Car accidents can happen in an instant, leaving you shaken and unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, knowing the right steps to take immediately after an accident is crucial—especially in Arkansas.
Acting quickly and correctly can protect your safety, strengthen your insurance claim, and ensure you comply with local laws.
Failing to follow the proper procedures could lead to legal complications, delays in insurance payouts, or even missed opportunities for compensation.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take after a car accident in Arkansas, helping you stay safe, organized, and legally protected.
Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
The moments after a car accident can be chaotic, but staying calm is critical. Panicking can lead to poor decisions, so take a deep breath and focus on the following:
– Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
– Move to a safe location if possible (e.g., the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot).
– Check yourself and passengers for injuries—some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
If the accident is severe and vehicles are immobile, stay inside with your seatbelt on until emergency responders arrive.
Call Emergency Services
In Arkansas, you are legally required to report an accident if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even if the crash seems minor, calling 911 ensures that police document the incident, which is vital for insurance claims.
- Bentonville Police Department Non-Emergency Line: (479) 271-3170
- Saline County Sheriff: (501) 303-5648
- Conway County 911 Dispatch (non-emergency report): (501) 215-4911
- Craighead County Sheriff: (870) 935-5553 or (870) 933-4551
- Fort Smith Police Department: (479) 709-5000
- Fayetteville Police Department: (479) 587-3555
- Cabot Police Department: (501) 843-6526
- Jacksonville Police Department: (501) 985-2802 / (501) 985-2902 / (501) 985-2740
For serious injuries, call 911 immediately.
The police department will file an accident report, which could serve as crucial evidence later on. If an officer doesn’t arrive, you can file a report to the Police Department within 30 days.
Exchange Information
After ensuring everyone’s safety, exchange the following details with the other driver(s):
– Full name and contact information
– Driver’s license number
– Insurance company and policy number
– Vehicle details (make, model, license plate)
Important: Be polite but do not admit fault—even saying “I’m sorry” could be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver and police.
Document the Scene
Gathering evidence at the scene can significantly strengthen your insurance claim or legal case. Use your phone to:
– Take photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles.
– Capture road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks.
– Record weather and lighting conditions.
– Get contact information from witnesses (their statements could be valuable later).
If possible, write down your own account of the accident while details are fresh in your mind.
Seek Medical Attention
Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. It’s best to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Bentonville-area medical centers:
- Northwest Medical Center—Bentonville (3000 Medical Center Pkwy)
- Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas (2710 S Rife Medical Ln, Rogers)
Saline County (Benton)-area medical centers:
- Saline Memorial Hospital (1 Medical Park Dr, Benton)
- Arkansas Heart Hospital Encore Medical Center (1 Encore Way, Bryant)
Conway County (Morrilton)-area medical centers:
- CHI St. Vincent Morrilton (4 Mercy Ln, Morrilton)
Craighead County (Jonesboro)-area medical centers:
- St. Bernards Medical Center (225 E Washington Ave, Jonesboro)
- NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital (4800 E Johnson Ave, Jonesboro)
Fort Smith-area medical centers:
- Mercy Hospital Fort Smith (7301 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith)
- Baptist Health-Fort Smith (1001 Towson Ave, Fort Smith)
- Select Specialty Hospital – Fort Smith (7301 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith – within Mercy Hospital)
Fayetteville-area medical centers:
- Washington Regional Medical Center (3215 N Northhills Blvd, Fayetteville)
- Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (1100 N College Ave, Fayetteville)
- MANA Fayetteville Diagnostic Clinic (3344 N Futrall Dr, Fayetteville)
- Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas (2710 S Rife Medical Ln, Rogers – also near Bentonville)
Cabot-area medical centers:
- Baptist Health Medical Center-North Little Rock (3333 Springhill Dr, North Little Rock – nearest large hospital)
- Unity Health: White County Medical Center – South Campus (Searcy – alternative direction)
- Several urgent care and smaller clinics are in Cabot itself.
Jacksonville-area medical centers:
- Unity Health-Jacksonville (1400 Braden St, Jacksonville)
- Baptist Health Medical Center-North Little Rock (3333 Springhill Dr, North Little Rock)
Little Rock-area medical centers:
- UAMS Medical Center (4301 W Markham St, Little Rock)
- Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock (9601 Interstate 630, Exit 7, Little Rock)
- CHI St. Vincent Infirmary (2 St Vincent Cir, Little Rock)
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital (1 Children’s Way, Little Rock)
- John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital (4300 W 7th St, Little Rock)
Baxter County (Mountain Home)-area medical centers:
- Baxter Health (624 Hospital Dr, Mountain Home)
Faulkner County (Conway)-area medical centers:
- Conway Regional Medical Center (2302 College Ave, Conway)
- Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway (1555 Exchange Ave, Conway)
A medical report also creates an official record linking your injuries to the accident, which is essential for insurance claims.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible—most companies require prompt reporting. Provide them with:
– The police report number
– Photos and documentation from the scene
– Medical records (if applicable)
Avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve consulted with an attorney, as insurers may use it to minimize your claim.
Follow Up on Your Claim
Keep track of all accident-related expenses, including:
– Medical bills
– Vehicle repair costs
– Lost wages from missed work
Follow up with your insurance adjuster regularly and keep copies of all communications. If your claim is denied or underpaid, an attorney can help appeal the decision.
Consult with an Arkansas Car Accident Attorney
Dealing with insurance companies can be stressful, especially if the other driver disputes fault. A local Bentonville car accident attorney can:
– Investigate the accident to determine liability.
– Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.
– Help file a lawsuit if necessary.
Arkansas follows a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover damages. However, insurers often try to reduce payouts, making legal guidance invaluable.
A car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health, finances, and legal rights.
By staying organized and proactive, you can navigate the aftermath of an accident with confidence.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Bentonville, don’t face the legal and insurance challenges alone. Contact Davis Legal today at 662-617-9028 for a free consultation.
Our experienced attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal issues while you focus on recovery.
