In Arkansas, the statute of limitations sets the legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. For most cases, including car wrecks, slip and falls, and other negligence-based claims, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you can lose the chance to recover compensation altogether.
Because the statute of limitations is so strict, taking action quickly is essential. Evidence can fade, witnesses may be harder to locate, and insurance companies often track deadlines closely. Acting early ensures your rights remain protected. LeVar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers is here to help.
Our Arkansas personal injury attorneys are prepared to step in immediately. We monitor all deadlines, collect the necessary evidence, and file your case on time. By handling the legal process for you, we ensure your opportunity to seek justice is never lost. To request a free consultation, contact our law firm today.
Key Takeaways: Arkansas Personal Injury Cases
- Three-Year Deadline for Most Cases – In Arkansas, most personal injury cases must be filed within three years from the date of the accident or injury; the deadline is just two years for medical malpractice claims. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation.
- Exceptions May Apply – Some situations can extend the filing window, such as injuries discovered later, minors who were injured, or defendants who leave the state. However, these exceptions are extremely limited and require careful legal evaluation.
- Purpose of the Statute – Deadlines exist to ensure fairness. Evidence can fade, memories may be unreliable, and witnesses can disappear over time.
- Why Acting Quickly Helps – Filing a lawsuit promptly preserves evidence, secures witness statements, and strengthens your overall case.
- How Our Attorneys Can Help – Our legal team ensures your claim is filed on time, manages all necessary paperwork, and handles communications with insurance companies.
- Guidance Throughout the Process – From initial consultation to case resolution, our attorneys take care of deadlines, documentation, and strategy, allowing you to focus on recovery while we protect your legal rights.
Personal Injury Statute of Limitations and Potential Exceptions
In Arkansas, the statute of limitations sets a strict time frame for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Under state law, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of the accident or injury. This applies to cases such as car accidents, slip and falls, and other negligence-based claims.
If a lawsuit is not filed before the three-year deadline expires, the injured person usually loses the right to pursue compensation through the courts.
Exceptions to the Three-Year Statute of Limitations
Although the three-year deadline applies in most cases, Arkansas law recognizes certain exceptions.
- One key exception involves injuries to minors. If the victim is under 21 at the time of the accident, the filing period may be extended until after they reach legal adulthood.
- Another exception applies in cases where the injury is not immediately discovered. In such situations, the deadline may be “tolled,” or paused, until the victim knew or reasonably should have known about the injury.
Different Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Cases
A different statute of limitations applies to medical malpractice lawsuits. In the state of Arkansas, you have two years from the date of the medical negligence to seek legal action against a doctor, surgeon, or healthcare professional.
Why These Deadlines Exist
Some people wonder why a statute of limitations exists at all. The primary reason is fairness. As time passes, evidence can be lost, memories fade, and witnesses may move away or become unavailable.
Deadlines encourage claims to be filed while the facts are still fresh and reliable. In this way, the law balances the injured party’s right to seek justice with the need for stability and finality in legal matters.
Consequences of Missing the Arkansas Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Missing this time frame can have serious consequences that may permanently affect an injured person’s right to seek justice and compensation.
Loss of the Right to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The most direct consequence of missing the statute of limitations is the loss of the right to file a lawsuit in court. Judges in Arkansas are required to dismiss claims filed after the deadline, even if the case is strong and supported by clear evidence. Once dismissed, the injured party cannot refile the claim, closing the door to legal remedies.
No Leverage in Settlement Negotiations
Insurance companies are aware of these deadlines and often monitor them closely. If a claim is not filed within the required period, insurers have little reason to negotiate or offer a fair settlement. Without the possibility of legal action, the injured party has no leverage to push for compensation, leaving them vulnerable to receiving nothing at all.
Financial and Personal Impact
Missing the deadline can also have long-lasting financial and personal consequences. Medical bills, lost income, and other costs associated with the injury may go uncompensated. Victims may be forced to bear these burdens on their own, creating financial strain and emotional stress. The inability to hold a negligent party accountable may also leave victims without a sense of closure or justice.
Types of Personal Injury Cases and Recoverable Compensation
Personal injury cases in Arkansas arise when someone is hurt because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful actions. These claims are designed to provide injured individuals with financial recovery for their losses.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
Arkansas residents may face many situations that can lead to personal injury claims, including:
- Car Wrecks – Caused by careless driving, speeding, or distracted driving.
- Truck Accidents – Often severe due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.
- Motorcycle Crashes – Riders are vulnerable and often suffer catastrophic injuries.
- Amusement Park Accidents – Unsafe rides, mechanical failures, or poor maintenance can cause harm.
- Bicycle Collisions – Frequently involve drivers who fail to yield or share the road.
