Been in a car accident in Arkansas? Such circumstances create stress that leads you to question what your next steps should be.
A car accident causes many questions to arise afterwards…
- Who will be responsible for the costs of your damaged car?
- What approach will you take to manage the increasing medical expenses?
- How do you sustain yourself if you’re unable to work because of your injuries?
- Will insurance offer you a fair settlement?
Concerns about your situation become overwhelming as you attempt to recover from injuries. An Arkansas car accident lawyer intervenes at this critical point to assist you.
What You’ll Discover:
- Why You Might Need an Arkansas Car Accident Lawyer
- What These Legal Experts Do For You
- When to Hire After an Accident
- Arkansas Car Accident Statistics
- How Lawyers Calculate Your Case’s Worth
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Why You Might Need an Arkansas Car Accident Lawyer
The range of car accidents in Arkansas spans from small fender benders to severe catastrophic collisions. Attempting to handle the consequences of a car accident yourself might appear to be a money-saving strategy but it can lead to much higher expenses for you.
The truth is that insurance companies exist to protect their financial interests rather than help you get full compensation. Insurance companies focus on protecting their own financial interests rather than ensuring you receive full compensation.
When should you consider hiring a Little Rock car accident lawyer to represent your interests? Look for these warning signs:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries requiring medical treatment
- The accident forced you to miss work resulting in lost income
- The insurance company wants you to settle your claim quickly.
- Fault for the accident is being disputed
- Multiple parties are involved in your accident
Even “simple” cases can become complicated quickly. Legal professionals help protect your rights throughout your entire case.
What These Legal Experts Do For You
The general perception is that car accident lawyers focus solely on filing documents and settling cases. They deliver extensive support from start to finish during your legal case.
Your Arkansas car accident lawyer will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident
- Gather and preserve critical evidence
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Consult with medical experts about your injuries
- Calculate the true value of your damages
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial if needed
They provide equal opportunities for justice to prevail. Insurance companies employ groups of adjusters and attorneys whose purpose is to reduce the amount you receive. A personal attorney provides dedicated representation that zealously defends your rights.
When to Hire After an Accident
The timing of your actions following a car accident in Arkansas plays a crucial role. Arkansas law limits personal injury claims to three years from the date of the accident. You must file your lawsuit within three years from the date of your accident.
Waiting until the final moments to act does not result in effective outcomes. Here’s an ideal timeline:
- Immediately after: Seek medical attention and report the accident
- Within days: Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance
- First few weeks: Document injuries and gather evidence
- First few months: Your lawyer negotiates while you recover
Your compensation potential improves when you hire a lawyer early in the process. Involving legal counsel early on ensures preservation of evidence while preventing expensive errors.
Arkansas Car Accident Statistics
Statistical evidence demonstrates that car accidents continue to be a major issue throughout Arkansas. Arkansas reported 643 traffic fatalities during the year 2022 based on latest statistics. Among passenger vehicle fatalities 415 people died and 45% of these deaths occurred because passengers were not restrained which totals 188 fatalities.
Speed-related accidents resulted in 143 fatalities which equates to 22% of all traffic deaths. The highest concern stems from alcohol-impaired driving which accounted for 24% or 153 traffic deaths.
The rural-urban divide is also significant. Despite experiencing less traffic volume rural areas witnessed 56% (359) of traffic fatalities. Single-vehicle crashes resulted in 51% (326) fatalities while multiple-vehicle crashes accounted for 49% (317) fatalities.
The data clearly shows why securing appropriate legal representation becomes essential if you become part of these statistics.
How Lawyers Calculate What Your Case is Worth
One of the most common questions car accident victims ask is: “What is my case worth?”
The truth is, there’s no simple formula. Each situation requires its own evaluation because claim valuations depend on a detailed examination of many different elements.
Your Arkansas car accident lawyer will consider:
- Medical expenses include both treatment costs you’ve already paid and expenses you’ll need to cover in the future.
- Your lost wages represent both the money you’ve already lost and your diminished ability to earn in the future.
- Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement costs
- The pain and suffering component includes physical pain as well as emotional trauma.
- Permanent disability: Long-term limitations on your activities
Insurance firms generally limit their evaluations to expenses that you can demonstrate right now. Insurance providers frequently overlook or assign minimal importance to future medical requirements.
A skilled car accident attorney knows how to assess every element of your case to secure complete compensation.
How Arkansas Car Accident Laws Affect Your Case
Arkansas uses a “modified comparative fault” standard to determine financial compensation after an accident. You can receive compensation for damages provided your responsibility for the accident remains below 50%. Your final compensation payment will decrease according to your share of responsibility for the accident.
In this scenario where you hold 20% responsibility for the $100,000 damage claim you would receive $80,000 as compensation. If your fault is determined at 51% or higher you won’t receive any compensation.
The legal system requires individuals to have powerful legal representation. Insurance companies will attempt to place as much responsibility as possible on you in order to minimize their financial liability.
In Arkansas as an “at-fault” insurance state the driver who caused the accident must cover all resulting damages. Every driver in Arkansas needs to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
The required minimum insurance amounts typically prove inadequate when dealing with severe accidents. A lawyer with extensive experience will find every possible source of compensation.
Key Strategies for Success
Getting fair compensation isn’t automatic. Here are strategies your lawyer will use:
- Maintain organized records of your healthcare consultations and related costs.
- Make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions by showing up for every scheduled appointment and treatment.
- Stay away from social media because insurance companies track these platforms.
- Only your lawyer should handle all communications.
When dealing with serious injuries it’s important to remember they may take time to show their full extent. A competent lawyer prevents premature settlements by making sure you understand your injuries completely.
The Bottom Line
A car accident can instantly disrupt every aspect of your life. Your recovery will be heavily influenced by the choices you make following the accident.
You do not need to hire an Arkansas car accident lawyer but the benefits of doing so stand out.
- Professional guidance through a complex legal process
- Protection from insurance company tactics
- Higher compensation amounts (even after attorney fees)
- Peace of mind during a stressful time
Data proves car accidents continue to be a major issue throughout Arkansas. Avoid statistics by not tackling a complex claim by yourself.
Leading car accident attorneys provide no-cost initial consultations while billing clients based on successful settlements. Choosing this basic action can separate financial difficulties from acquiring the complete payment you are owed.
It’s important to realize that the insurance company employs skilled professionals to handle claims. Shouldn’t you have the same advantage?
