By Serdar Arslan, editor · Last reviewed · How we research
Arkansas puts part of the paperwork on drivers after a serious crash. When a collision causes injury, death or more than $1,000 in property damage, the driver must file an Accident Report, form SR-1, with the Office of Driver Services at the Department of Finance and Administration within 30 days, whoever was at fault. It can be filed online, by mail or in person. State Police reports are not sent to the DFA automatically, so you may need your own copy from the agency that worked the crash to complete the form.
Lawsuit deadlines are a uniform 3 years: from the crash for injury and property damage, and from the date of death for wrongful death. Arkansas is an at-fault state that bars recovery at 50% fault and reduces smaller shares proportionally. The liability minimum is 25/50/25. Insurers must offer PIP, commonly up to $10,000 regardless of fault, but you can reject it in writing, and uninsured motorist coverage is optional. Compensatory damages are generally not capped, since the state constitution is widely reported to bar such limits. IIHS counted 603 traffic deaths in Arkansas in 2024.
Key rules at a glance
| Personal injury filing deadline | Generally 3 years from the date of the crash Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105 |
|---|---|
| Property damage deadline | Generally 3 years for damage to your vehicle or other property Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105 |
| Wrongful death deadline | Generally 3 years from the date of death Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 16-62-102 |
| Fault rule | Modified comparative fault (50% bar): Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but you recover nothing if you are 50% or more at fault. Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 16-64-122 |
| Insurance system | At-fault (tort) · Insurers must offer PIP (commonly up to $10,000 regardless of fault), but you can reject it in writing. Check your policy. |
| Minimum liability insurance | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident bodily injury; $25,000 property damage Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 27-22-104 |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Not required (usually offered; you may reject it in writing) |
| Damage caps | Arkansas generally does not cap compensatory damages in car accident cases; the state constitution is widely reported to bar laws limiting recovery for injury or death (Ark. Const. art. 5, § 32). Check the current law or ask a licensed attorney. |
| Reporting a crash | Notify police if a crash causes injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. The driver must also file an Accident Report (form SR-1) with the Office of Driver Services at the Department of Finance and Administration within 30 days, no matter who was at fault. You can file online, by mail or in person. |
Getting your crash report in Arkansas
Ask the law enforcement agency that worked the crash (Arkansas State Police, county sheriff or city police) for a copy. State Police reports are not sent to the DFA automatically, so you may need your own copy to complete the SR-1.
Checking a Arkansas lawyer
Before you sign anything, confirm the attorney is licensed and in good standing with the official state search, and ask for the fee agreement in writing. Our guide on choosing and verifying a lawyer lists what to ask.
- License search: Arkansas Judiciary – Attorney Search
- Lawyer referral: Arkansas Bar Association – ArkansasFindALawyer directory · 501-375-4606
603 people died in motor vehicle crashes in Arkansas in 2024, according to IIHS analysis of NHTSA FARS data.
Frequently asked questions
›What is form SR-1, and do I have to file it?
It is the Accident Report the driver must file with the Office of Driver Services within 30 days of a crash that causes injury, death or more than $1,000 in property damage. You must file it regardless of fault, and a police report does not replace it. It can be filed online, by mail or in person.
›Does Arkansas allow 3 years for every kind of crash claim?
Generally, yes. Injury and property damage claims have 3 years from the crash (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105), and wrongful death claims have 3 years from the date of death (§ 16-62-102). Exceptions can apply, so check with a licensed attorney.
›How does a 50/50 fault split play out in Arkansas?
You recover nothing. Arkansas bars recovery when you are 50% or more at fault (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-64-122). If your share is lower, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.
›Is PIP included in my Arkansas policy?
Insurers must offer PIP, commonly up to $10,000 regardless of fault, but you can reject it in writing. Uninsured motorist coverage is also optional. Check your own policy to see what you kept.
›Where do I get the police report for an Arkansas crash?
Ask the agency that worked the crash, whether that was the Arkansas State Police, the county sheriff or city police. State Police reports are not sent to the DFA automatically, so you may need your own copy to complete the SR-1.
Sources
- Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105 (via Justia)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 16-62-102 (via Justia)
- Arkansas DFA – Accident Report SR-1
- Ark. Code Ann. § 27-19-501 (via Justia)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 27-22-104 (Justia)
- Arkansas Judiciary – Attorney Search
- Arkansas Bar Association – ArkansasFindALawyer
- IIHS – Fatality Facts 2024: State by state
- Ark. Code Ann. § 16-64-122 (via Justia)