If you’re injured in a drunk driving accident, a knowledgeable Little Rock drunk driving car accident lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath of the crash and receive fair compensation.
Arkansas DUI laws are strict, with penalties including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. For first-time offenders, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders or those with higher BAC levels.
For decades, the car wreck lawyers at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton have successfully represented victims of drunk driving accidents. After a drunk driving accident, our attorneys are committed to holding irresponsible drunk drivers accountable for their actions under state law.
If you need help, reach out to us today and tell us your story.
Drunk driving accidents often result in severe consequences for both the impaired drivers and innocent victims. In fact:
Arkansas law defines legal intoxication as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, it’s crucial to note that drivers can still be charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) even if their BAC is below this threshold, if law enforcement determines they are too impaired to operate a vehicle safely.
Little Rock enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. Individuals under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or higher face DUI charges, reflecting the city’s commitment to preventing alcohol-related accidents among young drivers.
Of course, our lawyers know the impact of drunk driving accidents in Little Rock extends far beyond the immediate crash site. These incidents often result in multi-vehicle collisions, property damage, and injuries to pedestrians or cyclists. They occur across all neighborhoods, from residential areas to busy downtown streets and at various times of day.
Arkansas law includes a five-year “lookback period” for DUI offenses. This means repeat offenders face significantly harsher penalties if caught driving under the influence again within five years of their first offense. This provision aims to deter repeat offenses and enhance public safety.
After a drunk driving crash in Little Rock or elsewhere in Arkansas, most victims have grounds for a lawsuit against the impaired driver, even if they bear some responsibility for the collision. Arkansas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule, which means you can seek damages if you’re found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident.
If you’re unsure whether you have a case, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Little Rock DUI car accident lawyer promptly. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we can examine the specifics of your accident and assess your eligibility to file a claim or lawsuit.
Arkansas law takes a firm stance against drunk driving. If the other driver was intoxicated and caused you harm, you likely have a strong case. Factors that may strengthen your position include:
Remember, Arkansas has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, typically three years from the date of the accident. It’s essential to act quickly to preserve your rights and gather critical evidence.
Every case is unique, and the circumstances surrounding your accident will determine the strength of your claim. Our injury legal team can provide a thorough evaluation of your case. We’re committed to helping local residents and Arkansans across the state seek justice and compensation after drunk driving accidents.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an impaired driver, knowing the right steps to take can significantly impact your case. Here’s what you should do:
Do not sign any documents before consulting your lawyer. A skilled Little Rock drunk driving accident attorney at RHS will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to secure financial compensation.
After a drunk driving accident, you may wonder who is ultimately responsible for the crash and your resulting injuries. An experienced Little Rock drunk driving auto accident attorney at RHS can help establish liability and guide you through seeking compensation.
The most apparent responsible party is typically the impaired driver. By operating a vehicle while intoxicated, they’ve violated Arkansas law and put others at risk. This violation often forms the foundation of legal accountability.
However, since Arkansas follows the “modified comparative fault” rule, the court assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident. You can still recover damages if you’re found to be less than 50% responsible for the collision. The amount you’re eligible to receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
In drunk driving cases, the intoxicated driver is often assigned a significant portion of the blame. But other factors could influence the distribution of fault, such as:
It’s worth noting that Arkansas has “dram shop” laws, which can hold bars or restaurants liable if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused an accident. Under Arkansas Code § 16-126-104, establishments that sell or serve alcohol can be held liable for injuries caused by their intoxicated patrons. This applies in two key scenarios:
You may have access to additional insurance policies or assets by including these establishments in your claim. This can be crucial if the drunk driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses.
Your Little Rock drunk driving car wreck attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case to identify all potentially responsible parties. This comprehensive approach ensures that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Drunk driving remains a significant concern in Arkansas at large and the capital city, Little Rock. Recent data from the Arkansas State Police and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) paint a sobering picture of the problem’s scope.
