You are stopped at a red light on an Arkansas highway when you suddenly hear screeching tired behind you. Before you can react, the car slams into your rear bumper at high-speed. Now you have injuries, vehicle damages and a growing list of medical bills. But who will pay for all of this?
If you’ve been in this situation, you will find that Arkansas laws provide the answer to your worries. Many drivers often face similar uncertainty after a crash. Thus, understanding who should bear the financial responsibility can help you move forward during this difficult time.
Arkansas as an at-fault state
Arkansas operates as an at-fault state. This designation means that the driver determined to be at fault for an accident bears the legal and financial responsibility for all ensuing damages.
In practice, this allows you to file claims directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to be compensated for your injuries and vehicle damages. This system exists to hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm that they cause.
What expenses can you recover?
Once fault is established, you can pursue compensation for various damage, not just your medical bills. Typically, Arkansas law recognizes these two categories of damages you can claim below:
- Economic Damages: These include your medical bills, lost wages and vehicle repair costs. You can document these damages through receipts, pay stubs and repair estimates.
- Non-economic Damages: These damages compensate you for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. These include physical discomfort, emotional distress and reduced quality of life. While they may be harder to calculate than economic damages, they acknowledge the personal toll of your injuries.
Together, these damages aim to make you financially whole again after your accident. But protecting your right to claim these damages begins the moment the crash happens.
What to do if you get into a crash in Arkansas
Protecting your health and legal rights after a crash in Arkansas requires immediate attention. First, you should seek medical care even if you feel fine. After addressing your immediate medical, consider consulting with a legal counsel.
Legal professionals understand how personal injury laws work and can help you negotiate with insurance companies and the at-fault driver on your behalf. With proper legal guidance, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer secures the compensation you deserve.