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How to Get a Police Report in Little Rock, Arkansas

After an auto accident in Arkansas, getting a police report should be one of the first items on your to-do list.
If your accident occurred within Little Rock city limits, you can obtain a report by following the prompts on their police department’s resource page. You can also get a report by following one of these methods.

In-Person Requests

Visit the Little Rock Police Department Records Division:

  • Location: 615 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Fee: $5 to $10 per report
  • Payment Methods: Cash, check, or money order
  • Processing Time: According to the Little Rock Police Department, reports are generally available eight (8) hours after the report is taken

Bring identification and, if possible, your case number or the date, time, and location of the accident.

Online Requests

The Little Rock Police Department partners with BuyCrash.com for online report requests:

  1. Visit BuyCrash.com
  2. Select Arkansas from the state menu
  3. Follow the prompts to search for your report
  4. Pay the fee (typically $5 to $10 plus a small processing fee)
  5. Download your report once it becomes available

Mail Requests

You can also request accident reports by mail at the following address:

Little Rock Police Department Records Division 700 West Markham Street Little Rock, AR 72201

Be sure to send a written request including the date, time, and location of the accident, names of involved parties, and your case number (if known). Getting a report by mail also requires a fee and often takes longer, but can be a good option for Arkansas residents who don’t have online access.

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.

What Information You’ll Need for Your Request

To ensure a smooth process when requesting your police report, have the following information ready:

  • Date, time, and location of the accident
  • Your full name and the names of other involved parties
  • Your case or incident number (if provided by the responding police officer)
  • Your driver’s license number
  • Your vehicle information
  • Payment for the report fee

Having these details ready will help you locate your report quickly and avoid delays in processing your request.

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Understanding Your Arkansas Police Report

Once you’ve obtained your report, review it carefully for accuracy and completeness. Key sections to examine include:

Verify that basic information is correct, including date, time, location, weather conditions, and vehicles involved.

The officer’s written description and diagram of the accident should accurately reflect what happened. This section often includes the officer’s assessment of contributing factors.

Check whether any traffic citations were issued, as these can significantly impact fault determination.

Note any witnesses listed and their contact information, as their statements may be valuable for your claim.

While not legally binding, the officer’s opinion on fault can significantly influence insurance decisions.

If you find errors in the report, contact the issuing department about their process for submitting corrections. Typically, you’ll need to submit a written statement explaining the discrepancy, which will be added as a supplement to the original report.

Why You Need a Police Report After Your Arkansas Car Accident

A police report provides an official, third-party account of your accident that can be invaluable for several reasons:

  1. Insurance Claims: Insurance companies typically require a police report when processing claims. The information in this document helps adjusters determine liability and coverage.
  2. Establishing Fault: Arkansas follows a “modified comparative fault” system, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. A favorable police report can be compelling evidence in establishing that the other driver was primarily responsible.
  3. Documentation of Details: The report captures critical information while memories are fresh, including road conditions, weather, visibility, and witness contact information that might otherwise be lost.
  4. Medical Connection: The report documents any injuries reported at the scene, helping connect these injuries to the accident if disputes arise later.

Even in minor accidents, having this official documentation can make the difference between a smooth claims process and a frustrating dispute.

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.

How Rainwater, Holt & Sexton Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, vehicle repairs, and insurance companies. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our Arkansas car accident attorneys can help by:

  • Obtaining police reports on your behalf
  • Identifying and addressing any inaccuracies in the report
  • Using the report effectively in building your case
  • Gathering additional evidence to support your claim
  • Handling all communications with insurance companies
  • Ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages

Our team understands the nuances of Arkansas accident law and how police reports factor into the claims process. We’re familiar with local procedures throughout the state and can navigate the system efficiently while you focus on recovery.

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Let Our Attorneys Help You!

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arkansas, contact Rainwater, Holt & Sexton for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery and long-term healing.

With eight offices in Arkansas - Little Rock, Little Rock-Corporate Hill, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, and Jonesboro– our personal injury lawyers are easily accessible when you need help.

Connect with us today for a free case evaluation.

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