Greenwood Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can inflict lasting financial, physical, and emotional harm to victims. Following a collision, our attorneys can assess these losses and assist you in pursuing compensation through lawsuits against the negligent driver.
In our investigation of car accidents, our lawyers will examine various types of evidence, beginning with photographs and videos taken at the scene. If you have captured images of your injuries or property damage, please share them with our attorneys for review, and we may forward them to accident reconstruction specialists. Additionally, we can arrange interviews with witnesses to document their personal testimonies. While we gather evidence, you can prioritize your physical well-being by receiving ongoing and appropriate medical treatment. Once we have collected enough evidence to establish liability, we can file your claim, ensuring we do so before the three-year statute of limitations for lawsuits in Arkansas runs out.
Call our car accident attorneys today at (479) 316-0438 for a free case review.
Understanding the Filing Deadlines for a Car Accident Claim in Greenwood, AR
Car accident victims generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, as outlined in Ark. Code. § 16-56-105. If you are unaware of this deadline and let it pass, you will likely lose your opportunity to seek compensation.
The statute of limitations specifies when you can initiate a lawsuit, but it does not impose any time limits on how long your lawsuit can take. After filing, the duration of your case can vary significantly, depending on whether you settle or proceed to court. Many victims aim to speed up negotiations while still securing a fair settlement, and our car accident lawyers can assist in this process. We can help identify vital evidence, such as credible eyewitness statements and medical records, which will be pivotal during negotiations.
Arkansas offers various exceptions to the statute of limitations, including for individuals under 21 who have been injured or those with disabilities under § 16-56-116. Victims can also receive an extension if the defendants actively hide their identities or obstruct the initiation of legal action, as per § 16-56-120.
However, do not assume your case qualifies for an extension without verifying it with our attorneys, as doing so might lead to missing the filing deadline. Submitting a claim after the statute of limitations has expired is usually futile, as courts commonly reject such cases. Victims are encouraged to seek compensation promptly following their accidents and should not delay starting claims despite the three years they have to file.
Evidence We Can Collect in Your Car Accident Lawsuit in Greenwood, AR
Establishing liability for injuries resulting from car accidents typically necessitates a substantial amount of evidence, such as photographs, videos, statements from witnesses, testimony from experts, and your medical records. We can assist you in gathering this evidence by initiating investigations right after the accidents occur.
Photos and Videos
Victims can gather evidence by capturing photos after accidents. If your vehicle has suffered damage, take pictures, as they may reflect the negligent driver’s speed at the time of impact. Victims can also photograph any visible injuries, such as cuts or bruises, preserving their severity when the accident occurred rather than months later when litigating their claim. You can request paramedics to document your injuries with photos to help establish proof at the scene if you are too hurt to take pictures.
Businesses and private homes in Greenwood and nearby areas might also have surveillance cameras positioned where they could capture your accident. Our attorneys can evaluate the location to see if they exist. However, it is crucial to promptly contact security camera owners, as they might erase footage without realizing its importance for your financial recovery or deliberately destroy it so as not to get involved.
Witness Statements
Using eyewitness testimonies in court for car accidents can assist plaintiffs in demonstrating how the defendant failed to uphold their duty of care. Eyewitnesses can contribute by providing direct accounts in court. For instance, if the negligent driver collided with you because they were tailgating or speeding, but they alleged that you abruptly applied your brakes, an eyewitness could clarify the situation, weakening the defendant’s arguments about your comparative negligence.
If you encounter any witnesses at the scene, make sure to collect their phone numbers and let them know that our attorneys can contact them soon for interviews. Avoid discussing the details of the accident with the witnesses. In situations where victims require urgent transport to the hospital, they might not be able to speak with witnesses. Fortunately, our lawyers can use alternative methods to identify them if that occurs, like getting and reviewing the police crash report for witness information.
Hospital Records
The recovery of accident victims largely hinges on their ability to prove that the defendant is responsible for their injuries, which includes showing clear evidence of those injuries. To do this, obtaining hospital records is essential.
Start by calling 911 and requesting paramedic assistance right after the incident. Allow them to take you to the emergency room. Once you arrive at the hospital, medical professionals will likely conduct various diagnostic tests and evaluations to assess your injuries and outline a treatment plan. Be sure to stay at the hospital until you receive an official discharge, and do not forget to attend all follow-up appointments to aid your recovery.
If you did not go to the emergency department immediately after the accident but later started feeling pain, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. Delaying a medical evaluation can jeopardize your case, as even a one-day delay can give the insurance company grounds to claim your injuries aren’t serious. Our attorneys are ready to help you obtain medical records from hospitals and any other providers you saw and organize these records alongside medical bills to help substantiate your claims for treatment-related damages.
Call Our Greenwood, AR Car Accident Lawyers for Help Filing Your Claim Today
For a free, confidential case analysis with our car accident lawyers, call us today at (479) 316-0438.