- Construction Accidents – Dangerous worksites may injure workers or passersby.
- Dog Bites – Pet owners may be held liable when their animals attack.
- Pedestrian Accidents – Injuries often result from speeding or inattentive drivers.
- Slip and Fall Accidents – Property owners may be responsible when unsafe conditions cause falls.
- Wrongful Death – Filed by surviving family members when negligence results in a fatal accident.
Compensation Available
Victims of personal injury cases in Arkansas may be eligible to recover several types of compensable damages, including:
- Medical Expenses – Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages – Reimbursement for income lost while recovering from injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity – Compensation if injuries prevent returning to the same line of work.
- Pain and Suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage – Repair or replacement costs for damaged personal property, such as vehicles.
- Wrongful Death Damages – Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost future income for surviving family members.
Personal injury cases in Arkansas cover a wide range of accidents. By pursuing timely legal action, you can seek the compensation you need to rebuild your life and hold negligent parties accountable.
Fighting the Insurance Company in an Arkansas Personal Injury Case
After an accident, it can be overwhelming to focus on recovery while also keeping track of important legal deadlines. The knowledgeable Arkansas personal injury attorneys at LeVar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers understand how vital timing is and are prepared to act quickly on your behalf.
Filing Your Personal Injury Case Without Delay
Our attorneys are skilled at navigating the legal system and ensuring that every requirement is met before the deadline expires. They immediately begin gathering records, accident reports, and witness statements, building a solid foundation for your case. By filing your lawsuit on time, they preserve your right to have your voice heard and your case considered by the court.
Strategic Representation
Once your lawsuit is filed, our legal team does more than just meet deadlines—we also create a strategy tailored to your situation. We anticipate challenges from the opposing side and prepare responses designed to strengthen your case. Our knowledge of Arkansas personal injury law allows us to guide you through each step with confidence and clarity.
Standing by You Throughout the Personal Injury Case
From your first consultation until your case is resolved, LeVar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers remain committed to protecting your rights. We handle communication with insurance companies, manage the legal filings, and represent you during negotiations or trial if necessary. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and supported so you never feel alone in your fight for justice.
By choosing LeVar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, you gain advocates who know how to file a timely lawsuit and pursue your case with determination. Our dedication ensures that your legal rights are preserved and your best interests remain the top priority.
Why You Should File a Personal Injury Lawsuit ASAP
After suffering an injury, it may feel natural to focus only on recovery. While healing is your first priority, it is equally important to take action on your legal rights as soon as possible. In Arkansas, personal injury cases are subject to strict filing deadlines. If you wait too long, you can lose the ability to pursue your claim altogether, no matter how strong the evidence may be. Acting quickly also makes it easier to preserve witness statements, gather medical documentation, and secure other evidence before it disappears.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit right away not only protects your legal rights but also gives you more leverage in dealing with insurance companies. Insurers know when deadlines are approaching, and they may stall in hopes that you run out of time. Starting the process promptly prevents them from gaining the upper hand.
Our team is here to handle the entire process for you. From collecting records and preparing legal documents to negotiating with insurers and representing you in court, we take on the hard work so you can focus on recovery. With us on your side, you will have experienced advocates fighting to protect your rights from day one.
Why Choose Us to Represent You in Your Arkansas Personal Injury Case?
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can make all the difference after an accident. At LeVar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we have built our reputation on truly caring about our clients and treating every case with the importance it deserves. Since being founded in 2013, our mission has been clear: to fight for the underdog and help people put their lives back together after difficult situations.
Your Personal Injury Case Is Our Case
When you bring us a personal injury case, it is not just your case—it becomes ours. We keep our caseloads small, so every client receives personalized attention. Each case is assigned a dedicated case manager and two attorneys, including Alan LeVar, a caregiver at heart and an experienced leader. Our team is relatable, compassionate, and trustworthy, and we simply won’t give up on you.
Legal Services in Spanish
We are proud of our diversity—three staff members are fluent in Spanish, including attorney Jose Ruiz—and we also maintain a full Spanish-language website to serve the Spanish-speaking community in Arkansas.
We Are Willing to Go to Trial
What sets us apart is our willingness to fight. We are prepared to take cases to trial, even for just a few thousand dollars, because our clients’ rights matter. This reputation for going to trial often leads to stronger settlement offers.
Were You in an Accident? Contact Our Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers ASAP
If you were in an accident, do not delay. Acting sooner rather than later is in your best interests. At LeVar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we can file a timely claim or lawsuit on your behalf and aggressively advocate for the compensation you need. For a free case evaluation with a knowledgeable Arkansas personal injury lawyer, contact our law offices online. You can also reach our team by phone at (888) 220-7068.
