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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Rapid City, SD

A motorcycle accident lawyer Rapid City, SD victims, require for help can assist in determining the proper course of legal action to take following an accident. The statistics for those who enjoy motorcycles are not favorable should they succumb to an accident. As a result, injuries can be substantial, even life-threatening. While there are several safety considerations for riders to keep in mind to ensure that they are as safe as possible when out on the open road, in some cases, there is nothing that can prevent a collision from occurring at the hands of another driver. However, if you have been injured, one of your first steps should be to contact The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP for experienced and savvy guidance.
Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
A motorcycle accident can occur in a moment’s notice, and a person’s entire life can change. Motorcycles are incredibly vulnerable on the road. When facing a collision, a rider has nothing to protect them from the impact of an accident. Thus, there is a higher likelihood that a motorcycle crash will result in severe and even fatal injuries that can leave a victim and their family forever impacted. Common injuries that result from motorcycle accidents include:
- Brain Injuries
- Lacerations
- Road Rash
- Internal Damages
- Fractured Bones
- Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can happen in many ways. Other drivers may fail to see bikes on the road in most situations, whether at an intersection, on the highway, or traveling a two-lane road. Should a victim be faced with a motorcycle accident, our lawyer in Rapid City, South Dakota, can assist in putting the pieces back together.
Your First Step is to Find a Lawyer
After a motorcycle accident, you will need to consider whether it’s in your best interest to seek damages for the injuries and losses you are left to manage. However, timing is critical because you will have a limited time frame to take action. While you will undoubtedly need the assistance of an experienced lawyer, you must take great care in choosing the right professional for the job. Take the time to find a personal injury lawyer for your motorcycle accident by:
- Researching prospective lawyers in your area
- Finding a lawyer who is in your area and knows local and state laws
- Making sure that lawyers have experience in managing motorcycle accident cases
- Asking for references and case outcomes
- Taking advantage of the consultation offered by many accident lawyers
Motorcycles accidents can be devastating, should a collision occur, the consequences could be grave, even altering your life for the long term. If you or a loved one has been in an accident and believe someone should be held accountable, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP is prepared to assist you by taking the lead in managing your legal case so that you can focus on your recovery. For services, you can rely upon, schedule a consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyer in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Recovering Damages For Motorcycle Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be facing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. On top of that, dealing with the legal process to recover damages can feel overwhelming. However, understanding the types of damages you can claim and how the legal system works can significantly improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Our Rapid City, SD motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP offers professional counsel when you need it most. Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience. We are here to serve you.
Understanding The Types Of Damages You Can Claim
After a motorcycle accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. These damages generally fall into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses you’ve experienced, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for the more subjective, yet equally important, impacts of the accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
In motorcycle accidents, medical expenses often make up a significant portion of the damages claim. Motorcycle injuries can range from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, and the costs for treatment, whether hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, or ongoing care, can quickly add up. You can seek compensation for both past and future medical expenses, ensuring that you’re not left with the financial burden of recovery.
Proving Liability In Motorcycle Accidents
One of the biggest challenges in recovering damages for a motorcycle accident is proving liability. To recover compensation, you must show that the other party was responsible for the accident. This could be another driver’s negligence, reckless behavior, or failure to follow traffic laws. It may also involve road conditions or mechanical failures that contributed to the crash.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial at this stage. Our personal injury lawyer will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and professional testimony to establish the other party’s fault. In some cases, accident reconstruction specialists may be used to demonstrate exactly how the accident happened. The clearer the evidence of the other party’s responsibility, the stronger your case will be.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Once liability is established, the next step is negotiating a fair settlement. Insurance companies often offer settlements early in the process, hoping to resolve the claim quickly and for a low amount. However, these initial offers typically do not account for the full extent of your damages. They may fail to cover future medical treatments, long-term care needs, or the full emotional toll the accident has taken on your life.
Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine the true value of your claim, taking into account both your immediate and long-term needs. Our lawyer will handle negotiations with the insurance company so that you aren’t pressured into accepting an unfair settlement. If necessary, we will take the case to court, where a judge or jury can determine the appropriate compensation.
The Importance Of Legal Representation
Motorcycle accident victims often face significant challenges in recovering the compensation they deserve. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing their payouts, and the legal process can be complicated and overwhelming. Retaining our attorney who understands the unique aspects of motorcycle accident claims will give you a much better chance of obtaining the maximum amount of compensation.
