Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Jonesboro

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Jonesboro Police Department is 870-935-5551.

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

  You may obtain a copy of a Jonesboro police report by completing the request form at https://jonesboropolice.com/foia.

• Is there any way to resolve your personal injury case in Jonesboro without going to trial?

  Yes. In fact, the vast majority of personal injury claims in Jonesboro are resolved even before the need for filing a lawsuit arises. If you wish to avoid litigation, be honest with your lawyer and let them know that you prefer an out-of-court settlement. However, if your lawyer thinks that taking your case to trial is in your best interest, they may suggest it to you, as they weigh in the risks and advantages of your options.

• Can you still recover compensation if you’re partially at fault for the Jonesboro accident that caused your injuries?

  Possibly. Since Jonesboro follows the modified comparative fault rule of Arkansas, you may still be eligible for compensation, provided that you are found to be less than 50 percent liable for the accident. The damages you will recover, however, will be reduced by the percentage of the fault you share in the incident. For instance, if you were found to be 10% at fault for an accident and you were awarded $100,000, you’ll only get to take $90,000.

• Is there a limit to the amount of compensation you can receive in a personal injury claim in Jonesboro?

  None. The state of Arkansas does not have caps on compensatory damages, meaning you can collect whatever amount in economic and non-economic damages that are necessary for your recovery after a Jonesboro accident. But, if the court awards you with punitive damages, the cap is at $250,000 or three times the number of compensatory damages, whichever is greater, but not more than $1 million.

• Can you sue the local government of Jonesboro if it played a role in your injuries?

  While Arkansas municipalities are exempt from personal injury case compensation legislation, you may be able to pursue compensation from Jonesboro government agencies, employees, and subdivisions if some form of liability insurance covers them. That said, you will only be able to recover damages if the entity’s liability insurance covers the harm you suffered.

• Is there a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Jonesboro?

  Yes. Jonesboro has a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit that is protected by the statute of limitations of Arkansas. This legal deadline allows you three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this time window, you are likely to be barred from recovering any damages.

• 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.