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Do I Need a Lawyer for My Drunk Driving Accident Injury in Arkansas?

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, we’re here to help. 

We know that the days after a DUI crash can feel like a whirlwind, and our team of compassionate car accident attorneys is here to offer guidance. We’ve represented countless drunk driving accident victims and helped them put their lives back together after a crash, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Keep reading to learn what steps you should take after a DUI accident, how you can protect your legal rights, and why you need a lawyer for a drunk driving accident injury in Arkansas. Let a drunk driving attorney advocate for you — or reach out to our team and tell us your story.

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Your Legal Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident

When an intoxicated driver injures you, you have the right to hold them accountable. Even if the driver faces criminal DWI charges, you can still pursue justice in civil court. What’s the difference between these two paths?

Criminal Charges vs. Civil Lawsuits

The government brings criminal cases to punish offenders and deter crime. Prosecutors might charge the drunk driver with violating DWI laws like Arkansas Code § 5-65-103, which prohibits driving with a BAC of .08% or higher. If convicted, the driver could face jail time, fines, license suspension, and other penalties.

But here’s the key: Criminal cases don’t compensate injured accident victims. That’s where civil lawsuits come in. As the injured party, you have the right to sue the drunk driver for the harm they’ve caused you. If your lawsuit succeeds, the court can order the driver to pay for your damages.

Proving Negligence in a Drunk Driving Case

You must prove that the drunk driver was negligent to win your civil case. Essentially, you and your legal team must show that:

These are just some of the reasons why you need an Arkansas lawyer for your drunk driving accident injury.

Types of Compensation in Drunk Driving Accident Cases

A successful lawsuit can provide vital financial relief to the victim of a DWI crash. Depending on your unique situation, you may be able to recover money damages for:

Economic Damages

Anything that’s easy to quantify, such as medical bills (past and future), lost income from missing work, vehicle and property damage, or reduced future earning capacity

Non-economic damages

Anything that’s harder to quantify, such as loss of enjoyment in life, pain, suffering, or emotional distress

Punitive damages

In rare cases, you may receive extra damages that are intended to punish the drunk driver for egregious conduct

An experienced Arkansas drunk driving accident lawyer will work to maximize your compensation after a serious injury. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we work with medical and occupational experts to fully assess clients’ damages so no loss goes unaccounted for. We’re relentless in our mission to make victims of drunk driving accidents whole again.

Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

The steps you take after a drunk driving crash are critical. To protect your health and your legal rights, here is what you should do:

  • Call 911 and get prompt medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries. Some injuries take time to surface.
  • Cooperate with responding officers. Tell them if you suspect the other driver is drunk, but don’t speculate about anything else—do your best to stick to the facts only.
  • Gather any evidence you safely can. This includes photos, videos, and witness contact info. Let officers handle the drunk driver.
  • Report the accident to your own insurance company.
  • Contact an experienced drunk driving accident law firm in Arkansas. Once you’re able to, you should prioritize reaching out to a lawyer who can preserve crucial evidence in your case.
  • Stay off social media. Don’t post about the accident or your injuries online.
  • Start an injury journal. Writing down how your injuries impact your daily life can be powerful evidence.

Focus on your recovery, get the treatment you need, attend all appointments, and follow providers’ instructions carefully.

Injured in a drunk driving accident?
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Frequently Asked Questions

After a drunk driving accident, it’s natural to have questions. When you come into our office or contact our law firm, we can provide you with specific answers regarding your case. Until then, however, we can help answer some of them here!

Generally, you have three years from the accident date to file your lawsuit under Arkansas Code § 16-56-105. But don’t wait until the last minute. The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Evidence can get lost or destroyed over time. Your attorney may need to move quickly to secure the evidence to win your case.

It depends. Some settlements can wrap up in a few months, while complex cases span a year or more. Your Arkansas DUI accident attorney can give you a ballpark estimate and update you throughout the process. We’ll work efficiently to resolve your case as fast as possible.

Probably not—but there’s no guarantee. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, fewer than 5% of personal injury cases go to trial, and our law firm does its best to help you resolve your drunk driving accident case swiftly. However, if the defense refuses to cooperate, going to trial may be necessary to get the justice you deserve. If that happens, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Most reputable firms, including Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, offer free consultations and represent drunk driving victims on a contingency fee basis. You only pay attorney fees if and when we win your case. If we don’t deliver, you don’t pay. Simple as that.
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How Rainwater, Holt & Sexton Helps Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Maximize Your Recovery With an Arkansas Drunk Driving Accident Injury Lawyer at Rainwater

After a drunk driving accident, don’t suffer in silence. Let us amplify your voice and help you on the path toward healing. Take the first step by calling or contacting us online for your free consultation.

With offices throughout Arkansas — Little Rock, SpringdaleConwayHot SpringsBryantJacksonville, and Jonesboro, — we look forward to showing you why you need a lawyer for your drunk driving accident injury in Arkansas.

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