You were injured in an automobile collision.  The insurance company made you an offer, but it is less than you thought it would be.  So you tell the insurer what you think a fair amount would be and, in response, the insurer says that it “can’t” pay that amount. The insurance company then offers a little more than it originally had.  It might even say this is its “best offer” or the “best that it can do ..read more

It is becoming more common to see headlines and articles like “Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle” online and in the news. And while the articles are quick to provide you with the information about how the collision happened and if anyone was hurt, what the articles don’t tell you, and what most people don’t know (but should), is that the pedestrian’s own automobile insurance policy may provide coverage ..read more

South Dakota is no stranger to severe weather. In 2022 alone, we experienced not one, but two derecho storms. In order for a weather event to be considered a “derecho” storm by the National Weather Service, the wind damage swath must extend more than 240 miles and include wind gusts of at least 58 mph or greater. The damage caused by the derecho storms in South Dakota was extensive and widespread. If your home was damaged by either (or both) of these storms, you may find yourself up against even stronger forces than the 99 mph derecho winds that South Dakota experienced: your insurance company ..read more

Whether riding for fun, exercising, or to save on gas, bicycling is becoming more common. And in South Dakota, bicyclists and automobiles have to share the road and follow the law. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.   When a vehicle hits a bicycle, the injuries for the bike rider can be catastrophic. If you or a loved one have been injured in an automobile versus bicycle crash, there are several things you should immediately do. First, get medical attention if you need it and contact law enforcement. Second, you should share the contact information with the driver, including ..read more

Were you or a loved one recently injured after a dog bite or scratch? If so, you probably have questions about who will pay the medical bills and other related costs. And depending on the severity of your injuries, you may also have concerns about what the future holds in terms of recovery, including scarring and disfigurement ..read more

Your insurance company denied your claim.  You tried explaining to your insurer why the claim needs to be paid, but they just ignore you or refuse to listen.  In South Dakota, you have the option to file a complaint with the Division of Insurance at https://dlr.sd.gov/insurance/doi_complaint.aspx ..read more

You were recently in an automobile collision. The other driver’s insurance company has offered to pay to settle your claim against its insured. All you have to do is sign a release, which the insurer will send you. After reading the release, you think you have a general idea of what it means (releasing your claim against the other driver in exchange for money), but you are not sure ..read more

South Dakota law requires that every vehicle has liability insurance. However, there are many vehicles that have the minimum amount of liability insurance, which, in South Dakota, is $25,000 ..read more

Imagine you are driving in your vehicle and another vehicle suddenly crashes into you.  Before you fully realize what just happened, the other vehicle suddenly drives away!  You call the police and report everything you can remember, but, in the end, they are unable to identify the other driver or find the vehicle that hit you.  If you have collision coverage, the damage to your vehicle should be covered by your own insurance.  But what happens if you were also injured in that collision?   ..read more

When it comes to insurance, there are many different types of policies.  While every insurance policy includes a promise, umbrella insurance policies are unique.  Umbrella insurance policies are not stand-alone insurance policies.  Rather, they work with other insurance policies, such as automobile, home, renters, farm, and commercial.  Generally speaking, if you want an umbrella insurance policy, you will need to have an underlying insurance policy.  If you have, for example, an automobile insurance policy, you can purchase an umbrella insurance policy as well ..read more