Immediately after a car accident, you should turn on your hazard lights, get to safety, and try to remain calm. Once you’ve ensured that you and your passengers are safe, you can exchange information with any other drivers who were involved, document the scene, and reach out to your insurance company and an experienced car accident attorney.
Being involved in a car accident can be terrifying. In the blink of an eye, everything can change. The steps you take after your accident can have a serious impact on your ability to collect the compensation you deserve — which is why it’s crucial to have a skilled car accident lawyer on your side.
Whether your injuries are minor or life-altering, our experienced attorneys at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton will advocate for you and help you maximize your recovery. We’ll take care of the deadlines, negotiations, and communications, so you can focus on what matters most: healing after your accident.
Read on to learn what you should — and shouldn’t — do immediately after an accident in Arkansas, and discover the long-term steps you can take to protect your right to compensation.
Your actions in the immediate aftermath of an accident can have a significant impact on your safety, well-being, and ability to recover financially in the long run. Even if you believe you are uninjured after a crash, follow these steps:
To protect your recovery, our car accident attorneys at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton have compiled some common mistakes you should avoid in the wake of an accident.
Admitting fault can prevent you from being able to recover the money you deserve later on. Most car accidents are complex, and most states — Arkansas included — allow you to recover even if you were partially at fault for an accident. To protect your right to compensation, you should refrain from claiming responsibility for the accident, and wait for a formal investigation to determine who was at fault.
In the days or weeks after the crash, you may be offered a settlement offer from the insurance company. In an attempt to increase their profits, it is common for an insurance company negotiator to extend a “lowball” offer. Never accept an offer before discussing it with your attorney. Doing so can prevent you from being able to seek the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Insurance adjusters often search for ways to reduce or deny claims. They can use social media as a means to do so. If you talk about your accident online, your words can be twisted and taken out of context, making it look like you have admitted fault or unwittingly revealing details that are contrary to your later representation. Don’t give an insurance adjuster an opportunity to twist your words to try and nullify your chances of getting the money you deserve.
When a minor car accident occurs, damage to vehicles is usually minimal, and occupants sustain few (if any) injuries. Here are the steps to take immediately after a minor accident.
After a major accident, minutes can make the difference between life and death, and injuries that are not treated quickly can result in life-threatening conditions and permanent disability. As such, your first priority should be to obtain medical help as quickly as possible.
Immediately after an accident in Arkansas, many drivers want to simply “handle it on their own” and avoid calling the police. However, it’s crucial to notify the police of your accident, even if it’s minor. By law, all drivers who have been involved in an accident that involved property damage in excess of $1,000 or bodily injury must report that accident to the police. Calling 911 after an accident ensures that the police arrive on the scene, view the damage to your vehicle, and write out a comprehensive police report of the events. This police report will be invaluable when you file a claim against the at- fault driver. Without a police report, it’s just your word against theirs. Even if your accident is minor, you must report the accident to the Arkansas Office of Driver Services within 30 days of the crash.
When talking to the police:
Car accident injuries can be devastating and may result in permanent disability and chronic long-term pain and suffering. If you suspect that you’ve been injured in an accident, go see an emergency medical professional as soon as you are able for a full medical examination. Many injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, can only be diagnosed with an MRI or CT Scan.
Your doctor may prescribe medications or physical therapy to help with your injuries. If they do, be certain you are following your doctor’s order precisely and attending all therapy sessions. Failure to follow doctor’s orders may signal to the insurance company that you are not as injured as you claim to be. Keep records of all expenses, including mileage to and from appointments and therapies. Your lawyer will need to take these expenses into account when determining a fair settlement.
Even though the at-fault driver’s insurance company should pay for all of your medical expenses and for any damage done to your vehicle, they will want to pay as little as possible. Your lawyer will work with your medical team to ensure that all of your medical expenses are accounted for before you agree to any settlement.
Your attorney will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to ensure that you receive the money you need after a car accident. This often includes compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
If a settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and your case will proceed to court. While every attempt will be made to settle your lawsuit out of court, your lawyer will be ready to go to trial if necessary to help you obtain a favorable outcome.
If your world has been turned upside down by a car accident, we’re here for you. Our experienced team will stand by your side and help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Plus, our No Fee Guarantee™ means you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
Time and again, we’ve achieved substantial settlements for our clients. Our mission is to do the same for you. Reach out to Rainwater, Holt & Sexton today and tell us your story.
With offices throughout Arkansas —Little Rock, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, and Jonesboro — our personal injury lawyers are easily accessible when you need help.
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