work for months or years if your injuries result in disability. And, of course, all of these challenges often pale in comparison to the immense physical and emotional struggles you face.

At Lowe Law Group, we understand just how serious motorcycle accidents are, as well as the lasting repercussions they have. Our South Dakota motorcycle accident attorneys are here to listen to your story and learn how we can help you get back on your feet. You shouldn’t have to face the consequences of someone else’s negligence on your own; let our team fight for the justice and recovery you deserve. We offer personal injury services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not owe any attorneys’ fees unless/until we win your case—guaranteed.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

While motorcyclists tend to have a poor reputation, with many people believing that they are unsafe drivers, this is simply not the case. In fact, most motorcycle accidents are caused by other motorists. The number one cause of motorcycle accidents is negligence; in the vast majority of cases, this negligence is on the part of another driver, not the motorcycle operator.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include other drivers engaging in the following behaviors:

• Speeding
• Following too close
• Texting while driving
• Using a handheld device/cell phone
• Driving while distracted
• Driving while intoxicated
• Running red lights/stop signs
• Failing to check blind spots before merging/changing lanes
• Passing unsafely/unlawfully
• Turning in front of oncoming motorcyclists
• Driving aggressively/recklessly

While these are some of the most common cause of motorcycle accidents, any unsafe or negligent driving behavior can lead to a devastating collision. When another motorist caused the accident that left you injured, you are entitled to seek financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim.

Understanding South Dakota’s Slight Comparative Negligence Laws

When it comes to determining liability, South Dakota follows what is known as the rule of comparative negligence. In most cases, the rule of comparative negligence allows injured individuals to recover compensation for their damages as long as they were less than 50% at fault, with the total recover reduced by the appropriate percentage. However, unlike other comparative negligence states, South Dakota follows its own unique standard.

In South Dakota, you are allowed to recover compensation for your damages if you were partially at fault for the accident as long as your fault was “slight” and the defendant’s fault was “gross,” or great. This is known as “slight-gross negligence.” If your fault is deemed to be more than “slight,” you are entirely barred from recovering damages.

This can be a very complex issue in any given personal injury claim. The defendant’s insurance company will likely try to argue that your contribution to the accident involved gross negligence, which could prevent you from recovering compensation. It’s critical that you contact an experienced South Dakota motorcycle accident lawyer who understands our state’s unique negligence laws.

We Are Ready to Listen to Your Story

At Lowe Law Group, we have an entire team of South Dakota personal injury lawyers who know how to navigate the state’s complex motorcycle accident and slight-gross negligence laws. In fact, we have a proven record of success, having secured millions of dollars for our clients over the years. We are proud to celebrate our clients’ wins, as they demonstrate the real ways in which we’ve helped injured individuals and their families move forward with their lives.

When you turn to Lowe Law Group, you get an entire team of attorneys, paralegals, medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and industry specialists all working together for you. We know that you need answers, which is why we answer calls 24/7 and always provide consistent, clear updates on the status of your case. We invite you to reach out to us today to learn more about how our team can help you.