How to Obtain a Police Report After a Car Accident in Arkansas
After a car accident in Arkansas, a police report serves as a crucial piece of documentation that can significantly impact your insurance claim and any potential legal action. You can typically request one online, via mail, or in-person for a small fee.
A police report is an official record that contains valuable information about the accident, including statements from drivers and witnesses, officer observations, and preliminary fault determinations.
The process for obtaining these reports varies slightly depending on where your accident occurred, whether in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, or elsewhere in the state. In this guide, our team of experienced car accident attorneys at Rainwater, Holt and Sexton will walk you through the steps to get your police report and explain why this document is so important for protecting your interests.
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Obtaining Reports from Other Arkansas Jurisdictions
Arkansas State Police Reports
If a State Trooper investigated your accident, you’ll need to request the report from the Arkansas State Police:
- Online: Go to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety’s Crash Report website and follow the prompts, and expect to pay a $10 fee
- By Mail: Fill out an official crash report request form and send it to Arkansas State Police – Crash Records Section – One State Police Plaza Drive – Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
- In Person: Visit any Arkansas State Police Troop Headquarters with your $10 payment
Other Local Jurisdictions
For accidents investigated by county sheriff departments or local police departments, the process generally follows similar patterns:
- County Sheriff Reports: Contact the specific county sheriff’s office where your accident occurred. Most offices accept in-person requests during business hours for a fee ranging from $5 to $15.
- Local Police Departments: Contact the records division of the relevant police department. Many now offer online options through services like BuyCrash.com or their own websites.
In Arkansas, police reports are typically available within 3-5 business days following the incident, but some may be ready sooner or take longer depending on the circumstances.
When Is a Police Report Required in Arkansas?
Under Arkansas law, you must report an accident to a law enforcement agency if it results in:
- Death or injury to any person
- Property damage appearing to exceed $1,000
However, our personal injury lawyers strongly recommend calling the police after any accident, regardless of severity. Even seemingly minor collisions can result in injuries that aren’t immediately apparent, and property damage costs frequently exceed initial estimates.
When officers respond to the scene, they’ll investigate and create a report. If no officers respond (which can happen in very minor accidents), you should file a report yourself at the nearest police station or through the Arkansas State Police if the accident occurred on a state highway.
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