Our experienced personal injury lawyer will fight to ensure that all of your damages are accounted for. We will also work to protect your rights throughout the legal process, handling all the paperwork, negotiations, and court appearances so you can focus on healing.
Recovering What You Deserve
Recovering damages after a motorcycle accident is not just about securing financial compensation. It’s also about getting your life back on track. Whether you are dealing with the physical consequences of your injuries or the emotional aftermath, securing a fair settlement can help you move forward. By understanding the types of damages you’re entitled to, proving liability, and working with our skilled attorney, you have the best chance of securing the compensation necessary for a full recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, Turn to a law firm professionally recognized for its service. At The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP we have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of legal cases, especially personal injury and motorcycle accident claims. We stand by our commitment to success and offer free initial consultations with our Rapid City motorcycle accident lawyer. Contact us today to see how we can help with your case.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
A motorcycle crash can quickly turn daily routines upside down, often resulting in serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. At our firm, we guide clients through each step of the legal process with a focus on building solid cases backed by clear facts. With over 40 years of combined trial experience, we’ve handled claims throughout Rapid City and western South Dakota involving wrongful death, serious injuries, and traffic collisions. We approach each case with careful planning and consistent communication. If you’re searching for a motorcycle accident lawyer, you’re likely wondering how long the process takes, what your insurance covers, or what kind of compensation you might receive.
How Long Does A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?
Our motorcycle accident legal team will share that the timeline for a motorcycle accident case varies. If liability and damages are clear, some claims settle within a few months. However, if there are disputes over fault, serious injuries, or insurance coverage, the case may take a year or more, especially if it goes to trial. We keep our clients updated at every stage and tailor our legal strategy to the needs of each case.
Will My Motorcycle Insurance Cover Medical Bills?
That depends on the type of policy. Liability-only coverage doesn’t cover your own injuries, but medical payments coverage or personal injury protection may offer some support depending on your policy. We often work with our clients’ insurance carriers to confirm what’s available and coordinate benefits if there are multiple policies involved. As a motorcycle crash attorney team, we know how to help clarify what coverage may apply in situations where care is needed right away.
Can I Sue For Pain And Suffering After A Motorcycle Crash?
Yes, pain and suffering are part of what we pursue in many personal injury claims. These damages cover physical pain, emotional distress, and disruptions to your daily life. The amount depends on the severity and duration of the harm, along with how it affects your ability to work or enjoy daily activities. Whether you’re working with a personal injury attorney or a motorbike injury law firm, this is a standard part of most settlement discussions.
What Evidence Helps In A Motorcycle Accident Case?
Key evidence includes photos from the crash scene, police reports, medical records, and eyewitness statements. If a vehicle had dash cam footage or a nearby business recorded the incident, that can help as well. Our motorcycle accident lawyer also works with accident reconstruction professionals when needed to understand speed, impact angles, and driver behavior. Whether you’re dealing with a road rash claim or a spinal injury, this documentation supports every aspect of the case.
What If The Accident Was Caused By Poor Road Conditions?
When a dangerous road surface or defect causes a crash, it’s possible to bring a claim against the city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the roadway. These cases involve shorter deadlines and different procedures, but they’re still valid. Our motorcycle crash attorney have handled claims involving potholes, loose gravel, construction zones, and poor signage. If you’re working with a motorcycle wreck attorney, this type of evidence becomes essential early on.
Moving Forward After A Motorcycle Accident
Each motorcycle injury case calls for clear, dedicated legal guidance tailored to the situation. From the start of the claim to its resolution, we work to protect our clients’ rights while pursuing the compensation they need to move forward. If you’re dealing with a crash caused by unsafe road conditions or driver negligence, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help guide your next steps. The legal team at Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP brings decades of trial and settlement experience to motorcycle crash cases across South Dakota.
Types Of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle
As a Rapid City, SD motorcycle accident lawyer, we have represented riders in a wide range of cases involving injuries, property damage, and wrongful death. Our team at Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP knows how devastating these incidents can be, and we’re here to guide you through the legal process with care and determination.
Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
One of the most frequent cases we see involves a vehicle making a left turn in front of a motorcycle. These collisions often happen when the driver fails to notice or misjudges the speed of the rider. As your motorcycle crash lawyers, we’ll assess the fault and gather key evidence like traffic camera footage and witness statements.
