After a car accident, 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 how to obtain a police report after a car accident in Arkansas and explain why this document is so important for protecting your interests.
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.
Visit the Little Rock Police Department Records Division:
Bring identification and, if possible, your case number or the date, time, and location of the accident.
The Little Rock Police Department partners with BuyCrash.com for online report requests:
You can also request accident reports by mail at the following address:
Little Rock Police Department Records Division 615 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 it can be a good option for Arkansas residents who don’t have online access.
If a State Trooper investigated your car accident, you’ll need to request the report from the Arkansas State Police:
For accidents investigated by county sheriff departments or local police departments, the process generally follows similar patterns:
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.
To ensure a smooth process when requesting your police report after a car collision in Arkansas, have the following information ready:
Having these details ready will help you locate your report quickly and avoid delays in processing your request.
Once you’ve obtained your car accident report in Arkansas, 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.
A police report provides an official, third-party account of your accident that can be invaluable for several reasons:
Even in minor accidents, having this official documentation can make the difference between a smooth claims process and a frustrating dispute.
Under Arkansas law, you must report a car accident to a law enforcement agency if it results in:
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.
Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, vehicle repairs, and insurance companies. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our car accident attorneys can help by:
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.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact Rainwater, Holt & Sexton to learn how to obtain a police report after a car accident in Arkansas. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery and long-term healing.
With offices throughout Arkansas — Little Rock, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, and Jonesboro– our personal injury lawyers are easily accessible when you need help.
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