When it comes to transportation, many people have a lot of fear about riding in planes. Yet statistics show that we are actually far more likely to be hurt or killed in an automobile accident than on an airplane. In fact, in 2020, there were just two plane crashes in the state of Arkansas – and 613 fatal car accidents.
The reason for this disparity is simple: we are much more likely to ride in a car than a plane on any given day. In addition, the likelihood of being struck by a negligent or careless driver is much higher in a car than when on a plane.
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Through this type of insurance claim, you can recover financial compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering and more. A skilled Hot Springs car accident lawyer can help you with the process.
At the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we represent injury victims who have been hurt in all types of accidents, from car crashes to slip and fall cases to motorcycle accidents to bicycle accidents to wrongful death claims. For each of our cases, we work hard to help our clients recover maximum compensation for their injuries. For all personal injury lawsuits, we offer free initial consultations, and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
When Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident Nearby Hot Springs?
If you have been hurt in a car accident, the question at the forefront of your mind may be “do I have a case?” While there isn’t a secret formula for determining whether or not someone has a potential claim, there are a number of factors that an experienced car accident attorney will analyze to determine whether you have a case.
The first question that you will be asked is whether you suffered any injuries in the car accident. If you weren’t injured or only had relatively minor damage to your vehicle, then you may be able to resolve your case without the help of a lawyer. Common injuries that may result from a car accident include broken bones, sprains, strains and contusions, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, and emotional distress.
The next question that an attorney will ask you is who was at fault for the accident. In Arkansas, personal injury lawsuits are generally based on a theory of negligence, which is the failure to use the level of care that a reasonable person would use in a similar situation. Typically, you can only recover financial compensation from the other driver and their insurance company if they were responsible for the crash.
Keep in mind, however, that Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially to blame for an auto accident, you may still be able to recover money for your injuries – as long as you were 50% or less at fault for the collision. Your total recovery will then be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The final question that an attorney will ask is whether you signed any paperwork with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you signed a settlement agreement, then a lawyer will probably not be able to help you, as these documents typically require you to give up your right to file a lawsuit. For this reason, it is important to never give a statement to the other driver’s insurance provider or sign any paperwork until after you have had a chance to talk to a team of experienced Arkansas personal injury attorneys.
How Can A Hot Springs Accident Attorney Help?
If you have been hurt in a car accident, you may be tempted to just accept whatever settlement the insurance company offers you. In most cases, this will lead to you recovering far less than you would have if you had hired a lawyer to represent you.
Insurance companies are in business to make money – not to pay out the maximum on insurance claims. When an insurance adjuster approaches you with an accident settlement, there is a strong likelihood that the amount will be much lower than it would be if you were represented by counsel. In fact, studies show that people who have an attorney recover 40% more in accident cases than people who represent themselves.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be entitled to financial compensation for all of your losses, including medical bills, future medical treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. A seasoned Hot Springs car accident lawyer will investigate the facts of your case, research Arkansas law, and work with experts to ensure that you get maximum compensation for your injuries.
In many cases, personal injury claims are resolved via settlement. If the insurance company won’t give you a fair settlement, your attorney will take the case to trial to ensure that you get the money that you deserve. When insurers know that they may have to defend a case in court, they are much more likely to offer you a settlement that covers all of your losses.
Why Should I Hire Nearby Hot Springs Lawyer Alan LeVar to Help With My Car Accident Case?
When it comes to personal injury attorneys, residents of Hot Springs have a lot of options. If you are interested in getting top dollar for your case, however, then the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers is the right choice.
Based in Little Rock, we represent accident victims in Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Texarkana, Conway, and the surrounding areas. Our broad geographic coverage means that we have the ability to handle cases throughout the region.
Few personal injury law firms have the same depth of experience and skill as the personal injury attorneys at our law firm. Our legal team has a track record of success, securing top dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients. We use our substantial knowledge of Arkansas personal injury law to help each individual get the money that they deserve for their injuries.
We treat each client with compassion, understanding that you are more than just a case number or file. Each of our attorneys, paralegals, and administrative professionals knows how traumatic being in a car accident can be. We strive to achieve a successful outcome for each client – and to provide highly individualized service.
We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only pay us a fee if we recover money for you. Our law firm also offers free initial consultations, where you can learn more about your legal rights and options for pursuing an insurance claim.
What Is My Case Worth?
The value of your car accident case depends on a number of factors, such as the severity of your injuries, whether your injuries are permanent, and the coverage limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Broadly, you may be entitled to two types of damages: compensatory damages (which includes both economic and non-economic damages) and punitive damages.
During a free initial consultation, an experienced Hot Springs car accident lawyer will evaluate the facts of your case and give you a ballpark estimate of the value of your case. If you choose to move forward with a claim, then your attorney will fight to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.
Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
If you suffered any injuries in a car crash – including minor injuries – then it probably makes sense to talk to a personal injury attorney about your case. Insurance companies frequently make lowball settlement offers, trying to get you to accept far less than what your case is worth.
A lawyer will gather evidence, including witness statements, a police report, and photos and videos of the accident scene, to support a claim for damages. They will use their knowledge of Arkansas law to push for a settlement that truly compensates you for your losses – and won’t charge a fee unless they recover money for you. While every case is different, the best way to get maximum compensation for your car accident case is to work with a Hot Springs car accident lawyer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
In Arkansas, there is a time limit for filing personal injury claims, known as the statute of limitations. As a general rule, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t file a claim within this time period, then it will typically be barred – and you won’t be able to recover money for your car accident injuries.
There are a number of exceptions to this rule, such as if your claim is against a government entity. For this reason, it is important to reach out to a Hot Springs car accident attorney as soon as possible after being in a crash. They will evaluate your claim, ensure that your paperwork is filed on time, and fight to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.
How We Can Help
After a car accident, you may be facing significant medical bills, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty. While a personal injury lawsuit can’t make you whole again, it can help you get the money that you need to move forward with your life.
Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers represent injury victims near Hot Springs who have been hurt in all types of accidents, including dog bites, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, and pedestrian accidents. We work hard to help our clients get top dollar for their injuries. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a Hot Springs car accident lawyer, call our office at 501-588-0082 or fill out our online contact form.