In a recent year, approximately 34% of all traffic fatalities in Arkansas were alcohol-related.
This translates to more than 100 lives lost annually due to impaired driving in the state. Moreover, it’s estimated that for every arrest made for driving under the influence (DUI), there are hundreds of impaired driving incidents that go undetected.
Arkansas ranks 13th in the country for drunk driving.
Pulaski County, where Little Rock is located, consistently ranks among the top counties in Arkansas for DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes. According to one study, 30% of fatalities in Pulaski County involved a drunk driver. The county’s higher population density and concentration of nightlife venues contribute to this troubling statistic.
Little Rock, as the state’s most populous city, bears a disproportionate burden of these incidents.
The Little Rock Police Department reports that DUI arrests make up a significant portion of their annual arrests, highlighting the ongoing challenge faced by law enforcement in curbing this dangerous behavior.
To learn how you can take preventative measures to avoid a wreck, contact a Little Rock drunk driving car crash lawyer.
Our No Fee Guarantee® means you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
If you’ve been injured by an intoxicated driver, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Arkansas law recognizes two primary categories of damages in these cases: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are quantifiable losses that can be verified through documentation. These include:
Non-economic damages are more subjective and may include:
In certain cases, Arkansas law allows for the pursuit of punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, these are meant to penalize the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and deter similar actions in the community. However, state law places limits on punitive damages in most situations.
The total compensation you might receive depends on several factors:
Arkansas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule, which means your compensation could be reduced if you’re found partially responsible for the accident. Additionally, there are time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing drunk driving accident claims in Arkansas.
Given the complexities of drunk driving laws and the potential for legislative changes, you should hire an experienced Little Rock attorney at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton after your car crash. They can provide a detailed assessment of your case, explain your rights, and work to maximize your compensation.
Remember, every drunk driving accident case is unique. Your specific circumstances will determine the types and amounts of compensation you may be eligible to receive. Don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance to ensure your rights are fully protected and you receive the compensation that can help in your recovery.
Drunk driving crashes present unique challenges. These cases involve intricate details that require thorough investigation and analysis. From obtaining blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reports to scrutinizing police records, every aspect of the incident needs careful examination.
While the Little Rock Police Department focuses on the criminal aspects of drunk driving, your primary concern is rightfully your recovery and compensation. This is where a skilled attorney becomes invaluable. They can dedicate their time and resources to building a strong civil case on your behalf, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected throughout the legal process.
Insurance companies, even in clear-cut drunk driving cases, often attempt to minimize payouts. Their primary objective is to protect their bottom line, which can lead to inadequate settlement offers that fail to cover the full extent of your injuries and losses. An experienced Little Rock attorney at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton understands these tactics and can effectively counter them, advocating for fair compensation that truly reflects the impact of the drunk driving car accident on your life.
Moreover, Arkansas law has specific nuances when it comes to drunk driving accidents. From the state’s dram shop liability laws to the modified comparative fault rule, navigating these legal complexities requires in-depth knowledge and experience.
When you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, you need more than just a lawyer — you need a champion. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton.
For years, our lawyers have been standing up for drunk driving auto accident victims across Little Rock and throughout Arkansas. Our team knows the ins and outs of Little Rock’s streets and Arkansas’s legal landscape, giving you a hometown advantage as we advocate for fair compensation.
At Rainwater Holt & Sexton, we don’t just work for you—we work with you. We’ll be by your side every step of the way, from your first consultation to the final resolution of your case. Our team is always just a phone call away, ready to answer your questions and address your
With offices throughout Arkansas — Little Rock, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, and Jonesboro—our lawyers are here to help you no matter where you suffer an injury. Contact a Little Rock drunk driving car accident lawyer at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton today.
Fill out a free contact request form, which only takes a minute, or simply dial (501) 868-2500 and tell us your story. We offer free consultations in person or over the phone to assist you better. Call us today!
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