Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious and life-changing consequences of car and truck crashes. Survivors often require long-term rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, home modifications, and ongoing support. Until now, securing comprehensive insurance coverage for brain injury treatment in Arkansas has been uncertain. But with the passage of HB 1583 (now Act 348), the landscape for brain injury claims in Arkansas is changing. This has major implications for crash victims.

In this post, we explain what HB 1583 does, how it affects brain injury law in Arkansas, and what that means when pursuing a brain injury claim.

What Is HB 1583 (Act 348) and Why It Matters

HB 1583, signed into law in 2025, mandates that health benefit plans in Arkansas provide coverage for medically necessary treatment for acquired brain injury (ABI), including traumatic brain injuries.

Key features of the law include:

• It adds a new subchapter in Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 79, that defines “acquired brain injury” to include traumatic brain injury among other causes.
• It requires coverage, starting January 1, 2026, for medically necessary ABI care including cognitive rehabilitation, neurocognitive therapy, community reintegration services, functional rehabilitation, neurobehavioral therapy, neuropsychological testing, and more.
• The law prohibits unreasonable annual or lifetime caps on ABI treatment and forbids requiring higher deductibles, copayments, or out-of-pocket costs for ABI care than for other benefits.
• It establishes a role for clinical peer reviewers qualified in ABI care to evaluate treatment necessity and sets up a system for expedited appeals of coverage denials.

In short, this new statute provides more reliable insurance coverage for ABI in Arkansas and gives patients stronger legal footing when insurers deny care.

Why HB 1583 Is Important for Car and Truck Crash Victims

TBIs Are Common and Costly in Auto Collisions

A severe blow or jolt to the head in a collision can cause bleeding, bruising, swelling, or shearing within the brain. Many victims suffer cognitive deficits, memory loss, concentration problems, personality changes, and physical impairments. The cost of diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating brain injuries can escalate quickly.

Before HB 1583, even with health insurance or liability coverage, many ABI treatments were limited, capped, or denied. Those denials often forced survivors to rely on personal funds or litigation to fight for coverage.

Stronger Support for ABI Claims

With the new brain injury law in Arkansas now requiring insurers to cover ABI treatment more robustly, individuals who suffer TBIs in crashes have new leverage when making a claim. Insurers can no longer legitimately refuse necessary therapy or impose unreasonable limits just because brain injury care is expensive or ongoing.

Balancing Insurance and Liability Claims

In a typical car or truck accident case:

• You have a liability claim against the at-fault party’s insurer for damages including medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages, long-term care, and more.
• You may also have coverage through your own health insurance or other health benefit plans, which must now comply with HB 1583.

Because insurers must no longer deny or cap ABI care unreasonably, your legal team can more confidently demand full coverage as part of your total recovery. You can integrate ABI treatment into your damages package knowing that insurance cannot easily escape responsibility.

What You Need to Prove in an ABI Claim After a Crash

To maximize the benefit of HB 1583, the following strategies are essential:

Medical and Expert Documentation

• Neuropsychological testing and imaging to diagnose the brain injury
• Opinions from neurologists, neuropsychologists, and rehabilitation specialists
• Treatment plans showing how ABI therapies are medically necessary

Linking the Injury to the Crash

Demonstrate that the traumatic impact from the accident caused or contributed to the brain injury. This is essential in liability claims.

Cost and Duration Forecasts

Many ABI cases require future care estimation. Expert life-care planners, rehabilitation specialists, and economists help quantify long-term needs.

Navigating Insurance Disputes

Even with HB 1583, insurers may challenge treatment necessity. Having legal leverage to force appeals and push back against unfair denials is vital.

Combining Claims Strategically

Your legal plan must coordinate your liability case and insurance coverage demands. This ensures you do not double-claim or waive rights to ABI treatment that insurers must now cover.

What Clients Should Do if They Have Suffered a TBI in a Crash

• Seek prompt and thorough medical evaluation, even if symptoms seem mild
• Document everything, including MRIs, therapy sessions, and caregiver needs
• Retain all treatment records from all providers
• Preserve all insurer correspondence
• Contact a skilled injury attorney early

Reed Firm: Your Advocate for Brain Injury Recovery

Traumatic brain injuries can affect every part of your life, from your memory and independence to your relationships and long-term well-being. At Reed Firm, we recognize that ABI cases demand deep medical, legal, and strategic expertise. With HB 1583 now in effect, survivors have stronger rights than ever. We are here to fight for full compensation.

If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury in a crash, contact us for a free case evaluation.