What to Do After a Car Accident in Arkansas
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.
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What Not to Do After An Accident
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.
Do NOT Admit Fault
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.
Do NOT Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer
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.
Do NOT Talk About the Accident on Social Media
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.
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Minor Accidents vs Major Accidents
MINOR ACCIDENTS
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.
- If your car is safe to drive, move your vehicle to safety.
- If you can’t drive your vehicle, then leave your vehicle where it is and get yourself to a safe location.
- Even if your accident is considered a fender bender, you must call 911 and report the accident to the police. A police report is invaluable after any crash.
- Even if you don’t think you’re injured, go should see a medical professional to rule out any possibility of whiplash, migraines or other minor injuries that may not initially be visible.
MAJOR ACCIDENTS
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.
- Call 911 immediately so that injured passengers can receive prompt emergency medical treatment.
- Once you and your passengers are in stable condition, your next call should be to an experienced Arkansas car accident attorney. Major car accidents require immediate legal assistance, and your attorney will be able to protect your rights every step of the way, so you can focus on your recovery
Car Accident Injuries
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.
Taking Legal Action after a Car Accident
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:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Long-term care costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Pain and suffering
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.
Rainwater: Your Advocate After a Car Accident in Arkansas
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 in Arkansas, Tennessee, and nationwide. Our mission is to do the same for you. Reach out to Rainwater, Holt & Sexton today and tell us your story.
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