Traffic levels in and around Fayetteville, AR, are always fairly high. From students going to classes at the University of Arkansas to people running errands or traveling to jobs at Pace Industries, the Washington Regional Medical Center, or Twin Rivers Group, motor vehicles are nearly always on the road.
Although most motorists and their passengers arrive safely at their destinations, others are involved in serious accidents. You could be on your way to catch the game at the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium when a distracted driver runs a red light and hits you on the driver’s side, leaving you with a spinal cord injury and limited mobility.
The Fayetteville car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Alan LeVar have handled thousands of cases for injury victims and obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. We know how to deal with insurance companies so you can get the compensation you deserve. If they push back- we push back harder, until we get the results you need. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fayetteville, AR
The Arkansas Department of Transportation reports that between 2015 and 2019, there were 2,449 fatal crashes and 10,700 collisions that resulted in some form of injury. While some car accidents can be attributed to bad weather, the majority involve some form of driver error. Below are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Fayetteville.
- Speeding: A speeding driver has less time to avoid a crash. This is the case whether they’re exceeding the posted limit or simply traveling too fast for weather or road conditions. Excessive speed collisions often cause severe injuries to victims.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal, but many people still do it. Not only do drugs and alcohol impair awareness and reaction times, but they also impact judgment. If you’ve been seriously injured by a drunk driver, talk to us about how we can help.
- Distraction: A growing number of car accidents in Fayetteville are caused by distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2019, accounting for 8.7% of that year’s traffic fatalities.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: In Arkansas, all drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Failure to do so can result in an accident. For example, if someone’s brakes are giving out and they don’t replace them, a crash could occur later on.
An accident may only last a few seconds, but dealing with its aftermath will take much longer. The at-fault driver may have insurance, but getting compensation for medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning ability, and other damages is rarely straightforward. That’s why you should have someone advocating for your rights and protecting your interests.
Don’t wait another day to find out if the insurance company will finally offer you a fair settlement. Contact the Law Offices of Alan LeVar to schedule a consultation with a Fayetteville car accident lawyer.
Common Car Accident Injuries
There are a number of factors that affect car accident injuries, including, the speed of the vehicle, the angle and point of impact, and whether a secondary impact occurs. Common injuries include:
- Cuts and bruises, lacerations, abrasions, scrapes, and other mainly external injuries
- Broken bones, deep cuts, or other internal injuries
- Torn or strained ligaments
- Various head injuries, including cuts on the scalp, concussions, and traumatic brain injury
- Back and neck injuries, including spinal cord injuries
- Nerve or organ damage
- Amputation of body parts
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Compensation in a Fayetteville, AR Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you have the right to seek compensatory damages, meaning that they compensate you financially for your crash-related losses. Examples include:
- Current and future medical treatment costs
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (if you are married)
- Property damage
Depending on what caused your accident, you may also be able to claim punitive damages, which are awarded when a defendant’s behavior has been deemed especially harmful or egregious. Typically, punitive damages are only awarded in car accident cases where the driver was drunk or acted negligently.
FAQs
Q: Why Should I Hire a Fayetteville Car Accident Lawyer?
All too often, negligent drivers and their insurance companies try to avoid paying fair settlements to victims of auto accidents. Legal guidance and representation from a Fayetteville car accident lawyer can help ensure that you receive all of the money and medical care that you are entitled to.
At the Law Offices of Alan LeVar, we devote our practice to helping injury victims secure the substantial settlements they deserve. We can help you maximize your car accident claim and prevent insurers from pressuring or misleading you into accepting an amount that won’t cover all your needs. Attorney Alan Levar is a former judge and prosecutor who has obtained over $59 million for injured clients, and all of our Fayetteville car accident lawyers are equally committed to excellence in representation.
Q: What Should I Do If I’ve Been in a Car Accident in Fayetteville, AR?
It is normal to feel a little unnerved following a car accident. Nevertheless, it is important to remain composed and take the necessary steps to preserve your future claim. Here are some steps you should take.
-
- Call the Police: Call the police immediately. Responding officers will prepare a report that includes important details about the accident, such as who was at fault. Make sure you get a copy of this report and give it to your Fayetteville car accident lawyer.
- Get the Driver’s Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the at-fault driver. Limit all conversations to the information exchange: do not accuse, accept blame, or even mention fault.
- Take Pictures: Photograph the entire accident scene: the damaged cars, road conditions, and anything that might have contributed to the accident. Be sure to also take pictures of any visible injuries, such as cuts and bruises.
- Speak to Witnesses: Make sure you speak to every witness who saw the accident. Get their names and contact information. You may be able to have them testify in your favor at a deposition.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, you should see a doctor right away. Go to the emergency room or see your regular physician. The insurance adjuster may try to deny your claim if you fail to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Attend all your scheduled doctor’s appointments and follow through with the necessary treatment.
- Hire a Lawyer: A qualified car accident lawyer will deal with insurers on your behalf, help you access necessary medical treatment, and negotiate for full and fair compensation. If the insurance company persists with lowball offers, your attorney can take your case to trial and seek a favorable verdict.
Q: What is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
Clients often ask us, “What is my car accident claim worth?” To help you better understand what you may potentially receive in compensation, let’s look at some of the factors that determine the value of a car accident settlement.
- Injury Severity: A car accident settlement is largely determined by the extent and severity of your injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI), for instance, is more likely to result in a larger settlement than a broken wrist, which is expected to heal quickly and have little long-term impact.
- The Impact of Your Injuries: A settlement offer is likely to be significantly higher if you suffer from a spinal cord injury, TBI, or another injury that can cause chronic pain or long-term disability.
- Fault: Arkansas’ modified comparative negligence system allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. For example, if a distracted driver hit you but you weren’t wearing a seat belt, the jury may determine that you were 20% responsible for your injuries. If you were awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000 instead.
Get a Free Consultation From a Car Accident Lawyer in Fayetteville, AR
Although you take precautions when driving, collisions are sometimes unavoidable. If the at-fault driver was distracted, impaired, or disobeyed the rules of the road, you may be entitled to compensation. Let the Law Offices of Alan LeVar use our legal knowledge to build a strong case for you. For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation, please call (479) 202-0027 or use our contact form.
