Jonesboro Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents are unfortunately common in Jonesboro. If you have been injured because of the recklessness of another driver, you have the legal right to receive compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Being a victim of a vehicle accident can result in various types of injuries that require extensive treatment to fully recover. However, obtaining compensation for such injuries can be a challenging process. Our firm provides essential assistance in navigating the litigation process and identifying the best strategies to recover the compensation that is rightfully yours. Regardless of the type of car accident you were involved in, our team can help you obtain the compensation that you are entitled to.
Call us today at (479) 316-0438 to speak with our car accident lawyers and receive your free case review.
Steps to Take After Getting Injured in a Car Accident in Jonesboro, AR
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to understand what steps you should take next to protect your legal rights. It is normal to feel scared and overwhelmed after the incident, but there are actions you can take to help your chances of receiving compensation later on. Once you have taken these initial steps, our car accident lawyers can take over and work to secure the compensation you are entitled to. To give yourself the best possible chance of recovering damages, you should follow these guidelines if you are ever in a car accident in Jonesboro:
Call the Police
In the event of a car accident, it is crucial to contact the authorities right away. Regardless of the extent of the damage or any injuries sustained, law enforcement will arrive on the scene to investigate and speak with those involved.
Once all the necessary information has been gathered by the investigating officers, an official report will be created detailing the specifics of the accident and any potential legal action that might follow. Our team can then assist you in obtaining this report from the appropriate police department.
Exchange Information with Other Parties and Witnesses
In the event of an accident, it is crucial to exchange information with the other driver. Their insurance information should be obtained, along with their name, address, and phone number, if possible. This information can be used to serve a lawsuit if necessary.
If the other driver refuses to cooperate, do not worry, as this information can usually be found in the police report. It is also a good idea to speak with any witnesses at the scene. They might have witnessed important details that could be useful in court later on. Be sure to gather their contact information to avoid forgetting it later on.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If it is possible, use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene before leaving. This includes capturing any damages to the vehicles, debris on the road, the position of the vehicles after the accident, and any skid marks. Photographs can also be used to show where you were injured and preserve important details like the time of day and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
It is also important to document any injuries you sustained. Injuries can sometimes heal by the time you appear in court in front of a judge or jury, making them less visible. Taking pictures of your injuries will help demonstrate that they were more severe than they currently appear.
Receive Medical Care
It is also important to prioritize seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort. There is a possibility that you have hidden injuries that might only manifest later on. Seeking guidance from medical professionals is crucial for your body’s healing process and to determine if you require additional treatment.
Although it might seem unnecessary and time-consuming to visit the emergency room after an accident, it is important to have a record of your injuries if you intend to pursue compensation through legal action. Your medical records will provide evidence that your current injuries were caused by the car accident you reported.
Reach Out to Our Firm
We will work closely with you during the legal process to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for the damages you have suffered. Our priority is to help you obtain payment for your medical expenses and lost wages while also protecting your legal rights. We can assist you in drafting important documents, such as your complaint, and communicate with other parties on your behalf. If negotiations fail to settle your case, we are prepared to present it to a judge or jury.
How Long You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Jonesboro, AR
The statute of limitations is a legal term that defines the maximum period within which legal proceedings can be initiated. In case of car accidents, this period usually begins from the date of the accident. These laws are in place to guarantee that legal actions are initiated while evidence is still fresh and accessible.
In Jonesboro, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you have been injured in a car accident, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Exceptions to the Deadline
There are some exceptions that might apply in certain situations. For example, if the accident resulted in the tragic loss of a loved one, their family might have up to three years from the date of their passing, which might be later than the date of the accident, to file a wrongful death claim.
Also, if the victim was under 18, they will usually have three years after turning 18 to file their claim.
Additionally, if the defendant leaves the state before legal action can be taken, the time period during their absence will not be counted towards the statute of limitations. It is important to be aware of these exceptions and consult with legal counsel to determine the best course of action.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline
While three years might seem like a long time, it is important to act quickly after a car accident. Gathering evidence, consulting with an attorney, and negotiating with insurance companies can take time. If a settlement cannot be reached and a lawsuit becomes necessary, you will want to ensure you have plenty of time to file your lawsuit before the deadline.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case unless an exception applies. This means you will lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages, regardless of how serious they are or how clear the other party’s liability might be
Types of Compensation You Could Recover After a Car Accident in Jonesboro, AR
Car accidents can be incredibly traumatic experiences that can leave you with severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. If you have been involved in a car accident in Jonesboro that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to receive compensation for all the losses you have suffered. This compensation can help you cover the costs of medical treatment, lost income, and other expenses related to the accident. The following are the most common damages recovered in Jonesboro car accident lawsuits:
Past and Future Medical Expenses
Car accidents can be financially devastating, especially when it comes to medical expenses. In addition to the immediate costs of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and medication, the long-term expenses can also add up quickly.
