How to Get a Crash Report in Arkansas

The easiest way to obtain an Arkansas crash report is through the Crash Report Online Purchase System^[2] at crashreports.ark.org. This portal, operated by the Arkansas State Police^[1], allows you to search for and purchase crash reports electronically. You can search by date, county, names of involved parties, or the report number if you have it.

The fee depends on whether you were involved in the crash. If you were a party to the crash (driver, passenger, or vehicle owner), the statutory fee is $10 per report^[2]. If you were not involved in the crash, the fee is $25 per report^[2]. Reports are delivered electronically through the online system once payment is processed.

You can also request a crash report by mail by completing the Crash Records mail-in request form available on the Arkansas Department of Public Safety website^[6]. Mail your completed form along with the appropriate payment to the Crash Records Section at the Arkansas State Police headquarters^[1]. For questions or assistance, contact the Crash Records Section at (501) 618-8130^[1].

To request your Arkansas crash report online, you will need identifying information about the crash. The most useful piece of information is the report number, which is typically provided by the responding officer at the scene. If you do not have the report number, you can search using the date of the crash, the county where it occurred, and the names of the drivers involved^[2].

For mail-in requests, you need to complete the official Crash Records request form^[1], which asks for the crash date, location, names of parties, and your contact information. You must also include payment in the form of a check or money order payable to the Arkansas State Police^[1]. The form requires you to indicate whether you were involved in the crash, as this determines the fee amount.

If you are requesting the report on behalf of someone else, such as an attorney or insurance company, you may need to provide documentation of your authorization. Insurance companies and legal representatives regularly obtain Arkansas crash reports through the online system^[2] using their own accounts.

An Arkansas crash report contains detailed documentation of the collision, including the date, time, and precise location, as well as weather, lighting, and road surface conditions at the time of the crash. The report identifies all vehicles involved with their make, model, year, VIN, and license plate information, along with insurance details for each party.

The responding officer provides a narrative description of the crash and may include a diagram showing vehicle positions and movements. The report also notes any contributing factors identified by the officer, such as speeding, distracted driving, improper lane changes, or impaired driving. Citations issued at the scene are documented in the report.

Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault system with a 50% bar^[5], meaning you can recover damages only if your fault is less than 50%^[5]. If you are under 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. At 50% or more, you are barred from recovery^[5]. The officer's fault assessment in the crash report is a key factor insurance companies consider when determining liability.

Arkansas crash reports are generally available through the online purchase system^[2] within 10 business days following the date of the report^[2]. This processing time allows the investigating officer to complete the report and for it to be entered into the state system. Some reports may be available sooner, while more complex investigations may take longer.

Once your report is available in the online system, you can purchase and download it immediately. The electronic delivery is the fastest way to obtain your report. Mail-in requests will take additional time for postal delivery and processing, typically 2 to 4 weeks from the date the Crash Records Section^[1] receives your request.

For crashes involving fatalities or complex investigations such as DUI-related accidents, the full report may not be available for several weeks or even months as the investigation continues. If you need information urgently for an insurance claim, you may be able to obtain a preliminary report or incident summary from the investigating agency while the full report is being completed.

Use the online purchase system at crashreports.ark.org^[2] for the fastest access to your report. The system is available 24 hours a day and provides immediate electronic delivery once payment is processed. Make sure you have a valid email address on file, as the report link will be sent to that address.

If you were involved in a crash that resulted in property damage exceeding $1,000^[3] or any injury or death, you are required to report the accident to the Arkansas Office of Driver Services^[7] within 30 days^[3]. Crashes involving injury or death must be reported immediately^[3]. This reporting obligation is separate from the police crash report and is the driver's responsibility.

Arkansas gives you 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit^[4]. While this is longer than many states, you should still obtain your crash report and consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can be lost and witness memories fade over time, making early action important for building a strong case.

A crash report is essential for pursuing an insurance claim or legal action after a car accident in Arkansas. The report provides an authoritative record of the crash that insurance companies rely on when evaluating claims and determining fault. Without an official report, you may face challenges proving the circumstances of the accident and who was responsible.

Under Arkansas's modified comparative fault system^[5], the percentage of fault assigned to each party directly impacts the amount of compensation available. If you are found to be less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage^[5]. At 50% or more, you recover nothing^[5]. The crash report's fault determination is often the starting point for these calculations, making it critical to review the report and ensure its accuracy.

The crash report also captures details that are difficult to reconstruct later, including exact measurements, witness statements, and the officer's observations about road and weather conditions. These details can strengthen your case if it proceeds to litigation. Having the report early also allows your attorney to identify potential issues and begin gathering additional evidence while it is still available.