Author Archives: Site Administrator
When Mechanical Defects Cause Truck Accidents
Tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles are complicated. They have many moving parts, all of which need to be in good condition so that the vehicle does not crash. Unfortunately, regular maintenance is costly, and too many trucking companies cut corners by ignoring defects. At Hoy Law, we help injured victims when they are… Read More »
Exceptions to South Dakota’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injuries
For an adult, South Dakota’s statute of limitations provides that injured victims have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a victim goes past this deadline, even accidentally, they can lose the right to sue because a judge will dismiss the case. Although the three-year deadline applies in most cases, there are… Read More »
Heart Contusions in Car Accidents
Seat belts save thousands of lives each year, but they can still cause injuries, especially to the chest and internal organs. Collisions generate forces which put intense pressure on the body. When a person is thrown forward, their seat belt can compress against their breastbone, also called the sternum. The sternum can then press… Read More »
Seeking Accountability in Trucking Accidents
In 2024, approximately 5,000 people died in accidents involving trucks, up more than 50% from 15 years ago. And while a new proposed law would strengthen enforcement against truck drivers, safety advocates say it will do nothing against freight brokers – middleman companies that often hire firms with poor safety records. Correspondent Jim Axelrod… Read More »
Field Trip Accidents: Who is Liable?
Field trips are a regular part of a child’s education. Children often take field trips to museums or to visit the state’s capital. Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen along the way, with children sent to the emergency room and parents receiving a call at home. Who is legally responsible for these accidents? Contact Hoy Law… Read More »
Long-Term Rehab and Brain Injuries
Recovery from a traumatic brain injury doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. Instead, many TBI victims need months of grueling rehabilitation. A brain injury can impact all areas of life, from memory to speech. Some lives are completely upended, putting intense stress on your family and other caregivers. Rehabilitation is a common component… Read More »
When Is It More Than Whiplash?
Whiplash is a common neck injury that motorists suffer after accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Typically, whiplash affects muscles and ligaments, stretching and tearing them. This soft tissue should heal with sufficient rest. Although neck stiffness and pain are disabling, conservative treatment is usually sufficient. However, some motorists need surgery when there is structural damage… Read More »
What Happens if the Trucker Who Hit You is an Independent Contractor?
The trucking industry continues to undergo upheavals and changes. Over the past 15 years, the number of independent contractors has increased by almost 40%, to reach 1,000,000 workers. These independent contractors are not employed by a transportation company. Instead, they are “owner operators” who own their own truck and work freelance. Traditionally, anyone hurt… Read More »
That Text Message Could Distract You for Half a Minute
Although reading a text message might take only a few seconds, even one message can end up causing longer-lasting cognitive distraction. For this reason, texting and driving is one of the most dangerous activities. Someone who reads a text only when stopped at a light might nonetheless remain distracted for thirty seconds, according to… Read More »
What to Do if You Suspect a Trucker is Drunk
Truckers deal with the loneliness of the job in different ways, and some of them turn to alcohol or drugs. These substances have well-known negative effects on the ability to drive safely. If you were hurt in a truck accident, you are probably in a state of shock. Many of our clients are also… Read More »