At Bailey & Galyen, we understand the devastating impact that car accidents can have on individuals and families throughout Arkansas. We know you were hurt physically and financially from your car crash. But we can help you.
If you’re dealing with car accident injuries, our Little Rock car accident attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today!
Little Rock Car Accident Guide
- How Our Little Rock Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You
- Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Little Rock, Arkansas:
- Car Accident Statistics in Arkansas
- What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?
- Common Car Accident Injuries
- Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Do I Have a Little Rock Car Accident Case?
- What Is My Little Rock Car Accident Case Worth?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Little Rock?
- How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Little Rock Car Accident Attorney?
- Talk to an Experienced Little Rock Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today
How Our Little Rock Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You
We recognize that every car accident case is unique, and we will tailor our approach to meet your specific needs and goals.
Here are some of the key ways a Little Rock car accident attorney can assist with your case:
1. Thorough Accident Investigation
Your lawyer will investigate your car accident to gather crucial evidence and determine liability.
This process may involve:
- Analyzing police reports and accident scene photos
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and first responders
- Reviewing traffic camera footage, if available
- Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists
By conducting an investigation, your lawyer can build a strong foundation for your case and identify all parties who may be held responsible for your injuries.
2. Full Assessment of Your Damages
To recover fair compensation for your losses, your Little Rock car accident attorney will carefully assess the full extent of your damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
3. Skilled Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often prioritize their own financial interests over the needs of accident victims. Our Little Rock car accident attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurers and will handle all communications on your behalf.
Your lawyer will work to secure a fair settlement that accounts for all your damages, and they will not hesitate to resist any lowball offers or unfair tactics.
4. Litigation, When Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer a just settlement, your Little Rock car accident attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. They will remain committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Little Rock, Arkansas:
We handle all types of car accident cases in Little Rock and throughout Arkansas, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents)
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups
- Accidents caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, or other forms of negligence
- Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists
- Accidents involving hit-and-run drivers
- Accidents caused by defective auto parts or poor road conditions
No matter what type of car accident injures you, we have the experience and knowledge to pursue the compensation you need.
Car Accident Statistics in Arkansas
According to preliminary reports from the Arkansas State Police, the first six months of one recent year saw a significant increase in road fatalities compared to the same period in the previous year.
Despite a nationwide decrease in traffic due to the coronavirus pandemic, Arkansas experienced a 16% rise in road deaths, with at least 282 fatalities reported in the first half of the year.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Arkansas experienced a total of 643 traffic fatalities in one recent year, with 415 of those being passenger vehicle occupants.
Key findings from the data include:
- Among the 415 passenger-vehicle-occupant fatalities, 45% (188) were unrestrained passengers.
- Speed-related fatalities accounted for 22% (143) of the total 643 traffic fatalities in the state.
- Alcohol-impaired driving (BAC=0.08+) was a factor in 24% (153) of the total traffic fatalities.
- A significant portion of the fatalities, 56% (359), occurred in rural areas throughout Arkansas.
These statistics provide insight into the current state of motor vehicle accidents in Little Rock and across Arkansas.
The data underscores the need for continued efforts to improve road safety and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities resulting from traffic collisions.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Little Rock and throughout Arkansas include:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while behind the wheel, is a leading cause of car accidents. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they increase the crash risk.
- Speeding: Speeding is another major contributor to car accidents. When drivers exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, they have less time to react to hazards and are more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious problem that causes countless accidents each year. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining vehicle control.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or running red lights, can easily lead to accidents. These behaviors put the driver and others on the road at risk.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can all contribute to car accidents by reducing visibility and making roads slippery. Drivers must adjust their speed and increase their following distance during inclement weather.
- Vehicle Defects: In some cases, car accidents can be caused by defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering components. When these defects cause an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, debris in the road, or poorly maintained roadways can also contribute to car accidents. Drivers must watch for these hazards and take appropriate action to avoid them.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then back, often during a rear-end collision. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Back Injuries: Back injuries, such as herniated discs, spinal cord damage, or soft tissue damage, are common in car accidents. These injuries can cause chronic pain and may require extensive medical treatment.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can occur when the head strikes an object or is violently shaken during a crash. Symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, headaches, and changes in mood or behavior.
- Broken Bones: The force of a car accident can cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery or prolonged rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, can affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. While these injuries may not be as visible as other types of trauma, they can still cause significant pain and limit mobility.
- Chest Injuries: Chest injuries, such as broken ribs, collapsed lungs, or internal bleeding, can occur when the chest strikes the steering wheel or dashboard during a crash. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Emotional Trauma: Not all car accident injuries are physical. Many people experience debilitating emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), after a crash. These psychological injuries may require professional treatment.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Little Rock, Arkansas
The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful, but staying calm and following these steps can help protect yourself and your car accident claim:
- Check for Injuries: The first priority is the safety of everyone involved. Check yourself, passengers, and anyone in the other car for injuries. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately.