Rear-End Collisions Involving Motorcycles
Even a low-speed rear-end crash can throw a rider from their bike and cause serious injuries. In these cases, we work to prove the other driver’s negligence and document the full extent of your injuries. Our goal as motorcycle injury lawyers is to help you secure fair compensation for medical treatment and lost wages.
Distracted Or Impaired Driving Accidents
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to drivers who are texting, under the influence, or otherwise not paying attention. We regularly handle claims where distraction or impairment played a role. We take a thorough approach to investigating these cases and building a claim that addresses both immediate and long-term impacts.
Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Accidents
When a driver flees the scene, motorcyclists are left in an even more difficult position. As your Rapid City motorcycle accident lawyers, we’ll pursue all available avenues—including uninsured motorist claims—to make sure your injuries don’t go uncompensated. These cases require quick action, and we’re ready to step in.
Motorcycle Accidents Involving Road Hazards
Potholes, loose gravel, or unsafe construction zones can easily cause a rider to lose control. We represent clients in cases where municipalities or contractors failed to maintain safe road conditions. As motorbike lawyers, we know how to investigate road maintenance records and bring attention to negligent road upkeep.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions With Motorcycles
Motorcycles are often overlooked in busy traffic situations, leading to pileups or chain-reaction crashes. In these cases, liability may be shared across several drivers. Our team will handle the coordination with multiple insurers and investigate every angle to support your case.
Motorcycle Defect And Equipment Failure Cases
When brakes, tires, or other components fail, the consequences for riders can be severe. We pursue cases against manufacturers when a product defect contributed to a crash. As your motorcycle wreck lawyers, we’ll work with engineering and mechanical professionals to uncover what went wrong and who’s responsible.
At Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road and in the courtroom, and we’ve worked on all types of accident-related cases. We’ve helped one client secure over $1.2 million after experiencing a head-on collision and suffering leg fractures. In another case, we retrieved $500,000 for a client who suffered from a traumatic brain injury and vision deficits after being involved in a vehicular crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, our Rapid City motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to handle your case with the attention and care it deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating consequences, and working with our Rapid City, SD motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek accountability and recovery. At Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how certain factors contribute to serious injuries and long-term setbacks for riders. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend rider, being aware of these frequent causes can help reduce your risk on the road.
Left-Turn Collisions From Passenger Vehicles
One of the most frequent scenarios we see as motorcycle injury lawyers is a car turning left in front of a motorcyclist. These accidents typically happen at intersections when drivers misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming bike. Riders often have little time to react, and these collisions can result in high-impact injuries.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers who fail to check blind spots or use signals before changing lanes are a serious hazard to motorcyclists. A motorbike’s smaller profile can make it harder to see, especially when drivers are distracted or careless. We’ve helped many clients recover damages after being sideswiped or forced off the road due to an unsafe lane shift.
Speeding By Other Drivers Or Riders
Speed contributes to the severity of many motorcycle crashes. While some incidents involve riders traveling too fast for conditions, many involve passenger vehicles exceeding the limit or driving aggressively. Our motorcycle crash lawyer team often sees how speed reduces reaction time and increases impact force during a collision.
Driving Under The Influence
Alcohol or drug impairment continues to play a major role in serious motorcycle wrecks. Whether it’s the rider or another driver, impaired judgment and delayed reactions make roads significantly more dangerous. Our Rapid City motorcycle accident lawyers regularly support victims who have been hit by intoxicated drivers, often at great physical and financial cost.
Distracted Driving
Phones, food, GPS devices, and even in-car conversations can pull a driver’s attention away from the road. Unfortunately, this often results in them failing to notice motorcyclists. As biker accident lawyers, we’ve worked with numerous clients injured by drivers who simply weren’t paying attention when the crash happened.
Poor Road Conditions
Unlike cars, motorcycles are highly sensitive to potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and debris. Municipalities or construction crews that neglect road maintenance can be liable in some situations. We’ve handled claims where poor road upkeep directly contributed to a rider’s injuries.
Inexperienced Riders Or Drivers
A lack of training or awareness can increase risk on both sides. Inexperienced motorcyclists may not know how to respond in emergency situations, and new drivers often aren’t taught to properly share the road with motorcycles. Our motorbike lawyer team often helps clients injured in situations where the person at fault lacked basic road awareness.
