Car Accident Attorney in Rapid City, SD

Helping crash victims rebuild their lives

Compassionate support after a sudden crash

Fighting for fair compensation and accountability

A car accident can change everything in an instant, leaving victims with injuries, medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty. At George Nelson Law, we represent individuals and families in Rapid City and throughout Western South Dakota who are navigating the aftermath of serious crashes. George handles all types of motor vehicle cases—cars, trucks, and motorcycles—bringing trial experience, negotiation skills, and empathy to every client he serves. You focus on recovery; we’ll fight to ensure your rights and future are protected.

Common causes of car accidents

Understanding the risks on Rapid City roads

Collisions often follow familiar patterns, whether they occur on I-90, a rural Black Hills highway, or a city street in Rapid City. The causes may vary, but the consequences are always serious


  • Distracted driving, including texting or phone use while driving.
  • Drunk or impaired driving, still a major factor in severe crashes.
  • Speeding and reckless driving, often leading to catastrophic injuries.
  • Icy roads and harsh winter conditions, common across South Dakota.
  • Driver fatigue, especially in long-haul truck and rural highway crashes.

Dealing with insurance companies

Leveling the playing field for accident victims

Insurance companies often move quickly after an accident, contacting victims with settlement offers designed to minimize their costs. These early offers frequently fail to account for ongoing medical care, lost income, or long-term impacts of serious injuries. George Nelson steps in to handle all communication with insurers, ensuring you don’t say anything that could harm your claim. With decades of litigation experience, he knows how to push back against unfair tactics and is prepared to take your case to court if negotiations don’t produce a fair outcome.

Types of compensation available

Recovering damages after an accident

Victims of car accidents in South Dakota may be entitled to recover compensation for both financial and personal losses. George works to ensure every element of your damages is considered, not just the immediate bills. Compensation may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. Even in cases involving uninsured or hit-and-run drivers, options exist through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. With George’s help, no stone is left unturned in pursuing the compensation you need.

What to do after a car accident

Immediate steps that protect your health and your case

Taking the right actions after a crash can make a major difference in both your recovery and your legal claim.


  • Ensure safety and call 911 to report the accident.
  • Seek medical care immediately, even for minor injuries.
  • Document the scene with photos of vehicles, road conditions, and injuries.
  • Gather contact details for witnesses and other drivers.
  • Avoid admitting fault or making detailed statements to insurers.
  • Contact a car accident attorney before agreeing to any settlement.

Truck and motorcycle accidents

Specialized representation for complex and severe crashes

Crashes involving trucks or motorcycles require particular attention. Truck accidents are especially complicated because they may involve multiple responsible parties, such as the driver, the trucking company, or equipment manufacturers. Evidence like driver logs or “black box” data must be preserved quickly. Motorcycle crashes, on the other hand, often result in severe injuries due to lack of protection—and riders frequently face unfair bias that blames them simply for riding. George Nelson understands these challenges and builds strong cases to ensure truck and motorcycle victims are treated fairly and compensated fully.

FAQs about car accident claims

Common questions from Rapid City crash victims

These are some of the most frequent questions clients ask after a car accident.

  • What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

    South Dakota follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you were less at fault than the other driver. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. George works to minimize claims against you and ensure liability is assigned fairly.

  • The other driver’s insurance is offering me a settlement—should I take it?

    It’s rarely wise to accept the first offer. These settlements often don’t cover long-term medical expenses, lost earnings, or future needs. Before signing anything, consult an attorney who can evaluate the offer. In many cases, negotiation or litigation results in a significantly higher recovery.

  • Can I get compensation if the other driver was uninsured?

    Yes. South Dakota requires uninsured motorist coverage as part of auto insurance policies. This means you may still recover compensation under your own policy if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene. We can guide you through filing these claims and exploring other recovery options.

  • How long do I have to file a claim?

    You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in South Dakota. Wrongful death claims also have a three-year limit from the date of death. Acting quickly is important because evidence can disappear and witness memories fade over time.

  • What if the insurance company denies my claim?

    A denial doesn’t mean the end of your case. We can file a lawsuit, present evidence, and hold the insurer accountable in court. If the company acted in bad faith, they may even face penalties beyond your accident damages. George is prepared to take strong legal action when insurers refuse to act fairly.