Arkansas Car Accident Reports

If you were involved in a car wreck, truck accident, or motorcycle crash, it’s important to get a copy of the accident report for the incident. We’ll talk more about why it’s so important to get a copy of your crash report. But let’s first dive into how you can obtain a copy of your accident report in Arkansas.

In Arkansas, there are 3 ways to request your car accident report. You can get a copy of your car wreck report online, by mail, or in person. Let’s dive into each of the three ways to obtain an accident report in Arkansas.

3 Ways to Obtain an Accident Report for a Car Wreck in Arkansas

Police reports aren’t public records like some documents and information are. Therefore, you will be required to provide identification before accessing your report.

What You Need to Obtain a Police Report

Make sure you have your driver’s license information or other legal identification handy before trying to access your police report. Other legal identifications can include a passport, military ID, or social security card.

You’ll also need $10 to obtain a copy of your police report in Arkansas. With $10 and identification in hand, here are three ways to obtain a copy of your report:

1. You Can Find Your Report Online

Can you get your police report online? Yes – obtaining a crash report online may be the most convenient method to access your report.

The Arkansas State Police maintains an online database of all crash reports in Arkansas. To request a copy of your police report, simply visit AR Crash Reports and use their Crash Report Online Purchase System.

You will select an Individual Report Search and then be asked to enter information by which you can search for the report.

What Information You’ll Need to Access Your Report Online

There are six searchable options when obtaining your police report online. You can search by First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Crash Report Number, Driver’s License Number, or Date of Crash. You will need at least one of these six to search for a police report.

If you have a crash report number, that’s all the information you’ll need to obtain your report.

2. You Can Receive Your Report By Mail

You can request an accident report in Arkansas by mail. If you prefer this method, you can send your request (with Crash Records Request Form) to the following address: 

Arkansas State Police
Attn: Crash Records Section
One State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209 

Accident reports are typically available at Troop Headquarters in the assigned area of your accident. However, to determine the exact location, visit the Department of Public Safety’s website.

Crash Report Request Form

You’ll need to utilize the Arkansas State Police Crash Records Request Form to obtain a copy of your report by mail. Click HERE for the form.

Questions about obtaining a police report by mail? Call the ASP at 501.618.8128 for more information.

3. You Can Get Your Report In-Person

A third option is to obtain your accident report in person. To do so, you’ll need to visit the Arkansas State Police Department or the local police department in the city where the accident occurred. 

Keep in mind that you’ll need to complete a request form at the department or you can print and fill out the form HERE beforehand. You will also need to pay the $10 fee.

Now that we’ve covered HOW you can obtain an accident report in Arkansas, let’s answer the what’s, who’s, and why’s of police reports:

What Is a Police Crash Report?

If you or anyone you know is involved in any car-related incidents, then you’ll likely be told by the responding officer about a police report.

If your car has been broken into, hit, or stolen, then a police officer will respond to the scene. They’ll conduct an initial investigation that outlines what happened and the outcome. The responding officer will put all their observations and notes into an official police report, also known as a crash report and/or a police accident report. 

This usually just looks like a piece of paper with lots of important information on it, like administrative information that you’d find at the DMV. Each police department may fill out reports differently. It should include the local police department seal stamped on somewhere as well as the header that contains the agency’s address and phone number.

What Information is Included in an Accident Report

Not all accident reports are the same. The degree of detail included in the report may vary depending on the officer who wrote it. However, you can expect it to follow this general outline:

• Date, time, and location of the incident.
• Description of road conditions, lighting, and weather details on the day of the incident. 
• If multiple vehicles are involved, descriptions of the vehicles, with details like make, model, year, license plate numbers, and registration status. 
• Details of the incident, including information about the road or intersection where the incident happened and what kind of damage occurred.
• If any involved parties were suspected of speeding, intoxication, or negligence. 
• Diagram of the incident that shows road signage, stoplights, crosswalks, merge lanes, and other important information. 
• Names/information of all injured parties, details of the injuries, and whether they were taken to a local hospital. 
• Information about any property damage resulting from the accident. 
• Details about the responding officers, including name, agency, and badge number.

Is a Police Report for a Stolen Car or Break-in Different Than a Crash Report?

Car accidents aren’t the only thing that can warrant a police report. Things such as car theft and break-ins. While both incidents will include a police report, the report following a car accident differs from the report that follows a stolen car or break-in.

Different information will be on your police report as opposed to a car wreck report. Typically, police reports for break-ins will have the following on them: 

• Overview of the incident, including details on whether the car was broken into and the contents stolen, or if the vehicle was taken completely. 
• Vehicle information such as make, model, year, color, VIN, and license plate number. 
• Time and place where the vehicle was last seen. 
• Vehicle owner details: name, address, driver’s license number. 
• Details on damage to the vehicle, including if the windshield/windows were broken, or if any other damage happened during the burglary. 
• Information about the location of the car’s keys, if they were left in the vehicle’s ignition, and where any copies might be. 

