South Dakota Car Accident Reports

Get a Car Accident Report in the State of South Dakota

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How to Report?

Car Accident in the State of South Dakota

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in South Dakota, obtaining the official crash report is an important step toward filing an insurance claim, understanding what happened, or pursuing legal action. In South Dakota, crash reports are filed by the investigating law enforcement agency and are managed by the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety, under the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

This guide will walk you through how to request a South Dakota accident report, who can access it, and what is typically included in the report.

Who Can Access a Car Accident Report in South Dakota?

South Dakota crash reports are public records under state law, but full access is typically granted to:

Individuals involved in the accident
Registered vehicle owners
Insurance companies or legal representatives
Attorneys representing a party in the crash
Law enforcement and investigative agencies

The general public may also request crash reports, although certain personal or sensitive information may be redacted for privacy.

What Agency Filed the Report?

The crash report is prepared by the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene. This may include:

South Dakota Highway Patrol – for accidents on interstates and state roads
Municipal Police Departments – for accidents within city or town limits
County Sheriff’s Offices – for crashes in rural or unincorporated areas

All reports filed by law enforcement agencies are ultimately processed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

Guide To Report

How to Report Accident in South Dakota

There are three official ways to request your South Dakota car accident report:

1. Online via the South Dakota Department of Public Safety

For crashes investigated by South Dakota law enforcement:

Visit: https://dps.sd.gov
Navigate to the “Crash Reports” section
Fill out the Crash Report Request Form
Provide:
- Date and location of the crash
- Names of drivers involved
- Case or report number (if known)
- Your relationship to the crash
Pay the $4.00 fee by credit/debit card or check (if mailing)

Reports are usually available within 7–10 business days.

2. Requesting by Mail

To request a report by mail:

Download the Crash Report Request Form
Complete the form with the necessary crash details
Include a check or money order for $4.00 payable to “South Dakota Department of Public Safety”
Mail the request to:

South Dakota Office of Highway Safety
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501

Allow 7–14 business days for processing and return delivery.

3. From a Local Law Enforcement Agency

If a local police or sheriff’s department investigated the crash:

Contact the department’s records division
Submit your request in person, by phone, or by mail
Provide:
- Crash date and location
- Names of those involved
- Report or case number, if known
Pay the local report fee (usually $5–$10)

Some agencies use online platforms like CrashDocs.org or LexisNexis for digital access.

4. Through Legal or Insurance Providers

Your attorney or insurance company may obtain the accident report for you as part of a claim or legal review. Be sure to verify whether they already have access before submitting your own request.

What Is Included in a South Dakota Accident Report?

A typical South Dakota crash report includes:

Names and contact info of drivers and passengers
Vehicle descriptions, VINs, and license plate numbers
Insurance company and policy number details
Date, time, and exact location of the crash
Road, weather, and lighting conditions
Diagram and written narrative by the investigating officer
Injury or fatality details
Citations or violations issued
Witness information, if any

FAQS

About Report

DPS reports: Available in 7–10 business days
Local department reports: Often ready within 5–10 business days
Serious crashes: May require more time due to investigations

Crash reports are not automatically sent to those involved—you must request them
You must pay the $4.00 fee when requesting through DPS
Be sure to provide complete and accurate crash information to avoid delays
Requests involving fatalities or juveniles may be subject to additional privacy restrictions

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