Jonesboro, AR
Car Accident Lawyer

The steps you take immediately after an accident can have a major impact on your claim. Here’s what you should do:

Under Arkansas law, you have the right to pursue compensation if another party’s negligence caused your accident. Here’s what you should know:

Insurance Requirements

Arkansas is an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible. Drivers must carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.

Statute of Limitations

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Arkansas. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation.

Even though three years seems like a long time, we recommend acting fast—memories fade, and it’s easy for evidence to be misplaced or destroyed, harming your case.

Comparative Fault

Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re found to be less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What does that mean in reality?

Let’s imagine you were checking your phone while driving through an intersection, and another driver ran a red light and t-boned you. You are awarded $100,000 for the damages you sustained, but you’re found to be 20% at fault for using your phone while driving. In this case, you would receive $80,000—the full $100,000 minus your 20% share of the blame.

After a car accident, you may be entitled to more compensation than you realize. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover for multiple types of damages, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, ambulance fees, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any long-term care needs
• Lost Wages: Compensation for any time missed from work, including time spent at medical appointments or recovering at home
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or force you to take lower-paying work
• Property Damage: Costs for vehicle repair or replacement, and damage to other personal items inside the car

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and mental anguish from the accident and recovery process
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Impact on your ability to participate in hobbies, family life, and other everyday activities
• Loss of Consortium: Damages for how your injury affects your relationships with your spouse or family members
• Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological conditions that often follow a traumatic event like a car crash are real and compensable.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, we may explore whether punitive damages are appropriate—particularly if the at-fault driver was under the influence or exhibited extreme recklessness. While punitive damages are rare, our team knows when and how to pursue them.

Special Considerations for ASU Students and Staff

If you’re a student, staff member, or faculty at Arkansas State University, your accident may impact more than just your health. We account for:

• Missed classes or semester interruptions
• Loss of scholarship eligibility or athletic participation
• On-campus job disruptions

We tailor our legal strategy to reflect your unique circumstances and make sure nothing gets overlooked.

How Rainwater, Holt & Sexton Maximizes Compensation

We take a comprehensive approach to case building. That includes gathering all medical records and bills, consulting with economic experts to project long-term losses, and interviewing witnesses and local professionals.

Our personal injury law firm can also work with treating physicians to explain the full extent of your injuries in clear, compelling terms, so insurers and juries understand the real impact these have had on your life.

Car crashes in Jonesboro can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Common injuries we see include:

The recovery process for these injuries varies widely. Some people walk away with a sore neck, others face months—or years—of intensive care. The severity of your injuries often plays a major role in how much compensation you’re entitled to.

Treatment may include emergency surgery, follow-up appointments, pain management, physical therapy, counseling, and even long-term home care. We partner with local medical providers to ensure you receive the care you need, and we build those costs into your claim. If you’re suffering emotionally after your accident, we’ll make sure that aspect of your recovery is taken seriously too.

Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out large settlements voluntarily. After your accident, you may receive a call from an insurance adjuster who seems helpful. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer you a quick settlement. Resist the urge to agree to anything too soon.

Many insurers use tactics designed to minimize what they owe. That could mean downplaying the severity of your injuries, suggesting you were partially at fault, or delaying the process so you’ll accept a low offer just to move on.

At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we take that burden off your plate. We handle all communications with the insurance companies, push back against unfair offers, and fight to get you every dollar you’re entitled to.