Best Car Accident Lawyers in Fayetteville

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fayetteville, Arkansas?

  To report a non-emergency in Fayetteville, call +1 479-587-3555.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fayetteville, Arkansas?

  You may obtain a copy of an accident report in Fayetteville by completing and submitting the Accident Report Request Form which can be found on the official website of the Fayetteville Police Department: https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/170/Accident-Reports-Online.

• How can a lawyer help you prove negligence after getting injured in a car accident in Fayetteville, AR?

  If you were injured by a careless driver in Fayetteville, your lawyer can help you prove the other party’s negligence by conducting a thorough investigation and building a case using the factual data available that shows that the other driver was acting recklessly, demonstrates that it was the other driver’s reckless behavior that led to your accident, and proves that your injuries were a direct result of the accident.

• Do car accident claims in Fayetteville, AR, always go to trial?

  No, not all car accident claims in Fayetteville proceed to court. Oftentimes, car accident claims in the city are solved through negotiations between the parties involved. The time a trial becomes necessary is when the two parties are not able to satisfy each other regarding the amount of compensation. Hiring a lawyer who will treat your case as though it were going to trial from the get-go will benefit you in the event that you and the other party have disagreements that are difficult to settle.

• How will the comparative fault rule affect the amount of compensation a car accident victim in Fayetteville, AR, will receive?

  Fayetteville follows Arkansas’ modified comparative fault rule, which states that a plaintiff’s damages can be reduced if they are found to be partly responsible for the accident. The damages that the plaintiff will be awarded will then be subtracted by the percentage of their share of fault in the incident. For instance, if the plaintiff is 20% negligent, their compensation will also be deducted by 20%. Moreover, the state has a “50 percent rule,” which states that if a plaintiff’s negligence is equal to or greater than that of the defendant, they won’t receive damages for their injuries.

• What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Fayetteville, AR?

  Under Arkansas’ statute of limitations for personal injury, victims of car accidents in Fayetteville have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit or legal claim. If the injured individual fails to submit their claim within this time frame, it is likely that their case will be immediately dismissed or refused to be heard by the court.

• Can you still file a lawsuit if you discover injuries you got from a car accident that happened in Fayetteville, AR, more than three years ago?

  If you aren’t immediately aware of your injury after the car accident, you might be able to get an exemption from the three-year deadline set by Arkansas’ statute of limitations that Fayetteville follows. The statute of limitations of your case will then begin when the discovery is made. However, to be eligible for this exception, you must be able to provide a strong and plausible reason as to why you were not able to discover your injury sooner.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.