DIY Guide: Handling Property Damage & Reporting a Car or Truck Accident in Arkansas

A car or truck accident can leave you dealing with stressful repairs, insurance claims, and legal reporting requirements. Whether your vehicle has minor dents or is totaled, knowing the right steps to take can help you recover fair compensation and stay compliant with Arkansas laws.

This DIY guide walks you through:
✔ How to document and report property damage
✔ Arkansas accident reporting requirements
✔ Types of property damage you can claim
✔ How to handle insurance disputes

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

✔ Move to a Safe Location – If possible, pull over to a safe spot away from traffic.
✔ Check for Injuries – If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and contact the Reed Firm.
✔ Turn on Hazard Lights – Alert other drivers that your vehicle is stopped.
✔ Do Not Leave the Scene – Leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run) is illegal in Arkansas.

🚨 Arkansas Law Note: You are legally required to report an accident if it results in injury or death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

Step 2: Call the Police & Report the Accident

✔ Call Law Enforcement – If there are injuries or significant damage, notify the police, sheriff, or Arkansas State Police.
✔ Obtain the Police Report Number – This will be essential for your insurance claim.
✔ Remain at the Scene – Cooperate with officers and provide accurate information, but avoid admitting fault.

📌 How to Get a Copy of the Police Report in Arkansas:

• Contact the responding law enforcement agency and request a copy.

🚨 Why This Matters: A police report helps prove fault and protects you from fraudulent claims. Insurance companies require an official report to process claims.

Step 3: Document the Property Damage from the Car Accident

✔ Take Photos & Videos – Capture:

• All vehicle damage (close-ups & wide shots).
• License plates of all vehicles involved.
• Traffic signs, skid marks, road debris, and weather conditions.

✔ Write Down Key Details – Include:

• Date, time, and location of the accident.
• Weather and road conditions.

✔ Get Witness Statements – If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact info.

🚨 Why This Matters: Strong evidence prevents insurance disputes and ensures fair compensation.

Step 4: Exchange Information with the Other Driver

✔ Collect the following details:

• Driver’s full name & contact info
• License plate number
• Insurance provider & policy number

🚨 What NOT to Do:
❌ Do NOT admit fault – even saying “I’m sorry” could be used against you.
❌ Do NOT sign anything from the other driver – wait for official documentation from your insurer.

Step 5: Report the Accident to the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration (DFA)

🚨 Who Needs to Report the Accident?
✔ If the accident resulted in injury or death, or property damage over $1,000, you must file a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (Form SR-1) with the Arkansas DFA within thirty (30) days.

📌 How to File an SR-1 Accident Report in Arkansas:

• The report must be submitted within 30 days of the accident.
• You can complete the SR-1 form online, by mail, or in person at a DFA revenue office. The form can be found here: https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/SR121_1.pdf
• Proof of liability insurance is required.

📌 Arkansas Minimum Insurance Requirements:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
• $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage.

🚨 Failure to report an accident can lead to fines and license suspension.

Step 6: Types of Property Damage You Can Claim

If your vehicle was damaged in an accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

1. Vehicle Repair Costs

✔ Covers auto body repairs, replacement parts, and labor.
✔ If repairs cost more than the vehicle’s market value, it may be considered a total loss.

2. Vehicle Replacement (Total Loss Claims)

✔ If your car is totaled, the insurance company may offer a payout based on fair market value. NOTE that the insurance company does not have to pay your car off if you owe more than it’s worth.
✔ Research your car’s value on Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds before accepting an offer. You can also search for comparable vehicles in your market to see what they’re selling for.

3. Diminished Value Compensation

✔ Even after repairs, your car may be worth less than before the accident.
✔ You can claim the difference in resale value.

4. Rental Car Reimbursement

✔ Covers rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired.
✔ Check if your policy includes rental car coverage. That can tide you over until you receive compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

5. Personal Property Damage

✔ If electronics, child car seats, or other personal belongings were damaged in the crash, you may be able to recover compensation. Take photos of the damaged items and prepare a list.

Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company

✔ Report the Accident Promptly – Call your insurance provider ASAP.
✔ Provide the Necessary Documentation – Submit:

• Police report number
• Photos of vehicle damage
• Witness statements (if available)

📌 Tip: Insurance companies have deadlines for reporting accidents. Acting quickly prevents claim delays or denials.

Step 8: Handling Insurance Disputes

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Common tactics include:

🚨 Lowball Offers – The insurer undervalues your car or offers lower repair costs.
🚨 Claim Denials – The company may argue that the damage wasn’t from the accident.
🚨 Delays in Processing Claims – Some adjusters stall payments to pressure you into settling for less.

✔ How to Fight Back:

• Get a second repair estimate if the first offer is too low.
• Provide additional documentation (photos, police reports, repair receipts).
• Negotiate with the adjuster – Be persistent and prove your car’s true value.

📌 Tip: If your insurance company refuses to properly evaluate your claim, you can file a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Insurance (insurance.arkansas.gov).

Final Thoughts: Navigating Property Damage & Reporting Accidents in Arkansas

By following these DIY steps, you can:

✔ Ensure a smooth insurance claims process.
✔ Understand what property damages you can claim.
✔ Stay compliant with Arkansas accident reporting laws.

📌 Tip: Always stay organized, document everything, and follow up with your insurance provider regularly.

If You’ve Been Injured, Contact the Reed Firm – Because Justice Matters

At the Reed Firm, we don’t just handle injury cases—we advocate for people. We are driven by a passion for justice and a commitment to fighting for accident victims. If you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future, you need a legal team that fights with heart and determination.

✔ Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

✔ Let us fight for the justice and compensation you are owed.

📞 Call the Reed Firm today for a FREE consultation.

📩 Fill out our online form to get started.

At the Reed Firm, your fight is our fight. We won’t stop until you get the justice and compensation you deserve.