How To Obtain Arkansas Highway Patrol Accident Reports (2026 Official Guide)

Disambiguation Note: In Arkansas, state-level highway traffic enforcement is conducted by the Highway Patrol Division of the Arkansas State Police (ASP), under the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. If your motor vehicle collision was investigated by a state trooper on an interstate or state highway, your official record is maintained within the centralized ASP eCrash system.

Securing an official crash report after a traffic collision on an Arkansas highway is a vital step in handling insurance claims, establishing legal liability, and protecting your financial recovery. Whether your incident occurred on Interstate 30, Interstate 40, or a rural state route, the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division documents all state-investigated collisions using standardized reporting procedures.

Navigating the administrative process to obtain these records requires understanding the official request channels, processing fees, mandatory identifying details, and statutory timelines applicable in 2026. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know to locate, request, interpret, and correct an Arkansas Highway Patrol accident report.

Channels for Requesting Arkansas State Police Crash Reports

The Arkansas Department of Public Safety provides multiple avenues to obtain official motor vehicle crash reports. The fastest and most common method is through the state's online database, though traditional mail and in-person requests remain available for individuals requiring certified physical copies.

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1. Online Retrieval via the Arkansas eCrash Portal

The state maintains a digital repository known as the Arkansas eCrash system. Most collision reports documented by Arkansas State Troopers are uploaded to this system within 3 to 10 business days following the completion of the on-scene investigation.

• Processing Time: Instant download once uploaded by the investigating trooper.
• Standard Online Fee: $10.00 per report (payable via credit or debit card through the secure portal).
• Access Requirements: You must provide specific search criteria, such as the eCrash document number, the date of the incident, and the last name of an involved driver.

2. Written Request by Mail

If you prefer to receive a physical copy or require a certified document for court proceedings, you can submit a written request directly to the Arkansas State Police Crash Records Section.

• Mailing Address: Arkansas State Police Attn: Crash Records Section 1 State Police Plaza Drive Little Rock, AR 72209
• Required Documentation: Include a completed ASP Crash Request Form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the $10.00 search fee payable to the Arkansas State Police.
• Turnaround Time: Typically 7 to 14 business days from receipt of the request.

3. In-Person Requests at ASP Headquarters or Troop Command Post

You may obtain reports in person by visiting the ASP Headquarters in Little Rock or one of the regional Highway Patrol Troop Command Posts across the state.

Important In-Person Access Requirement: Before visiting a regional troop command post, call the local facility to confirm that the specific accident report has been fully reviewed, approved by a supervisor, and released for public distribution.

Regional ASP Highway Patrol Troop Locations:

• Troop A (Central Arkansas): 1 State Police Plaza Dr., Little Rock, AR 72209
• Troop B (North East Arkansas): 2805 Auto Mall Team Dr., Newport, AR 72112
• Troop C (East Arkansas): 2216 Commerce Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72401
• Troop D (East Central Arkansas): 3205 Springbery Rd., Forrest City, AR 72335
• Troop E (Southeast Arkansas): 6813 Princeton Pike, Pine Bluff, AR 71602
• Troop F (South Central Arkansas): 1237 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR 71655
• Troop G (Southwest Arkansas): 2501 North Hervey St., Hope, AR 71801
• Troop H (West Arkansas): 6709 Jenkins Rd., Fort Smith, AR 72916
• Troop I (North Arkansas): 460 North Point Dr., Harrison, AR 72601
• Troop J (River Valley): 2711 West Main St., Clarksville, AR 72830
• Troop K (Ouachita Region): 200 State Police Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71913
• Troop L (Northwest Arkansas): 1120 West Monroe Ave., Springdale, AR 72764

Required Data Points for Locating a Crash Record

To avoid administrative delays or failed system searches, ensure you have gathered exact details prior to initiating your request. The eCrash search algorithm requires accurate matching criteria.

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1. eCrash Document Number: A unique 9-digit or 10-digit identification number assigned by the investigating trooper at the scene.
2. Date of the Crash: The exact day, month, and year the collision occurred.
3. County of Occurrence: The specific Arkansas county where the highway crash took place (e.g., Pulaski, Benton, Washington, or Miller County).
4. Driver’s Full Legal Name: The name of at least one driver involved in the collision exactly as listed on their driver's license.
5. Investigating Agency: Confirmation that the incident was handled by the Arkansas State Police / Highway Patrol rather than a local municipal police department or county sheriff.

Breakdown of Access Methods & Costs

The following table summarizes the primary ways to request official collision records in Arkansas, comparing costs, turnaround times, and practical recommendations.

How to Read and Interpret an Arkansas State Police Collision Report

An Arkansas State Police motor vehicle crash report is a standardized multi-page document packed with coded data, diagrams, and investigative findings. Understanding these sections helps you evaluate liability and ensure all facts were recorded accurately.