- Secure the Scene: If your car is drivable and doesn’t block traffic, move it to the side of the road. Turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Call the Police: Report the accident to the police, even for minor fender-benders. The police will file an accident report, which is important for insurance claims.
- Exchange Information: Once it’s safe to do so, exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers involved. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance company and policy details.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the damage to your car, the other car(s) involved, and the surrounding scene, including any skid marks or traffic signals. If possible, note down weather conditions.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
- Report to Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and begin the claims process. Be truthful about what happened, but avoid admitting fault.
- Maintain Detailed Medical Records: Keeping thorough records of your medical care after the accident is essential. These documents can serve as valuable evidence when building a car accident case to pursue compensation for your injuries and related expenses.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your recovery progress and providing additional documentation that may strengthen your car accident case. Regularly consulting your healthcare team ensures that your healing process stays on track and promptly addresses any complications.
By taking the right steps, you can improve your chances of receiving the compensation you need for the injuries sustained in the car accident.
Remember, the experienced car accident attorneys at Bailey & Galyen are here to help you and fight for your rights every step of the way.
Do I Have a Little Rock Car Accident Case?
To determine if you have a case, a lawyer will need to analyze the following four elements of a claim:
1. Duty of Care
The first element in any car accident case is establishing that the other driver owed you a duty of care. This means they had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly, following all traffic laws and taking reasonable precautions to avoid accidents.
All drivers on the road owe this duty of care to other motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and anyone else who may be affected by their actions.
2. Breach of Duty
The second element is proving that the other driver breached their duty of care by acting negligently or recklessly.
This can include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Following too closely
- Driving while fatigued
To prove that the other driver breached their duty of care, you will need evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, or photos of the accident scene.
3. Causation
The third element demonstrates that the other driver’s negligence directly caused your accident and injuries. In other words, you must show that you would not have sustained injuries but for the other driver’s actions.
This can be straightforward in some cases, such as when a driver rear-ends you because they were texting and not paying attention to the road.
However, in other cases, causation may be more complex, particularly if multiple factors contributed to the accident.
4. Damages
The final element is proving that you suffered actual damages because of the accident. This can include economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
You will need documentation such as medical bills, pay stubs, repair estimates, and expert testimony to prove your damages.
If you can establish all four elements—duty, breach, causation, and damages—then you likely have a valid car accident case. However, even if you believe that you have a strong claim, consult an experienced Little Rock car accident attorney. They can evaluate the specific facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
What Is My Little Rock Car Accident Case Worth?
Because each car accident case is unique, the potential financial compensation will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your crash and the severity of your injuries.
At Bailey & Galyen, we understand that every client’s situation is different, and we take a personalized approach to determine the value of your claim.
Our experienced Little Rock car accident attorneys will carefully review your case, including the severity of the crash and the extent of your injuries, based on medical care documentation and the treatment you received.
We will then calculate your total damages, which may include:
- Complete past medical expenses
- Future rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Past lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Physical disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Property damage
- Eligible out-of-pocket expenses
Once we understand your damages, we will pursue the financial recovery to which you are entitled for your injuries, so you can move forward and take back control of your life.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Little Rock?
In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is three years from the accident date. If you wait more than three years to file a lawsuit, the court may throw out your claim, and you may lose your right to seek compensation.
It’s important to note that the sooner you take action after a car accident, the better. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can forget important details, and insurance companies may become less willing to negotiate a fair settlement as time goes on.
That’s why you must contact a Little Rock car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to discuss your legal options and start building your case.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Little Rock Car Accident Attorney?
While hiring an experienced Little Rock personal injury attorney may be in your best interest, you might be hesitant to add another bill to your growing list of expenses. Fortunately, our personal injury lawyers at Bailey & Galyen, work on a contingency basis.
When you hire an attorney on a contingency basis, you agree to pay them a percentage of your potential settlement or judgment award.
This means that our skilled Little Rock car accident attorneys will work diligently to obtain the highest settlement possible on your behalf, and you won’t have to pay any attorney’s fees unless your case settles in your favor.
Talk to an Experienced Little Rock Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today
The sooner you contact an experienced car accident attorney, the better your chances of recovering the total compensation you deserve.
At Bailey & Galyen, we have been fighting for the rights of car accident victims in Arkansas for years, and we are ready to put our skills and resources to work for you.
For your free consultation, call our Little Rock office at (501) 596-6253 or fill out our online contact form.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Little Rock Office
2200 Brookwood Dr # 100
Little Rock, AR 72202
Phone: 501-596-6253
