Arkadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents happen unexpectedly, and when they do, they can turn your life upside down. A personal injury can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You deserve justice and fair compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injury.

At Levar Law, we understand the challenges injury victims face. A dedicated Arkadelphia personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether you are injured in a car crash, a slip and fall, or a dog attack, we are prepared to advocate for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.

Understanding Personal Injury Law in Arkansas

Arkansas personal injury law is based on the principle of negligence. This means that if someone’s carelessness or wrongful actions cause you harm, they can be held liable for your damages. Navigating this legal landscape requires a thorough understanding of state statutes, case law, and procedural rules. At Levar Law, we possess the knowledge to analyze your case, identify all liable parties, and build a strong legal strategy tailored to your circumstances.

What To Do After a Personal Injury Accident

The immediate aftermath of an accident can be chaotic and disorienting. However, taking the right steps can help protect your health and strengthen your personal injury claim, significantly impacting your ability to recover compensation. Here is what you should do:

• Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority. See a doctor as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries take time to appear and can worsen over time.
• Report the incident: If your injury resulted from a car accident or a hazardous condition, call the authorities to report the incident. For other incidents, notify the property owner or relevant authorities. An incident or police report can serve as valuable evidence.
• Document the scene: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any contributing factors, such as hazardous conditions or vehicle damage.
• Gather witness information: If there were witnesses to your accident, collect their contact information. Their testimony may support your claim.
• Keep records: Maintain meticulous records of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. This will help us account for the full economic impact of the accident on your life.
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. Do not give a recorded statement or admit fault without consulting our personal injury lawyers.
• Seek legal counsel: Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Arkadelphia can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Elements of Negligence

You must prove negligence to establish liability and win a personal injury claim. The four key elements of negligence include:

• Duty of care: The responsible party had a legal duty to act reasonably to prevent harm.
• Breach of duty: The at-fault party violated this duty through reckless or careless actions.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered actual losses, such as medical expenses or pain and suffering, because of the injury.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases Levar Law Handles

At Levar Law, we handle a variety of personal injury cases, including:

• Car accidents: Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury claims, with  643 traffic fatalities in Arkansas in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Driver negligence, speeding, and reckless driving are common causes of car accidents. If you are hurt in a car, call Levar.
• Motorcycle accidents: According to 2023 data from the NHTSA, motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in crashes than passenger car occupants, due largely to their lack of external structural protection and limited visibility. We help riders injured due to careless drivers, poor road conditions, or vehicle defects.
• Truck accidents: Due to their size and weight, large commercial trucks can cause devastating injuries. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that driver fatigue, overloaded trucks, and improper maintenance contribute to thousands of truck accidents annually.
• Distracted driving accidents: The rise of smartphones has led to a surge in distracted driving crashes. NHTSA estimates that over 3,000 people die annually due to distracted driving, including texting, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems.
• Drunk driving accidents: Arkansas sees hundreds of alcohol-related crashes each year. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), someone dies in a drunk driving crash every 79 seconds. Drunk driving is a preventable cause of severe injuries and fatalities, and we work tirelessly to hold intoxicated drivers accountable.
• Uber accidents: Rideshare services have grown in popularity, but accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles present unique legal challenges. We help injured passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers navigate complexities involving insurance coverage and seek compensation from rideshare companies.
• Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians have no protection in collisions with vehicles, often leading to catastrophic injuries. According to NHTSA, Arkansas ranked 14th in the country for pedestrian fatalities in 2022, often due to distracted driving and unsafe road conditions.
• Bicycle accidents: Bicyclists face significant risks when sharing the road with motor vehicles. NHTSA reports that more than 1,100 cyclists were killed and over 46,100 were injured in the U.S. in 2022. Arkansas law provides protections for cyclists, and we advocate for injured riders who negligent drivers have hit.
• Dog bites: A dog attack can cause severe physical injuries and emotional trauma. Arkansas follows a one-bite rule, which can make legal claims complex. We fight to ensure dog owners are held responsible for their pets’ actions.
• Slip and fall accidents: Property owners must legally maintain safe premises. Slips and falls are among the most common personal injury claims, often occurring due to wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or poor lighting. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slip and fall injuries account for over 8 million slip and fall emergency room visits in the U.S. annually.
• Amusement park and roller coaster accidents: Amusement parks and roller coasters are designed for fun, but accidents can occur due to faulty equipment, operator error, or inadequate safety measures. Injuries can range from minor to catastrophic and, in some cases, fatal. We help victims of amusement park accidents hold negligent parties accountable for their role in the accident, including the park owners and manufacturers of defective rides.
• Child injuries: Children are particularly vulnerable to accidents at daycare, on playgrounds, or in car crashes. Child injuries can be devastating for families. The National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health reports that one child in the U.S. dies every hour from an accidental injury. Common causes of child injuries include car accidents, falls, and drowning.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are severe injuries that can have long-term consequences. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there were over 69,000 TBI-related fatalities in the United States in 2021. Common causes of TBIs include car accidents, falls, and sports injuries.
• Wrongful death: Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. We help families pursue wrongful death claims to seek justice and financial stability in the wake of a tragedy.

