Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Fayetteville

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Fayetteville Police Department is 479-587-3555.

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

  You can get a copy of the incident report related to your case by submitting a Completed Accident Request Form (https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15841/Completed-Accident-Report-Request-Form?bidId=) to the Fayetteville Police Department, 100 West Rock Street Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701. You can also obtain a digital copy of the report through BuyCrash. For further inquiries, call the Records Division at 479-587-3565

• What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Fayetteville?

  The personal injury statute of limitations in Fayetteville is three years. This means that the individuals who are injured due to someone else's negligence should file a lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident. For medical malpractice claims, the deadline is within two years of the injury. If the victim is below 21 at the time of the incident, the clock begins when they turn 18. Additionally, wrongful death claims should be filed within one year of the decedent's date of death.

• What happens if the plaintiff is partially to blame for the accident in Fayetteville?

  Fayetteville adheres to a modified comparative fault rule, which states that the compensatory award will be reduced by the plaintiff's percentage of the fault. This is only possible if the plaintiff is less than 50% liable for the accident. For instance, if the plaintiff suffered $100,000 damage and was 20% at fault in a motor vehicle accident, the compensation will be $80,000. However, if the plaintiff was found to be 51% responsible for the accident, they will not be awarded any damages at all.

• What damages can you recover from a wrongful death case in Fayetteville?

  Some of the damages that you can recover from a wrongful death case in Fayetteville are as follows:

  • medical expenses as a result of the accident
  • funeral and burial expenses
  • financial support to the decedent's surviving family members
  • non-economic damages such as pain and suffering for the survivors and loss of consortium for the surviving spouse

• What are common mistakes committed by the victims of car accidents in Fayetteville?

  Some of the common mistakes that victims commit after a car accident in Fayetteville are as follows:

  • Not seeking medical attention immediately after the accident
  • Not calling the police
  • Apologizing and admitting fault at any part of the accident which can later be used against you
  • Trusting the insurance company or adjusters
  • Agreeing to a settlement too quickly or before consulting a lawyer
  • Not hiring a personal injury lawyer

• Can victims of a dog bite or attack in Fayetteville recover compensation from its owner?

  Fayetteville follows the state's unlawful dog attack regulation, under which an individual can file a personal injury claim under the one-bite rule. This applies when the dog owner knew or had a reason to know that their dog tends to attack or if it showed aggression. Additionally, dog attacks can be classified as Class A misdemeanors if the owner was negligent and allowed the dog to attack other people or if the unlawful dog attack caused death or serious physical injuries to another person.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.