Distracted Driving
One of the most significant contributors to car accidents in Arkansas is distracted driving. Drivers who engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving are far more likely to cause an accident. In 2023, distracted driving led to a substantial number of accidents, many of which resulted in serious car accident injuries. Distractions reduce the driver’s attention to the road, impairing their reaction times and decision-making abilities, which can easily lead to a motor vehicle accident.
If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Auto accident attorneys can help you gather the necessary evidence, such as phone records or witness statements, to prove that the other driver was distracted and thus responsible for the accident. Learn more about preventing distractions while driving at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of accidents in Arkansas, particularly in urban areas or on highways. Excessive speed increases the severity of car crashes, making injuries more likely and often more severe. In high-speed accidents, victims are more likely to suffer from serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and broken bones. Arkansas law mandates specific speed limits, and failure to adhere to these limits often leads to accidents.
In cases where speeding is involved, it’s essential to work with personal injury lawyers who can help demonstrate that the at-fault driver’s excessive speed directly contributed to the accident. This evidence is crucial in ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in Arkansas. Drunk drivers have impaired coordination, slow reflexes, and poor judgment, which can result in catastrophic accidents. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, an auto accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
In Arkansas, drunk driving is a criminal offense, and the at-fault driver can face legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, or even jail time. However, even if criminal charges are filed, personal injury attorneys can help victims recover financial compensation through civil lawsuits.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions, including rain, fog, ice, and snow, can significantly impact driving safety in Arkansas. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or driving behavior in adverse weather conditions increase the risk of accidents. Poor weather conditions contribute to many car crashes, particularly in the winter months. Wet or icy roads reduce tire traction, making it more difficult to stop or maneuver the vehicle, leading to car accidents.
If weather conditions contributed to your accident, an auto accident lawyer can help you determine whether the other driver acted negligently by not adjusting their driving to the conditions. In such cases, you may still be able to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Types of Damages in Car Accident Claims
Medical Expenses
One of the most significant aspects of car accident claims is recovering compensation for medical bills. Whether you suffer from minor car accident injuries or more severe trauma, medical expenses can quickly mount. In many cases, victims are left to deal with the financial burden of paying for emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
Personal injury attorneys can help you gather medical records and expert testimony to prove the extent of your injuries and the associated costs. With their assistance, you can ensure that your car accident claim accounts for both current and future medical expenses.
Lost Wages
In addition to medical bills, car accident victims often face lost wages due to the inability to work while recovering from car accident injuries. Whether you’re temporarily unable to work or permanently disabled, this financial burden can add to the emotional and physical toll of an accident. If you’re unable to return to your previous job or if your earning potential is reduced, you may be entitled to recover lost wages.
Personal injury lawyers can help calculate the value of lost income and ensure that you are compensated for both past and future earnings. This can be especially important in cases where the injuries are long-term or permanent.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are non-economic damages that compensate victims for the physical and emotional distress they experience due to the accident. This includes pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life. While it can be challenging to quantify pain and suffering, personal injury attorneys are skilled at presenting this aspect of the case in a way that helps the jury or insurance company understand the full impact of the accident on your life.
The value of pain and suffering can vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your daily life. An auto accident lawyer can guide you through this process, helping you seek a fair settlement.
Property Damage
Property damage is another aspect of car accident claims that is often overlooked. If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the other driver is at fault. However, some accidents may involve totaled vehicles, where the damage is so extensive that the car cannot be repaired.
In cases where property damage is involved, it’s essential to document the damage and work with your auto accident lawyer to ensure that the insurance company properly compensates you for the full cost of repairs or replacement.
How Car Accident Claims Settle in Arkansas
