Arkansas Car Accident Report Basics

By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed May 20, 2024

Whether cruising through the Ozark Highlands or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic in Little Rock, you’re at risk of getting into a car accident. Wherever your Arkansas car accident occurs, it can be an extremely stressful experience. If you don’t 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’s license.

Here, we’ll explain Arkansas’s car crash reporting requirements, discuss how to file a crash report, and explain why it’s crucial to call the police immediately after your collision.

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.

Arkansas Car Accident Report Laws

You must do specific things to comply with Arkansas law after a car accident. 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.

According to Arkansas Code § 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’t the case in Arkansas.

The Arkansas State Police don’t 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.

If you can’t physically submit the report in 30 days, you must do so as soon as you are medically able to. Since you’ll 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.

How To File a Car Crash Report in Arkansas

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

You must provide the following basic information in your auto accident report:

Personal identification information for the drivers
License plate number
Contact information for the motorists, passengers, and witnesses
Description of the accident scene
Whether any of the accident victims require medical treatment
If there is significant property damage to the vehicles
Verification of financial responsibility (liability insurance)
The other driver’s insurance policy information

The drivers involved in the crash must prove that they have car insurance sufficient to meet the minimum state requirements. Your insurance agent must complete the portion of the accident report dealing with auto insurance.

Arkansas Car Accident Report Laws at a Glance

The chart below summarizes the state laws on Arkansas car accident reports, including links to important code sections.

Statutes	Requirements on scene: §27-53-101 to 27-53-105 Police notification: §27-53-201 to 27-53-211 Accident reports: §27-19-501 to 27-19-510
Law Enforcement Notification Required	Motorists must notify the local police department of any accident resulting in bodily injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. This is true regardless of who is at fault.
Report Required	You must also notify the DFA by filing a crash report.
Report Deadline	You must submit your report to the DFA within 30 days of the accident.
Who Must Report	All motorists involved in the crash must file a report. If one of the drivers is incapacitated, the owner of the vehicle must file a report within five days of learning about the accident.

Note: State regulations are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult an attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.

Get Help From an Arkansas Car Accident Attorney

Car crashes and truck accidents are frustrating but common occurrences. Unfortunately, they can significantly impact your finances and your health. Some even result in personal injury lawsuits or criminal charges. It’s a good idea to seek legal advice immediately after your Arkansas car accident.

A car accident attorney can help file your motor vehicle accident report and, if necessary, pursue your injury claim. Visit Findlaw.com’s attorney directory to find a car accident lawyer near you.