{"id":371638,"date":"2017-10-19T17:12:52","date_gmt":"2017-10-19T22:12:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-05-20T08:53:30","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T13:53:30","slug":"arkansas-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Arkansas Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Arkansas Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Whether cruising through the Ozark Highlands or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic in Little Rock, you\u2019re at risk of getting into a car accident. Wherever your Arkansas car accident<\/a> occurs, it can be an extremely stressful experience. If you don\u2019t take specific steps immediately after your motor vehicle accident, you may jeopardize your chances of receiving compensation. You may also face fines, jail time, and a possible suspension of your driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll explain Arkansas\u2019s car crash reporting requirements, discuss how to file a crash report, and explain why it\u2019s crucial to call the police immediately after your collision.<\/p>\r\n

Failure to comply with Arkansas’ accident reporting requirements can have significant consequences. So, it’s essential to know what you’re required to do by law, both at the scene of the car crash and afterward. Read on to learn more about Arkansas car accident report basics.<\/p>\r\n

Arkansas Car Accident Report Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

You must do specific things to comply with Arkansas law after a car accident<\/a>. You must immediately notify local law enforcement if the accident involves injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. You must also make yourself available to answer questions from the investigating officers. <\/p>\r\n

According to Arkansas Code \u00a7 27-53-103, you must file a report with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) within 30 days of the crash. Usually, calling 911 is sufficient because the police report serves as a notification. This isn\u2019t the case in Arkansas.<\/p>\r\n

The Arkansas State Police don\u2019t submit their reports to the DFA. You must get a copy of the police report and use the information in the report to complete your DFA submission. <\/p>\r\n

If you can\u2019t physically submit the report in 30 days, you must do so as soon as you are medically able to. Since you\u2019ll need to submit the report to the insurance company, doing it as quickly as possible after the crash makes sense. Your Arkansas personal injury lawyer will also need the report to prove your case should the adjuster deny your insurance claim.<\/p>\r\n

How To File a Car Crash Report in Arkansas<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

To file a DFA accident report<\/a> (SR-1), you can complete and submit the form online, by mail, or in person at a DFA revenue office<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n

You must provide the following basic information in your auto accident report:<\/p>\r\n