How to File a Police Report in Little Rock, Arkansas After a Car Accident

Requesting Accident Reports from Law Enforcement Agencies

The process for obtaining a copy of your accident report depends on the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene.

In Little Rock, the two most common agencies are the Little Rock Police Department and the Arkansas State Police.

Little Rock Police Department Procedures

When requesting a report, ensure you provide the date of the accident, the location where it occurred, and your last name.

To get a copy of your accident report from the Little Rock Police Department, you have two options:

1. In-Person: Visit the Records Division of the Little Rock Police Department at 700 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
2. Online: Access the Little Rock Police Department’s web portal to request your report online. Most reports are available approximately eight hours after the accident investigation is completed.

A police report provides unbiased documentation of the accident, which is essential for supporting your insurance claim.

It includes details about the accident’s location, time, damages, and witness statements, which help establish the facts and prevent disputes​

Arkansas State Police Report Request Process

The Arkansas State Police allows individuals to request accident reports either by mail or online. This flexibility ensures that you can obtain the necessary documents in the manner that suits you best.

If the Arkansas State Police responded to your accident, you can request a copy of the report by mail or online:

• By Mail: Send a request to the Arkansas State Police, Attn: Crash Records Section, One State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209.
• Online: Visit the Arkansas Department of Public Safety website to download your report. You can also request accident reports from local police agencies through this link.

To obtain a report from the Arkansas State Police, you will need to provide the date of the accident, the location where it occurred, and your last name.

Information Included in a Police Officer's Crash Report

When officers respond to a car accident in Little Rock, they follow specific protocols to gather facts and determine what likely happened.

The information they collect goes into their report, which may include:

• The identity of everyone involved
• Their contact information
• Their insurance companies and policy numbers
• The time and location of the crash
• A narrative of what happened
• Who caused the crash
• Any citations issued

The police report provides crucial information needed to file your insurance claim, such as the at-fault driver’s name and their insurance company.

If you plan to file a claim independently, you will need the police report before you can begin the process.

The Role of Police Reports as Evidence in Car Accident Claims

The crash report filed by the police is often one of the most critical pieces of evidence in a traffic accident case.

It details what happened and who was at fault, which can support your insurance claim and financial recovery.

Crucial Details That Support Your Case

Police reports provide an unbiased account of the accident, helping to clarify the events that took place.

This document can significantly bolster your claim by presenting a third-party perspective.

The police report may contain information that strengthens your case, such as:

• Witness statements corroborating your version of events
• Citations issued to the at-fault driver for traffic violations
• A diagram of the accident scene showing the positions of the vehicles

If you decide to file a lawsuit for compensation, a police report strengthens your case by providing an official record of the incident.

This is often viewed more favorably by courts and insurance companies​ as these details can help establish liability and validate your claims for damages and injuries.

Addressing Discrepancies Between the Report and Your Account

If you believe the details in the police report differ from what actually happened, it’s essential to contact a Little Rock car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Attempting to dispute the report with the insurance company alone can be challenging and may hurt your chances of receiving fair compensation.

How a Little Rock Car Accident Attorney Can Assist with Police Reports

Working with a personal injury law firm can be invaluable when dealing with police reports and insurance claims after a car accident.

An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

Obtaining and Reviewing the Report on Your Behalf

Your attorney can request a copy of the police report and review it for accuracy and completeness.

They can also help you understand the information contained in the report and how it may impact your case.

Gathering Additional Evidence to Strengthen Your Claim

An Arkansas car accident attorney at Keith Law Group can collect vital evidence beyond the police report, such as medical records and accident scene photos.

They can also coordinate expert witness testimony to substantiate your claim further.

In addition to the police report, your attorney can gather other evidence to support your claim, such as:

• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Expert witness testimony, if necessary

Handling Communication with Insurance Companies

Your attorney can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your compensation or shift blame for the accident.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to seek the compensation you deserve.

Cost and Process of Obtaining a Police Report in Little Rock, Arkansas

Obtaining a copy of your Little Rock accident report may involve a fee, which can vary depending on the agency and the request method.

Fees Associated with Requesting Reports

Typically, the fees for obtaining a police report in Little Rock are $10 for the Little Rock Police Department and $17 for the Arkansas State Police, inclusive of processing fees.

The fees associated with requesting a police report in Little Rock include:

• Little Rock Police Department: The cost of a report through the Little Rock Police Department Records Division website is currently $10, although this may change.
• Arkansas State Police: The cost of a report through the Arkansas Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is $17, which includes a $15 fee per report and a $2 processing fee.

Verifying the fees before making a request is important, as they are subject to change.

Always check with the respective agencies to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Online and In-Person Options for Obtaining Reports

As mentioned earlier, both the Little Rock Police Department and the Arkansas State Police offer online and in-person options for requesting accident reports.

When making your request, be sure to have all necessary information, such as the date and location of the accident, readily available.

Keith Law Group: The #1 Car Accident Lawyer In Little Rock, Arkansas

By obtaining a copy of the police report and contacting a Little Rock car accident attorney shortly after your accident, you can take important steps to preserve your right to seek compensation for your damages.

At Keith Law Group, we strongly advise all our clients to file a police report after any car accident, regardless of who appears to be at fault.

Arkansas Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

We can help you obtain a copy of your police report, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

As experienced Arkansas car accident attorneys, we have seen countless cases where failing to file a report has led to complications and difficulties for our clients.

Our advice on filing police reports includes the following:

1. File a Report for Every Accident: No matter how minor the accident may seem or who appears to be at fault, always file a police report to protect your interests.
2. Call the Police Immediately: Contact law enforcement immediately to report the accident and request an officer be sent to the scene.
3. Provide Accurate Information: Give the responding officer a clear, honest account of the accident, and avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements.
4. Obtain a Copy of the Report: Request a copy of the police report and any online police report for your records, as it will be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

By consistently filing police reports, you can safeguard your rights and create a strong foundation for any necessary insurance claims or legal action following an accident.