When do I need a car accident lawyer?

In Arkansas, you may need a car accident lawyer for the following reasons:

• You have sustained significant injuries: If you have been injured in a car accident and have incurred significant medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages, we can help you to recover compensation for those losses.
• Liability is in dispute: If there is a dispute over who was at fault for the accident, a lawyer can help you to gather evidence and prove your case.
• The insurance company is not offering a fair settlement: An attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
• You are facing a lawsuit: If you are being sued by the other party, an attorney can help you to defend yourself in court.
• You are not sure about the legal process: An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

In Arkansas, there is a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so it’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after an accident.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

If involved in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is stop the vehicle and pull over to the side of the road if possible. Failure to stop during an accident is illegal according to Arkansas law, and depending on the damages sustained, can be a felony.

Make sure everyone is out of danger and check for injuries. If it seems like anyone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately.

In addition, if there are injuries or property damage, be sure to provide your name, address, registration of the involved car and your driver’s license upon request.

If possible, try to get the make, model and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved. Get any insurance information, witness statements and photos of the accident, as this will help when you file your insurance claim with an attorney. Plus, the more information you have, the stronger your case if you go to trial.

Who Pays for the Accident?

Arkansas is an at-fault state, meaning whoever caused the accident must pay for it. This is why you shouldn’t apologize or say anything incriminating at the scene, even if you might be partially responsible. These comments might get used against you and could hurt your ability to get a settlement.

However, because Arkansas falls into the system of modified comparative negligence, it means both parties might bear some responsibility for the wreck. To be eligible for compensation, the driver can’t be more than 50% responsible, which is why it’s important to have the smallest amount of blame possible.

This is why you should have skilled attorneys with considerable experience in car accident law. For more detailed guidance tailored to your specific situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Rees Law Firm.