Crash Assistance
If you or a family member have been in a serious crash, it’s important to know the people and resources here to help.
The Crash Assistance Program (CAP) is committed to guiding individuals and their families through the time following a fatal or life threatening injury crash. Our mission is to have a positive effect on the long-term recovery of those individuals and families who have experienced a traumatic time in their lives due to those crashes.
For more information, download the crash assistance services brochure.
Accident Reports
Accident reports can be obtained through the mail or online through the Office of Accident Records. To learn more about your rights and the privacy of your information as a victim of a crime, read about Marsy’s Law.
Crime Victims Compensation
South Dakota established the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund to provide monetary assistance to certain victims of violent crimes for specified financial losses as a payer of last resort.
For more information or an application, visit SD Crime Victims' Compensation or call 1-800-696-9476.
Resources for Grief & Trauma
Traumatic crashes and events can have a devastating – and lasting – impact on victims. The South Dakota Highway Patrol can help with resources to deal with grief and trauma.
- Information Guide for Survivors of Crash Victims: what you need to know after a trauma.
- Understanding Grief: the basics of grief and how it may differ in people.
- Stress Reactions after Trauma: learn the signs and symptoms to expect after a traumatic incident.
- Reactions to Crisis and Trauma: a chart of common signs of a stress reaction.
- How Kids Grieve: learn how to support kids in dealing with grief and trauma.
- You can also review a book list or these helpful websites to deal with grief or help a loved one.
If you have additional questions or to see if you qualify for CAP services, please contact:
Southeast:
Natasha Penner, Victim Witness Coordinator
(605) 280-4344
West:
Marissa Cronan, Victim Witness Coordinator
(605) 381-9361
Resource Library
Crash Assistance Documents
You may need to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view files.