Compensation You Can Recover in an Arkadelphia Personal Injury Case

When you have been injured due to another’s negligence in Arkadelphia, the law allows you to seek compensation for the losses you incur. These losses can be economic and non-economic. You may recover compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses: This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the injury. Serious injuries often require ongoing treatment, which you should factor into your claim.
• Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can recover compensation for the income you lost during your recovery. This also includes lost bonuses, commissions, and other financial benefits.
• Loss of earning capacity: In cases where your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for diminished earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: This category covers physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall reduction in your quality of life. Courts consider the severity of your injury and its long-term effects when determining compensation for pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress: Severe accidents can cause significant psychological harm, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Compensation can help cover therapy and counseling costs.
• Disability and disfigurement: If an accident leaves you with permanent disabilities or disfigurement, you may be eligible for additional compensation to address the challenges associated with your condition.
• Property damage: If your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
• Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover funeral costs, loss of companionship, lost income, and other damages related to the untimely death of a family member.
• Punitive damages: Arkansas law allows punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious. These damages are meant to punish wrongdoing and deter similar future conduct.

Compensation in a personal injury case can vary based on the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so having an experienced Arkadelphia, AR, personal injury attorney advocating for your rights is crucial. At Levar Law, we work to maximize your compensation so you can focus on healing.

Comparative Negligence in Arkansas

Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, the court will reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault. For example, if the court finds you 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000.

However, if the court finds you to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts, which is why having our experienced personal injury lawyers on your side is essential.

This modified system contrasts with pure contributory negligence, where any fault by the plaintiff completely bars recovery, and pure comparative negligence, where plaintiffs can recover damages minus their fault percentage, regardless of their fault level.

How Long You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Arkansas

Arkansas law sets a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Exceptions such as cases involving minors or delayed injury discovery may apply, but it is crucial to act quickly and consult an attorney as soon as possible.

The Personal Injury Process in Arkadelphia

Navigating a personal injury claim can be complex, but understanding the process can help you prepare for what is ahead. Here is a step-by-step overview of what to expect:

• Initial consultation: Your case begins with a free case review, during which we evaluate the details of your injury, discuss your legal options, and determine the best course of action.
• Investigation and evidence gathering: Our legal team will collect evidence, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage to build a strong case.
• Medical treatment and recovery: It is crucial that you continue receiving necessary medical treatment while your case progresses to document the full extent of your injuries.
• Filing the claim: We will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, detailing your damages and demanding fair compensation.
• Negotiation with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters often try to settle cases for less than what victims deserve. We negotiate aggressively to seek a fair settlement that covers all of your losses.
• Filing a lawsuit: If we cannot reach a fair settlement, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Litigation involves pre-trial motions, discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial.
• Trial and resolution: If your case goes to trial, we will present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury. A verdict will determine your compensation.
• Settlement or verdict collection: If we secure a favorable settlement or court award, we will help you receive your compensation promptly and assist with any final legal matters.

Each case is unique, and timelines vary depending on its complexity, the insurance company’s willingness to settle, and whether we need to litigate. Levar Law is committed to guiding you through every step, protecting your rights, and fighting for the justice you deserve.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

A skilled Arkadelphia personal injury attorney plays a critical role in upholding your rights and providing you the best chance of receiving fair compensation. We offer proficient legal guidance by answering your questions, clearly explaining your options and rights, and advising you on the most effective course of action based on your situation’s specifics. We take the time to thoroughly investigate your case, gathering vital evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, all of which contribute to building a solid case.

We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters. This prevents them from making lowball settlement offers and helps ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We also work diligently to calculate the full extent of your damages, including economic and non-economic losses.

We are fully prepared to represent you in court if negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement. Our attorneys will present a compelling case before a judge or jury, fighting for your rights and justice. By entrusting us with all legal aspects of your case, you can focus on your recovery, knowing that we are handling the legal complexities on your behalf.

Why Choose Levar Law for Your Personal Injury Claim?

When choosing Levar Law for your personal injury claim, you benefit from over 20 years of experience in handling accident and injury cases in Arkadelphia and across Arkansas. Led by Alan LeVar, a seasoned litigator with deep community roots and the author of There Are No Accidents, Only Collisions. What You Need to Know if you are Hit by a Tractor-Trailer., a book that offers invaluable insights into the complexities of handling large truck accident cases, our firm is committed to providing compassionate and dedicated legal representation.

We maintain a manageable caseload to ensure that each client receives personalized attention, allowing us to advocate fiercely for your rights. With a proven track record of success and a mission focused on client satisfaction, Levar Law is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of personal injury law through insurance claims or litigation.

Contact Our Arkadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys Today

Levar Law’s personal injury lawyers in Arkadelphia, AR, are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of personal injury law and secure the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation. We will work diligently to help you rebuild your life.