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After a car crash, dealing with an insurance company can become almost as difficult as dealing with the physical and financial consequences of the collision. You may be facing medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income, and questions about who should pay for your losses.
Car accident insurance claims in Little Rock can be challenging to manage without the guidance of a seasoned lawyer. At Mays, Byrd & O’Guinn, PLLC, our dedicated car accident attorneys could help you navigate every stage of the legal process and work with you toward a fair and equitable solution. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
To establish a personal injury claim for an auto accident in Little Rock, you generally need to prove to the insurer that another driver’s negligence caused your injuries or property damage. Evidence can include:
Insurance adjusters evaluate claims based on available evidence, policy provisions, liability, and damages. Your initial settlement offer may not account for:
For these reasons, working with an auto crash attorney is crucial.
The state also recognizes uninsured motorist bodily-injury coverage. Under Arkansas Code § 23-89-403, vehicle liability policies generally must provide uninsured motorist bodily-injury coverage unless the policyholder has rejected it in writing. If the at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance, your own policy may provide an additional avenue for compensation.
Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault system. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-64-122, the court can reduce your recovery according to your percentage of fault. A finding that you are 50 percent or more at fault can prevent recovery. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are determined to be 20 percent responsible, it may reduce your recoverable damages accordingly.
It is important to preserve evidence showing how the collision occurred because fault can significantly affect the value of your car wreck insurance claim. Working with a car accident attorney in Little Rock with experience navigating insurance claims could help you navigate a determination of fault and give you a better chance at pursuing the maximum damages available under state law.
You should not assume that filing an insurance claim preserves your right to sue. Arkansas generally provides three years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105. Different circumstances can create different deadlines, so you should have a lawyer evaluate your specific claim before relying on a general limitation period.
In Little Rock, an experienced car crash attorney could communicate with insurers, investigate liability, evaluate your damages, review available insurance coverage, and negotiate for an appropriate settlement for your claim. If the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, your lawyer could evaluate whether litigation is appropriate. Acting early can also help preserve evidence and protect your legal options.
Car accident insurance claims in Little Rock can be tough to determine while recovering. An attorney could review the circumstances of your collision, explain your options, and help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other legally recoverable losses.
After sustaining serious injuries in a traffic wreck, consider speaking with a lawyer before accepting an insurance settlement or signing documents that could affect your rights. Your claim may involve multiple insurance policies, disputed liability, significant medical expenses, or long-term consequences that are not immediately apparent. At Mays, Byrd & O’Guinn, PLLC, we could carefully evaluate your options and help you understand what compensation may be available to you. Contact us today for your free case consultation.