{"id":376290,"date":"2016-11-22T13:49:15","date_gmt":"2016-11-22T18:49:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/south-dakota-law\/south-dakota-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2024-06-24T14:51:39","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T19:51:39","slug":"south-dakota-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-dakota-law\/south-dakota-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"South Dakota Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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South Dakota Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Most people will experience a car accident at some point. Unfortunately, one thing nobody ever teaches you is what to do after a car crash. Dealing with the insurance companies can be a frustrating process. It’s more intimidating if you have to sue the at-fault driver.<\/p>\r\n

If you are in a car accident in South Dakota, you’ll want to know whether you need to file a report, how to handle insurers, and how long you must file a court case. This article addresses these and other issues relating to the South Dakota car accident settlement process and timeline.<\/p>\r\n

Do I Need to Report a Car Accident in South Dakota?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

South Dakota Laws, Section 32-34-7<\/a>, requires that any driver involved in a car accident involving bodily injury, death, or property damage report the crash. You must report an accident with at least $1,000 in property damage. <\/p>\r\n

The problem is that it’s challenging to determine the extent of the property damage and whether one of the accident victims suffered an injury.<\/p>\r\n

It’s best to report your accident, regardless of how minor it is. This way, you don’t get into trouble, and you’ll increase your odds of receiving the compensation you deserve. Call 911 immediately after the collision. <\/p>\r\n

Emergency responders will come to the scene and do a thorough investigation. The officer will put their findings into the police report. Your South Dakota car accident lawyer will need this report to prove your case.<\/p>\r\n

South Dakota Car Insurance Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Drivers in South Dakota must maintain proof of their financial responsibility. This means drivers must keep an auto insurance policy that meets the state’s statutory minimum coverage requirements.<\/p>\r\n

These requirements in South Dakota Laws, Section 32-35-2<\/a>, and include:<\/p>\r\n