Car accidents have the potential to be devastating.
But even the most minor car accident can be a deeply distressing experience. While we all try to avoid them, sometimes a car accident is inevitable. Having a basic understanding of the legal landscape surrounding car accidents can be helpful if you’re ever involved in one, whether you’re a pedestrian, passenger, or driver.
Reporting a car accident
Arkansas law mandates that a car accident must be reported if it results in injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000.
If you’re involved in such an accident, be sure to promptly report it to law enforcement. You are also required to file a report with the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
Your police report should be included in your report to the DFA, and you must send in this report within 30 days of the incident. The only exception to this rule is if your injuries prohibit you from sending in the report within a timely fashion.
Thankfully, you can send in this report online. The form is called an SR-1 and can be found here.
Failure to report a car accident can have legal consequences. Reporting a car accident in a timely manner keeps you compliant with the law but can also serve to document details that could help in later personal injury or insurance claims.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims
In Arkansas, individuals involved in car accidents must be aware of the statute of limitations that govern personal injury claims.
Arkansas law requires anyone who’s been injured in a car accident to file a personal injury claim within three years of the date that the accident occurred. While three years may seem like a long time, the amount of time is chosen carefully to allow for injuries that appear over time, not just those that are immediately apparent after an accident.
This timeframe underscores the importance of initiating legal action promptly, in order to preserve one’s right to seek compensation. Plus, adhering to the statute of limitations is important for a successful personal injury claim.
Compensation for car accidents: pursuing damages in Arkansas
Individuals injured in car accidents in Arkansas have the right to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Arkansas follows a “fault” system, which means that the at-fault party and their insurance are typically responsible for covering the damages.
It’s a good idea to understand the types of compensation available, and the process for pursuing a claim, in order to secure financial protection for yourself and others in the event of an accident.
Insurance requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas law mandates that drivers carry a 25/50/25 policy at minimum– which means bodily injury liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and property damage liability limits of $25,000.
Understanding and meeting these requirements is a legal obligation, but it’s also necessary to financially protect yourself and others in the event of a car accident.
Legal rights after a car crash
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Arkansas, you have legal rights that must be protected. Seeking legal counsel is highly advisable, especially when dealing with complex issues like determining fault, negotiating with insurance companies, or pursuing a personal injury claim.
Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights in the event of an accident. Reach out to schedule your consultation today.
Need Advice?
Our lawyers are experts in Arkansas defense attorney and they’re here to help. If you would like to discuss the particulars of your prossible civil suit with a defense lawyer, contact the Digby Law Firm.
What Is Entrapment and How Is It Proven in Arkansas?
Entrapment is a legal defense that can arise when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime that they otherwise would not have committed. While undercover operations, confidential informants, and other investigative techniques are commonly used by police, there are limits to what officers can do when investigating suspected criminal activity. Understanding where that line is can be important if you are facing an arrest charge based on an undercover investigation.
At The Digby Law Firm, we help clients throughout Benton, Bryant, Little Rock, and Central Arkansas understand their rights and evaluate the circumstances surrounding criminal investigations. An allegation resulting from an undercover operation does not automatically mean entrapment occurred, but the methods used by law enforcement may deserve careful examination.
What Happens If You Fail to Appear in Court
Missing a court date may seem like a minor mistake, particularly if you simply forgot the date or were unable to attend because of an unexpected circumstance. However, failing to appear in court can create additional legal problems and may result in a warrant or other consequences. If you are already facing criminal charges, missing a required appearance can make an already stressful situation considerably more complicated.
At The Digby Law Firm, we help clients throughout Benton, Bryant, Little Rock, and Central Arkansas understand what can happen after a missed court date and what steps may be available to address the situation.
Can a Case Be Reopened After It Is Closed?
Many people assume that once a criminal case is over, the legal process is complete. In reality, certain cases can be reopened under specific circumstances. Whether new evidence is discovered, procedural errors are identified, or constitutional concerns arise, there are situations in which courts may revisit a previously resolved case.
At The Digby Law Firm, clients throughout Benton, Bryant, Little Rock, and Central Arkansas often ask whether a case can be reopened after it has been dismissed, closed, or resolved through a conviction. The answer depends on several factors, including the outcome of the original case and the legal issues involved.