South Dakota is both gorgeous and sparsely populated, and the latter feature can lure drivers into a false sense of security.
With so few people and drivers around, why would a person need to worry that much about memorizing South Dakota’s driving laws?
All it takes is someone texting while driving or operating a car under the influence to cause a catastrophic accident. South Dakota’s laws prohibit this kind of behavior, but some people either don’t know or don’t care.
Familiarize yourself with those laws; knowing them will make you a safer driver and put you in a better position if you end up in an accident with someone breaking them.
Specific Rules in South Dakota
This is a selection of South Dakota’s most important driving rules. Memorize them, and be sure to obey them.
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Open container laws: South Dakota’s legislation specifically states that an open container of alcohol can only be in a part of the car where “no occupant of the motor vehicle has access to it.” In other words, it can’t be in the passenger area of the car, though it could be stored in the trunk.
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Seat belts: South Dakota’s seat belt laws are relatively relaxed, which makes it particularly egregious when people don’t obey them. South Dakota only requires the front seat passengers to wear seatbelts, and in the backseat, only passengers under the age of 18 have to wear a seatbelt.
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Distracted driving: Texting while driving is banned in South Dakota. Additionally, novice drivers aren’t allowed to use handheld devices while driving at all, but experienced drivers are allowed to.
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Drunk driving: You can’t drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more in South Dakota-- that’s considered to be driving under the influence. A judge could decide that you need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) after your conviction. It isn’t mandatory for a first-time offense, but it could certainly happen.
Distracted Driving and Your South Dakota Auto Accident
Even though he thought he could get away with it, the other driver crashed into you because he was texting while driving. Your legs are crushed in the impact, and your mobility is severely limited for awhile.
There’s no reason you should have to suffer indefinitely for this driver’s mistakes, and South Dakota’s insurance system has a way for you to get the proper recourse. Since South Dakota is a tort state, you can file a personal injury claim against the other driver for damages from the accident.
Since the accident is going to require a long recovery period, you’ll need time off from work to recover, and you still need money to survive. A successful personal injury claim can help with that.
Hiring a Personal injury Lawyer
However, in order to get the compensation you need, you’ll have to file a successful claim, and the most effective way to win is by hiring a lawyer. A good personal injury lawyer will work tirelessly to gather evidence and fight on your behalf. The process can seem frightening, but your lawyer will be your advocate and help you get the funds that you need.
