Being involved in a car accident in Arkansas can be overwhelming and challenging, to say the least. When recovering from their physical and emotional trauma, car accident victims often rely on personal injury claims to cover their losses. However, not all people understand when is the optimal time to file their claim. You may wonder if you can wait and file your claim at a later date. As you will learn through this article, timing is essential when dealing with a personal injury claim after a car crash. Our Fayetteville, AR car accident attorney, Ken Kieklak, explains how long you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Arkansas.
How Much Time Do I Have to Sue for a Car Accident in Arkansas?
It is essential to act quickly after your car accident to fight for the compensation you deserve. Car accident victims and victims from other accidents such as slip and falls, truck crashes, and motorcycle accidents in Arkansas have a limited time to file their claim. The statute of limitations cuts your filing time short. Typically, the law provides you with enough time to file your lawsuit with the court. It is essential to be aware of the time you have to file your claim before the time limit expires.
According to Arkansas law, you have up to three years from the moment of the crash to file your claim. While three years may seem like ample time to plan your move carefully, it would be best to act as quickly as possible. Every car accident case is different. Depending on your case, you may need a long time to recover all pertinent evidence, such as medical records, police records, and witness statements. Moreover, you may need time to organize and strategize to build up your case. If you wait for too long, you may risk running out of time.
Letting your statute of limitations run can have devastating effects on your case. Typically, if you don’t file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations in Arkansas, the court can refuse to hear it, and you may lose your shot at compensation. Unfortunately, you cannot wait until you feel like it is the right time to sue, nor can you file a lawsuit again at a later date. It is always in your best interest to get assistance from a skilled, experienced Fayetteville, AR fatal car accident attorney.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Arkansas?
For many people, the idea of being in a car accident is enough to feel stressed and anxious. No one wants to be involved in a crash. However, car accidents are unpredictable and can happen to anyone without prior notice. While it may seem overwhelming, planning for the event of a car crash is essential. It is essential to remember everything you do after your crash can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
The first thing you should do is move away from the scene to a safe place. This can help you avoid further risks to your safety and health. Always make sure all the parties involved in the crash can also find a safe place. Once in safety, call the emergency medical services (911) and ask for assistance.
The treatment you will get, as well as the medical professional’s assessment of your injuries, can be crucial when determining your compensation. Moreover, in tandem with your medical record, their report can show the extent of your injuries and their implications on your life.
It would be best to report your accident to the police if you can call the police department. They will send an officer who will be in charge of investigating the scene. Based on their investigation, they will write a report which can be essential in your case. It would be best to get a copy of the police report.
Never go away from the scene without all the involved parties’ contact information. The liable party’s name, address, phone – or cell phone – number and their insurance information can help speed up your claim’s process and avoid wasting time moving forward.
Finally, it is always in your best interest to hire an experienced, skilled Arkansas car accident lawyer who can help you understand what to expect from your case. By calling a personal injury attorney, you can ensure your rights are protected at all times.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect After a Car Accident Claim in Arkansas?
The compensation you may get from your car accident claim in Arkansas will depend on two things. First, you must be able to prove the defendant’s negligence. Secondly, your claim will depend on your ability to file on time. As we mentioned, you cannot file a personal injury claim when you feel it’s time. Instead, you must make sure you file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
With your Arkansas personal injury lawyer’s assistance, you can show your case meets all necessary compensation requirements. For instance, your lawyer can help you show through evidence that the liable party owed you a legal duty that was breached, caused you harm, and that you suffered losses.
Once you have shown your case with the court, you may get compensation for things such as your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Moreover, you can avoid risking losing your claim due to the statute of limitations.
Arkansas Car Accident Attorney Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, we can help. Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, has handled thousands of cases over decades of hands-on practice. Thanks to our dedication, skill, and experience, our Fayetteville, AR personal injury lawyers can provide all of our clients with the quality legal representation they deserve. We know how challenging dealing with a severe injury can be for you and your loved ones. That is why we dedicate all our efforts and resources to fighting aggressively and strategically for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about all of our services in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (479) 316-0438.