Dooring Accidents
This often-overlooked hazard occurs when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. In urban areas or where street parking is common, dooring can lead to serious injuries or force riders into traffic. Our motorcycle injury lawyers can evaluate whether negligent behavior caused or worsened your crash.
Let Us Help You After A Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured, our experienced team at Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP is ready to help. Working with our Rapid City motorcycle accident attorneys can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and peace of mind. We helped one client recover $300,000 after being injured in a motor vehicle accident, and another was able to retrieve $500,000 with our assistance. Whether you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury, leg or arm fractures, broken bones, or any other type of injury, we’re here to help after an accident. Contact us today to learn how we can support your case.
What To Do Immediately After A Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash, contacting our Rapid City, SD motorcycle accident lawyer is one of the first steps toward safeguarding your recovery. At Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP, we’ve guided many injured riders through the immediate aftermath of a crash and helped them move forward with confidence. Below is a step-by-step guide for what to do right after a motorcycle accident and what to expect from the legal process.
Check Yourself And Others For Injuries
Your health and safety come first. If you’re able, take a moment to assess your condition and check on anyone else involved. Call 911 right away, especially if there are injuries. Even if you feel okay, internal injuries are possible, so it’s best to get evaluated by medical professionals.
Move To Safety If Possible
If the crash occurred in an active traffic lane and you’re physically able to move, relocate to a safe spot nearby. This helps prevent further injury from oncoming traffic. Keep your gear on if you’re wearing a helmet and other protection—it may help medical responders assess your condition more easily.
Call The Police And Wait For A Report
Law enforcement should be called to the scene. A police report serves as an official record of the incident and can be important later on when you speak with our motorcycle crash lawyers. Cooperate with the officers, but avoid guessing or speculating about what caused the crash.
Document The Scene
Take photos of your bike, the vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries. If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information. This documentation can help our motorcycle injury lawyer team build a clearer picture of what happened.
Exchange Information
Trade contact and insurance information with the other party. Be factual and calm—avoid admitting fault or making statements about who caused the crash. Those details should be discussed later with your biker accident lawyer, not at the scene.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out by a doctor right away. Medical records can support your claim and help show how the accident affected you. Delaying treatment can make it harder to connect your injuries to the crash.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company about the crash, but keep your comments brief and factual. Don’t offer recorded statements or accept any settlements without first speaking with our motorcycle wreck lawyers. Early offers may not reflect the full value of your damages.
Speak With An Accident Attorney
This is where our team can step in to support you. Our Rapid City motorcycle accident attorneys can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process. We understand what you’re going through and will help make sure your voice is heard.
What Happens Next: The Legal Process
Once you connect with us, we’ll review the accident report, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence. From there, we’ll typically notify the insurance company that you’re represented, begin calculating your damages, and explore settlement options. If a fair agreement can’t be reached, we may recommend filing a lawsuit. Our goal is to help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, bike repairs, and pain caused by the accident.
Know Your Rights As An Injured Rider
You have the right to pursue financial recovery if someone else’s carelessness caused your injuries. You also have the right to legal representation and to refuse early settlement offers that don’t reflect your needs. Our motorbike lawyer team is here to support and advise you—not pressure you.
Let’s Talk About Your Case Today
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a crash, our Rapid City motorcycle accident lawyers at Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP can help you take the next steps. We’ve been labeled as a Great Plains Super Lawyer for over five consecutive years, showing our dedication to the law and to our clients. We were also honored to be selected as one of the 10 Best Family Law Attorneys. If you’re ready to speak with an attorney who has the skills and experience to support your claim, contact us today to get started on your case.
LOCATIONS SERVED
South Dakota
Rapid City, SD
Sturgis, SD
Spearfish, SD
Deadwood, SD
Black Hills, SD
Case Results
$4,999,257
Arbitration award for wrongful termination of contract; upheld on appeal; Spiska v. SPM Thermo-Shield, 730 N.W.2d 683 (SD 2007)
$1,250,000
Policy limits settlement involving bi-lateral lower leg fractures caused by head-on collision.
$690,000
Settlement regarding spousal assault
$500,000
Policy limits settlement for traumatic brain injury and vision deficits as a result of motor vehicle accident
$400,000
Settlement for insurance bad faith related to wrongful denial of workers compensation benefits
$300,000
Verdict for traumatic brain injury from motor vehicle accident
$160,000
Settlement for assisted living resident injured while being transported to medical appointment
$100,000
Settlement for fall at assisted living center
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