How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Police Report in Arkansas?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed after a car accident, but it’s critical that you move through the initial shock and react accordingly. To avoid doing the wrong thing, it’s helpful to have a better idea about what you should do after a car accident. For example, you may be wondering, “How long after a car accident can you file a police report in Arkansas?”

By understanding the steps you must take after an accident, you can protect yourself and your right to compensation if you’re not at fault. When it comes to filing a police report, it’s important to do so within the allotted time to retain your right to file a claim against the at-fault party for any damages.

Filing a Police Report After a Car Accident in Arkansas

In most situations, you’re likely going to file a report at the scene of the accident. However, there are situations where this may not be possible. If you were too severely injured to be a part of the initial report at the scene, you can still file one within 30 days of the accident.

Another reason you may not have filed a police report for an accident is that you weren’t the direct victim. In cases where a person dies in a car accident, the personal representative of their estate can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the decedent’s loved ones.

Filing a Claim After a Car Accident in Arkansas

Getting in an accident due to the fault of another party can be scary, upsetting, and confusing. The good news is that you have avenues to hold the responsible party accountable and receive compensation for your losses.

After all the immediate excitement is over, it’s wise to get in touch with a car accident lawyer to start exploring your options for compensation from the at-fault party. You have three years to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Arkansas. You can also file a wrongful death claim for an accident within three years of the death of the victim.

Car Accidents in Arkansas

From 2018 to 2022, motor vehicle accident fatalities increased from 18 to 33 people. These types of fatalities have been fluctuating throughout the rest of the state over the last five years or so. Arkansas’ annual totals for car accident fatalities were:

• 2021: 693 fatalities
• 2022: 637 fatalities
• 2023: 596 fatalities
• 2024: 608 fatalities
• 157 fatalities have been reported as of May 2025

Roadway fatalities can be the product of a variety of causes, including bad driving conditions and poor road conditions. Risky or outright dangerous driving behaviors are a big factor when it comes to motor vehicle deaths. In recent years, the majority of traffic fatalities in NW Arkansas involved:

• Motorcyclists without helmets: 54 percent
• No use of seatbelts: 43 percent
• Speeding: 23 percent

Whatever the circumstances of your accident, it’s important to contact law enforcement as soon as possible. The only thing that is more important than getting police on the scene is getting everyone out of immediate danger.

FAQs

How Long After an Accident Can I File a Claim in Arkansas?

You have a right to hold someone accountable for your injuries after a car accident, but it’s important to act within the established statute of limitations for these types of claims in Arkansas. You must file a personal injury claim within three years of the car accident. If the victim passes away due to their injuries, the personal representative of their estate can file a wrongful death claim within three years of their death on behalf of their loved ones.

How Do I Get a Copy of a Police Report After a Car Accident in Arkansas?

In order to receive a copy of a police report, you can use the Arkansas State Police’s Crash Report Online Purchase System. Police reports are typically available within ten days of an accident. It can be helpful to get the names and badge numbers of the officers, as well as the number of the police report, when you’re still at the scene of the accident, to expedite this process.

Is it Worth it to File an Insurance Claim for Bumper Damage in Arkansas?

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s worth it to file an insurance claim after sustaining bumper damage in Arkansas. It helps to compare the cost of the damages to your deductible to see if getting your insurance involved makes financial sense. In less serious accidents, the damage may cost less, which means you risk your rates being increased without even having the costs covered. For severe damages, however, filing a claim can be highly beneficial.

Does it Matter Who Calls the Police After a Car Accident in Arkansas?

After a car accident, it’s important to contact local law enforcement as soon as you’ve ensured everyone is out of immediate danger. It does not matter which party contacts the police after a car accident. This is not taken into consideration when determining a settlement amount for a car accident claim. The important part is that someone contacts them and files an official report. Be sure to ask for a copy of this document as well.

Talk to an Arkansas Car Accident Lawyer About Filing a Police Report After an Accident

If you want to know more about filing a police report, consider working with an Arkansas car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC. Our team has decades of experience with complex car accident cases, including navigating personal injury claims and wrongful death claims. We can evaluate your case, bolster your claim, and aid you in securing the compensation you deserve after your accident.

Our skilled attorneys are focused on building the strongest claim in your defense, so you can secure the maximum compensation available. Whatever services you need, we’ve got you covered. Contact our team to set up an appointment with an Arkansas car accident lawyer to learn more today.