You should always offer any extra details that may be important to your responding officer. Details may include minor observations leading up to your accident/theft and the circumstances of the incident. These can have major impacts on the outcome of your claim or court case if you choose to file.

What Do I Need to Obtain an Accident Report?

No matter which method you choose (online, mail, or in person), some basic information about the wreck will help you access the report more quickly: 

1. The name of at least one driver involved in the accident
2. The date the accident occurred 
3. The accident report number OR the driver’s license for one of the drivers

You’ll also need to pay $10 per copy to obtain a crash report in Arkansas.

Who Can Request a Car Crash Report in Arkansas? 

According to Arkansas law (27-53-202), all motor vehicle accident reports made by the Division of Arkansas State Police must be open to public inspection. This means that any person can file a request, pay the $10 fee, and access a copy of a car wreck report in Arkansas.

There is one significant exception to this law. If a minor (under the age of 18) was present in either car, the crash report must redact (blackout) the name and address of that person. In that case, the non-redacted version of the report may only be given to the parent/legal guardian or the insurance company’s representative.

What if My Accident Report is Wrong?

You’ve obtained your accident report in Arkansas but the information in the report is wrong. Having information in an auto accident report changed can be difficult, but it is possible: What To Do If My Accident Report is Incorrect

Can I Correct My Crash Report?

Yes, it’s possible to have your crash report amended in Arkansas. There are two types of information in your police report:

• Error of Fact: objective information that can be shown or proven
• Disputable Information: subjective information including statements and conclusions

Error of Fact is straightforward and can easily be amended if handled properly. Disputable information, however, is much more difficult to have changed. You can read more HERE.

Why Should I Include My Accident Report When Filing an Insurance Claim?

It can be difficult to decide if you’d rather file a claim or not after a car wreck. If your car has extensive damage from the wreck, if it’s stolen, or if you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, providing a copy of your accident report can help your insurance define who’s at fault, how much damage occurred during the accident, etc. 

If you’re hit by another car at an intersection, your police report may help define who’s at fault by specifications the officer included in the report. By being specific in the report, you may be entitled to a quicker payout after the incident from their insurer or a bigger payout from yours (depending on the coverage). If you don’t have a police report included in your claim, your insurance company has to determine fault based on hearsay and other (minor) evidence. This doesn’t always work to your advantage. 

If you’re involved in car theft, the police report being involved in the claim can help determine which items were stolen and how much they’re worth. If you don’t send in the police report, it may be even more difficult to prove that you were burgled, which makes it even harder to get a payout from your insurance policy.

What If I’ve Been in an Accident and Have Questions

A car accident is a traumatic event. Unfortunately, the stress of dealing with insurance and the logistics following a wreck can make things worse. If you’ve been in an accident and have questions, you can visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or call us at (870) 246-0505.

We’ve been helping car accident victims for over 30 years. We’re proud to represent Arkansans when they’ve been injured. But whether you choose to hire our firm or not, we are always available to answer your questions free of charge.

It’s our commitment to be on your side – by your side.

To learn more about what to do (and not do) after a collision: What To Do After a Car Accident

Injured in an Auto Accident?

A car wreck can turn your world upside down. On top of dealing with physical pain and medical treatment, you may also be unable to work, facing expensive medical bills, and struggling to get your car repaired. Financial stress can pile on top of the mental and emotional stress. 

But if the other driver was at fault, you have options. You’re not alone. Taylor King Law has a team of attorneys who can ensure you’re fairly compensated for the pain you’ve suffered. We’ve been helping our friends and neighbors for more than 30 years.

At Taylor King Law, we handle your case like a long-distance race, not a sprint. We will always work to settle your case as quickly as possible so that you can get your bills paid and move on with your life, but we will never cut corners or allow the insurance company to take advantage of you. Because our attorney’s fee is a percentage of your settlement, if there is no settlement then there is no fee.

We’ll be with you every step of the way, from getting your medical bills to negotiating with the insurance company. That’s our “On your side — By your side” promise. 

Contact Taylor King Law

Questions? Call us today at 870.246.0505, or reach our Little Rock office at 501.712.2554. You can also reach us online through our chat feature or using our Online Contact Form. You’re just a call or click away from getting the help you need.

We have 6 locations across Arkansas to serve you. An initial consultation with an attorney is both free and confidential:

Arkadelphia | Little Rock | Springdale | Jonesboro | Fort Smith | Conway

Fill out the form below if you have questions about a car wreck or obtaining your accident report in Arkansas and one of our team members will contact you.