The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2018, the most recent year for which statistics are available, 516 people in Arkansas were killed in car accidents. More than half of those accidents occurred in rural areas. In addition to those killed, thousands were injured, many of them were injured so severely their lives will never be the same. If you are seriously injured in a car accident, you need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Why You Need an Attorney
According to Arkansas law, in order to collect damages, you must prove the accident was the other driver’s fault. In many situations, the insurance company for the other driver will try to prove you were at least partially at fault. If you are found to be 49 percent at fault, you will not be able to collect for your injuries.
An experienced personal injury lawyer like those you will find at Elliott & Smith will know how to thoroughly investigate the case in order to prove fault and defend you against allegations that the accident was your fault.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Almost all car accidents are due to human error. Some of the most common causes are:
Distracted driving. There are many ways drivers become distracted. They text, talk on the phone, have conversations with their passengers, deal with children’s issues, eat, comb their hair, put on make-up, the list could go on and on.
- Alcohol impairment.
- Speeding.
- Bad weather conditions.
- Road in disrepair.
- Swerving to avoid debris in the road.
- Tailgating.
- Tire blowout.
Damages Available to Those Injured in Car Accidents
Collecting “damages” means you are compensated for losses you suffered due to the accident. Some examples of damages available to you include:
- Medical expenses. This includes current expenses and if you were injured so severely you expect to need medical treatment, you are entitled to be compensated for those future expected costs.
- Lost wages. What you lost in the aftermath of the accident and what you expect to lose in the future if you are unable to work or must change occupations due to the extent of your injuries.
- Costs of physical rehabilitation if required.
- Cost of job retraining if required.
- Cost of long-term medical or nursing care.
- Pain and suffering.
There may be other damages depending on the unique circumstances of your case.
If someone you love was killed and you file a wrongful death suit, your Northwest Arkansas accident lawyer will discuss with you the damages available in that situation.
If you were injured in a car accident, or someone you love was killed, contact us at our Elliott & Smith Law Firm for a free consultation. We have more than 100 years of combined experience in helping people collect the damages to which they are legally entitled. We are open during the COVID-19 Pandemic and can arrange for phone consultations.