This includes ongoing treatments like physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future surgeries, as well as the potential for future medical care related to your injuries. When making a claim for compensation after a car accident, it is important to take all of these expenses into account to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and any related medical costs.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
Compensation in a lawsuit can also include lost income and diminished earning capacity. Lost income refers to the wages, benefits, or other earnings that you were unable to earn as a result of your injuries.
Diminished earning capacity, on the other hand, refers to reducing your ability to earn income in the future because of your injuries. This is often calculated based on your age, occupation, skills, and the severity of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Aside from the financial losses such as medical bills and income loss, you might also be eligible for compensation for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. This pertains to the physical discomfort and emotional trauma that you have endured because of the accident and your resulting injuries.
The amount of compensation you receive for pain and suffering is influenced by several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact of your injuries on your daily life, and your chances of recovery.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
The term “loss of enjoyment of life” refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological harm caused by the accident and injuries, which prevent you from engaging in daily activities, hobbies, sports, and other aspects of life that bring happiness and contentment. It is a type of compensation that is based on subjectivity, and it varies significantly from one case to another, depending on the severity and extent of the injury.
Loss of Consortium
If you are married and have suffered severe injuries that have adversely affected your relationship with your spouse, you might be eligible to seek compensation for loss of consortium. This refers to the loss of emotional support, companionship, intimacy, and sexual relations that can occur when one spouse is seriously injured.
The compensation for loss of consortium aims to address the significant impact that the injury has had on the quality of the marital relationship and the consequent physical and emotional distress experienced by the injured spouse and the non-injured spouse after a car accident.
Scarring and Disfigurement
If your car accident has left you with visible scarring or disfigurement, it can have a significant impact on your life. You might experience physical pain, emotional distress, and a loss of confidence or self-esteem.
In such cases, you might be entitled to additional compensation to cover the cost of medical treatment, including cosmetic surgery if necessary, to minimize the appearance of scars or disfigurement. This compensation can help you cope with the long-term effects of the accident and improve your quality of life moving forward.
Property Damage
In case your vehicle or any other property has been damaged in the accident, you have the right to receive compensation for any losses incurred. This usually covers the expenses related to repairing the damages or the vehicle’s fair market value if it has been completely damaged beyond repair.
Common Types of Injuries that Occur in Jonesboro, AR Car Accidents
It is common for individuals involved in a car accident to come out unscathed or with minor injuries such as cuts and bruises. Tragically, some might not be as fortunate and end up with severe injuries. The following are potentially devastating yet not uncommon injuries that occur in Jonesboro car accidents:
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to any part of the spinal cord can result in a range of injuries, which can vary from mild to completely severing nerves leading into and out of the spinal cord. The types of spinal cord injuries that are commonly experienced include loss of sensation on one or both sides of the body, partial loss of movement in one or more areas, and complete paralysis.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Injuries sustained during a car accident can result in damage to the brain, which can manifest in various forms. Brain damage can be caused by internal bleeding within the skull, fractures in the skull that harm brain tissue, or injuries to other body parts that disrupt blood flow to the brain. These injuries often lead to subdural hematoma, contusion, epidural hemorrhage, or diffuse axonal injury. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms of brain damage.
Puncture and Lacerations Injuries
Cuts that only affect the top layers of skin are referred to as lacerations. When there are car accidents, lacerations are often caused by broken glass. The seriousness of a laceration depends on its depth, how long it takes for the bleeding to stop, and whether or not an unclean wound leads to infection.
Puncture wounds are more severe and can damage muscles or organs underneath the skin. Both of these types of injuries frequently result in bleeding, which can only be stopped by stitches, sutures, or staples. However, these injuries have the potential to significantly impact one’s life if they cause nerve damage because of stretched nerves or nerve compression, as well as internal bleeding that can go unnoticed if medical attention is not sought immediately.
Wrongful Death
When someone dies because of another person’s carelessness or misconduct, it is known as wrongful death. In Jonesboro, car accidents are perhaps the biggest reason for wrongful deaths. Excessive speeding, driving while intoxicated, and texting while driving are all factors that can significantly elevate the likelihood of a severe accident resulting in a fatality.
Our Jonesboro, AR Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
For a free case assessment with our car accident attorneys, contact us today at (479) 316-0438.