Free Printable Intersection Accident Claim Checklist for Arkansas Drivers

Getting hit at an intersection in Arkansas is overwhelming. In the minutes and hours after a crash, you're dealing with injuries, adrenaline, police reports, and phone calls from insurance adjusters. It's easy to forget critical steps that protect your right to compensation. That's exactly why a free printable intersection accident claim checklist for Arkansas drivers exists it gives you a clear, organized plan so nothing falls through the cracks when it matters most.

Arkansas sees thousands of intersection collisions every year. According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, intersections are among the most common locations for serious traffic crashes in the state. Whether the other driver ran a red light in Little Rock, failed to yield in Fort Smith, or blew through a stop sign in Fayetteville, the steps you take right after the crash directly affect whether your insurance claim succeeds or fails.

This article walks you through everything that belongs on your checklist, explains why each item matters, and gives you a printable version you can keep in your glovebox. Let's get into it.

What exactly is an intersection accident claim checklist?

An intersection accident claim checklist is a simple, organized list of tasks and documents you need after a crash at an intersection. It covers everything from what to do at the scene to what paperwork to gather before you file your claim. Think of it as a step-by-step roadmap that keeps you on track during a stressful, confusing time.

The checklist is specifically designed for Arkansas drivers, which means it accounts for Arkansas's fault-based insurance system and state-specific reporting requirements. Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Ark. Code § 16-64-122, meaning you can recover damages as long as you're less than 50% at fault but only if you've documented everything correctly from the start.

What should you do at the scene of an Arkansas intersection crash?

The first few minutes after an intersection collision matter more than most people realize. Here's what your checklist should cover while you're still at the scene:

Check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Don't try to move someone with a neck or back injury.
Move to safety if possible. Arkansas law requires you to move vehicles out of traffic if they're drivable and no one is seriously injured (Ark. Code § 27-53-101).
Call the police. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your claim. In Arkansas, you're required to report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.
Exchange information. Get the other driver's name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number, and plate number.
Take photos and video. Capture the intersection, traffic signals, skid marks, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These photos help when you need to prove fault in an Arkansas intersection accident.
Get witness information. Bystanders who saw the crash can make or break your case. Ask for names and phone numbers before they leave.
Note the traffic signal or sign status. Write down whether lights were working, what color they were, and whether any signs were blocked or missing.
Don't admit fault. Stay calm and cooperative, but don't say "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you." Even a casual apology can be used against you.

What documents do you need to file your claim?

After you leave the scene, your checklist shifts to gathering paperwork. Missing even one document can delay your claim or reduce your payout. Here's what you'll need:

Police report. You can request this from the responding law enforcement agency. In Little Rock, that's the LRPD. Most Arkansas agencies take 5–10 business days to process reports.
Medical records and bills. Keep every ER visit note, imaging result, physical therapy receipt, and prescription record. These document the full scope of your intersection collision injuries.
Insurance information. Your policy declarations page, the other driver's insurance details, and any correspondence from either company.
Photos and videos from the scene. Don't delete anything from your phone. Back everything up to the cloud.
Repair estimates or total loss valuation. Get at least two written estimates for vehicle damage.
Proof of lost wages. A letter from your employer or recent pay stubs showing income you missed because of the accident.
Witness statements. Written or recorded accounts from anyone who saw the intersection collision.
Traffic camera or dashcam footage. If available, this is some of the strongest evidence you can have.

What mistakes do Arkansas drivers commonly make after intersection accidents?

Even careful drivers slip up after a crash. These are the most common mistakes that weaken intersection accident claims in Arkansas:

Waiting too long to see a doctor. Insurance companies use gaps in treatment to argue your injuries aren't serious. Get checked out within 24–48 hours, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, don't show symptoms right away.
Giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer without preparation. Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your claim. You're not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company.
Posting about the accident on social media. Insurance investigators regularly check Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for posts that contradict injury claims.
Accepting a quick settlement offer. First offers are almost always lower than what your claim is worth. Once you accept, you can't go back for more.
Not keeping a pain journal. Daily notes about your pain levels, limitations, and emotional state add real value to your claim.
Missing Arkansas's statute of limitations. You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arkansas (Ark. Code § 16-56-105). Miss that deadline and your case is over.

Understanding what intersection crash injury settlements typically look like in Arkansas can help you avoid settling for less than your case is worth.

How long does an intersection accident claim take in Arkansas?

This depends on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of fault, and whether the insurance company cooperates. A straightforward property damage claim might settle in a few weeks. A serious injury claim with disputed fault can take months or longer. You can learn more about the typical settlement timeline for Arkansas intersection collisions to set realistic expectations.

The key thing to remember: don't rush. Settling before you know the full extent of your injuries is one of the costliest mistakes you can make.

How does fault work in Arkansas intersection accidents?

Arkansas is a modified comparative fault state. If you're found to be 49% or less at fault, you can still recover damages but your payout gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

For example, if another driver ran a red light and hit you, but you were speeding, you might be assigned 20% fault. If your total damages are $50,000, you'd receive $40,000. This is why documenting evidence thoroughly is so important. Every detail that shows the other driver caused the intersection crash helps reduce your fault percentage.

How do you actually use this printable checklist?

Print two copies. Keep one in your glovebox and one at home. After an intersection accident, work through it in order:

Scene steps Safety, police, photos, information exchange, witnesses.
Medical steps Get evaluated, start treatment, keep records.
Documentation steps Gather the police report, bills, repair estimates, and proof of lost income.
Claim steps Notify your insurance company, organize your file, and track all communication.
Follow-up steps Monitor your recovery, update your records, and avoid common mistakes like social media posts or early settlement.

Having a printed checklist removes the guesswork when your mind is racing after a crash. You don't have to remember everything you just have to follow the list.

Where can I download the free printable checklist?

You can download the free printable intersection accident claim checklist for Arkansas drivers here. It's a single-page PDF designed to fit in your glovebox, purse, or phone case. No email sign-up required.

Quick-reference checklist: What to do after an Arkansas intersection accident

Check for injuries and call 911
Move to safety if vehicles are drivable
Call the police and wait for an officer
Exchange insurance and contact information
Photograph the intersection, vehicles, signals, and injuries
Collect witness names and phone numbers
Write down what happened while it's fresh
See a doctor within 24–48 hours
Request the police report
Save all medical bills and repair receipts
Notify your own insurance company
Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer without understanding your rights
Start a daily pain and recovery journal
Avoid posting about the accident on social media
Track the three-year statute of limitations deadline

Next step: Print this checklist today and put it in your glovebox. If you've already been in an intersection collision and need to understand the full claims process, start by reviewing how to file an intersection collision injury claim in Arkansas step by step.