After A Crash
SDCL § 32-34-3 — stop, give a name and address, help the injured, and notify police of an injury or damage of $1,000
- Stop immediately.
- Give a name and address, the owner's name and address, and the license number of the vehicle, to the person struck or the other driver.
- Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured, including carrying them to a doctor where treatment is plainly needed or is asked for.
Those are a driver's duties in a crash causing injury, death or property damage. Leaving the scene of a crash that injured or killed someone is a Class 6 felony.
Calling it in. A crash with injury or death, or apparent damage of $1,000 or more to any one person's property or $2,000 per accident, is reported immediately to the nearest law enforcement officer by the quickest means. Not doing so is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
A driver who hits an unattended vehicle or other property stops, and either finds the owner or leaves a written note with a name, address and license number securely in plain view, then notifies the police without unnecessary delay. Not doing so is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Insurance claims and lawsuits after a crash follow their own rules. A particular crash is a question for a licensed South Dakota attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- SDCL § 32-34-3 — Duty of vehicle operator to stop in case of accident; Information given; Aid to injured persons
- SDCL § 32-34-4 — Duty to stop after accident with unattended vehicle or property; Leaving information; Report to police; Violation as misdemeanor
- SDCL § 32-34-5 — Hit and run accident resulting in death or injury as felony
- SDCL § 32-34-7 — Duty to give immediate notice of accident to law enforcement officer; Violation as misdemeanor
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Dakota attorney.