Page 1: Administrative and Identifying Information

• Header Data: Contains the eCrash Control Number, date, time, agency name, and crash location (including mile markers and highway designations).
• Driver & Vehicle Units: Lists full names, addresses, driver's license numbers, state of registration, insurance policy details, and vehicle identification numbers (VIN) for Unit 1 and Unit 2.
• Injury Severity Codes: Documents injuries using standardized codes:
  
  
  • K: Fatal Injury
  • A: Suspected Serious Injury
  • B: Suspected Minor Injury
  • C: Possible Injury
  • O: No Apparent Injury

Page 2: Environmental Factors and Contributory Actions

• Environmental Conditions: Documents weather (clear, rain, fog), road surface conditions (dry, wet, ice), and light conditions (daylight, dark-lighted, dark-unlighted).
• Driver Contributing Factors: Crucial section where the officer notes perceived driver errors, such as:
  
  
  • Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
  • Following Too Closely
  • Improper Lane Change
  • Operating Vehicle in Erratic Manner
  • Distracted Driving / Cell Phone Use
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI / DWI)

Page 3: Narrative and Scene Diagram

• Officer Narrative: The trooper’s written summary detailing how the collision transpired based on physical evidence, vehicle damage, and witness statements.
• Diagram: A visual representation of the roadway layout, direction of travel, point of impact, and final rest positions of all involved vehicles.
• Commercial Vehicle Section: If a semi-truck or commercial carrier was involved, this page captures US DOT numbers, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR), and motor carrier names.

Legal and Insurance Implications under Arkansas Law

Understanding the legal framework surrounding crash reports in Arkansas is critical when pursuing a personal injury claim or property damage recovery.

Arkansas Comparative Fault Rule (A.C.A. § 16-64-122)

Arkansas operates under a modified comparative fault system with a strict 50% bar rule. Under Arkansas Code Annotated § 16-64-122:

An injured party can only recover damages if their percentage of fault is less than 50 percent. If an individual is determined to be 50 percent or more responsible for the collision, they are statutorily barred from recovering any financial compensation from the other driver.

Insurance adjusters rely heavily on the driver contributing factors listed in the Highway Patrol report to assign fault percentages. If an investigating trooper incorrectly assigns a contributing factor to your unit, it can severely impact your insurance claim.

Admissibility in Court Proceedings

In Arkansas civil trials, the police crash report itself is generally considered hearsay and is usually inadmissible as direct evidence to prove negligence. However, the investigating trooper can be subpoenaed to testify about their direct observations, physical measurements taken at the scene, driver admissions, and expert opinions regarding point of impact.

How to Correct Errors on an Arkansas Highway Patrol Report

If you discover factual inaccuracies on your official accident report, you must act promptly to request an amendment. Arkansas State Troopers will not alter historical opinions or conclusions simply upon request, but factual mistakes can be corrected.

Factual Errors vs. Investigative Conclusions

• Correctable Factual Errors: Misspelled names, incorrect insurance policy numbers, wrong vehicle make/model, inverted driver units, or transposed driver's license numbers.
• Disputed Conclusions: Disagreements regarding who was at fault, estimated vehicle speeds, or subjective witness interpretations.

Steps to Submit a Supplemental Request

1. Gather Objective Evidence: Obtain concrete proof supporting the change (e.g., insurance ID cards, vehicle registration, dashcam footage, or photos taken at the scene).
2. Contact the Investigating Trooper: Reach out directly to the specific ASP Troop Headquarters that responded to your accident. Ask to speak with or leave a message for the investigating officer.
3. Submit a Written Statement: Provide a polite, objective explanation of the error along with supporting documentation.
4. Filing an Officer Supplemental Report: If the officer agrees with the new evidence, they will file an official Supplemental Crash Report through the eCrash system, which updates the master public file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an Arkansas Highway Patrol accident report to become available?

Most Arkansas State Police crash reports are uploaded to the online eCrash system within 3 to 10 business days following the incident. Complex crashes involving fatalities, commercial motor vehicles, or specialized reconstruction may take several weeks to finalize.

What is the fee for an official Arkansas State Police crash report?

The standard fee set by the Arkansas Department of Public Safety is $10.00 per report, whether requested online through the eCrash portal, by mail, or in person at an ASP facility. Online transactions may incur a small credit card processing convenience fee.

Can I get an accident report if the collision was investigated by a local city police officer?

No. The Arkansas State Police eCrash portal primary repository stores reports completed by state troopers and participating county agencies. If your accident was handled by a municipal agency (such as the Little Rock Police Department or Fort Smith Police Department), you must request the report directly from that city’s records division.

What should I do if the report lists my insurance company incorrectly?

You should immediately provide your correct insurance certificate to both your insurance adjuster and the investigating ASP troop post. Request that the officer issue a supplemental report to update the financial responsibility section so your claim is not improperly delayed or denied.

Does an officer’s assignment of fault on a crash report finalise insurance liability?

No. While insurance adjusters heavily weigh the officer’s notes and citations when evaluating a claim, the trooper’s report is an administrative determination, not a final legal verdict. Insurance companies conduct their own independent investigations, and fault can be disputed in a court of law.

Next Steps for Crash Victims and Legal Representatives

If you or a family member were involved in a collision on an Arkansas highway, taking prompt action guarantees your rights are preserved:

1. Obtain the eCrash Number: Secure the administrative tracking number from the investigating trooper before leaving the scene or via dispatch.
2. Order Your Official Report: Use the Arkansas eCrash online portal after 3 business days to purchase the official copy.
3. Review for Accuracy: Carefully check all driver names, dates, insurance information, and narrative details for factual accuracy.
4. Consult Legal Counsel: If the accident resulted in severe bodily injury, disputed liability, or commercial vehicle involvement, present your crash report to an experienced Arkansas personal injury attorney before settling with insurance carriers.