To get a copy of the accident report after your collision, you will need to follow the process detailed by the law enforcement agency that responded. This could entail requesting the document by mail, picking it up in person, or ordering it online.
If you have an attorney working with you on your claim, they will likely request and obtain a copy of your police report as a part of their investigation into the accident. They will know how to navigate the request process for any local law enforcement agency.
Requesting Accident Reports from the Appropriate Law Enforcement Agency
The two most common agencies that manage traffic accidents in and around Little Rock are the Little Rock Police Department and the Arkansas State Police. The process for getting your accident report depends on the agency.
The Little Rock Police Department
According to the City of Little Rock, the Records Division of the Little Rock Police Department allows walk-in requests for records at its office from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The address is:
700 W. Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
The division also offers reports online through its web portal. Most reports are available about eight hours after an accident investigation is finished. You can learn more by calling (501) 371-4654.
Arkansas State Police
The Arkansas State Police allows you to request a copy of an accident report by mail or online. The address for mail-in requests is:
Arkansas State Police|
Attn: Crash Records Section
One State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
Downloadable reports are available online from the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. It is also possible to request accident reports from local police agencies through this link.
To obtain a report from the Arkansas State Police, you will need:
- The date of the accident
- Where it occurred
- Your last name
For a free legal consultation, call (501) 588-3304
What Is in a Responding Police Officer’s Crash Report?
When officers respond to a collision in Little Rock, they follow protocols that allow them to gather the facts and determine what likely happened. The information they learn goes into their report. This could include:
- The identity of everyone involved
- Their contact information
- Their insurance companies and policy numbers
- The time and location of the crash
- What happened
- Who caused the crash
- If anyone received a ticket
The police report provides information that you will need to file your claim, such as the at-fault driver’s name and the insurance company representing them. If you are considering filing your claim on your own, you will need the police report before you can begin the process.
If you work with a law firm, it will use this information to support your claim as well as to identify the liable party and demand a payout on your behalf.
Is the Police Report Evidence in My Little Rock Car Accident?
The crash report filed by police is often one of the most crucial pieces of evidence in a traffic accident case. It provides details about what happened and who caused it. This should support your insurance claim and financial recovery.
If you believe what happened in your accident differs from the details in the report, you should contact a traffic collision attorney as soon as possible. You will not want to try to fight this with the insurer on your own.
A personal injury law firm can also help you with your claim. It may be able to:
- Answer your questions
- Protect your rights
- Obtain your police report and other relevant documents
- Gather additional evidence
- Re-interview the witnesses listed on the report
- Work with experts as needed
- Handle any necessary communication with the insurer
- Prepare and file your insurance claim
An attorney will document your damages and seek compensation based on them. They will pursue a just settlement from the insurance company and file a civil suit against their policyholder if they do not agree to a fair payout.
You must act quickly to ensure you do not miss any deadlines in your case and risk losing the right to sue. Arkansas generally gives victims three years to begin their lawsuit, but the circumstances of your accident could reduce this time considerably.
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Let Morris Bart, LLC, Review Your Traffic Accident Case for Free Today
The Morris Bart law firm offers complimentary case evaluations for victims of traffic accidents in Little Rock. We are a contingency fee legal firm with more than 40 years of experience. In 2019, we recovered payouts for more than 6,500 clients.
You can reach our office in Little Rock, AR, now by calling (501) 588-3304. We can get started with your free case assessment right away and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Questions?Call (501) 588-3304
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