Prairie Grove Car Accident Lawyer
From minor fender benders to life-changing collisions, victims often face expensive damages for which they are blameless. If a negligent driver injures you in Prairie Grove, our attorneys are here to help you seek justice through a lawsuit.
Despite your best efforts to steer clear of dangerous drivers, accidents can still happen unexpectedly. The important thing is to be prepared and know the steps to take after a crash. First and foremost, report the accident right away so that the police can investigate and document the details. After reporting the crash, your next stop should be the hospital, but before you leave the scene, be sure to snap photos of both the scene and your injuries. Our team will gather this evidence and assist you in filing your claim before the deadline arrives.
Call us today at (479) 316-0438 for your free case assessment with our Fayetteville, AR car accident lawyers.
How to Handle a Car Accident in Prairie Grove, AR
Car accidents are common, so it is wise to be prepared if you are injured. You may need compensation even after a minor accident, which means you might have to file a claim against the other driver. Following a few key steps recommended by our car accident attorneys will give you the best chance to recover the damages necessary for healing. Report the accident and gather evidence if you can. After getting the medical care you need, our team can file your lawsuit before the window for doing so closes.
Report the Accident
The first thing you should do after an accident is to call 911 for emergency assistance. If your injuries are manageable and you are still on the road, try to move out of traffic to prevent another collision before making the call. Emergency personnel, including the police and paramedics, will be on their way to help you.
Once they arrive, the police will gather information from you and the other parties involved to understand what happened. They may issue citations and will document their observations in an official report. Meanwhile, paramedics can provide immediate medical assistance at the scene and, if necessary, take you to the hospital. Although you might be concerned about the cost of an ambulance, remember that these expenses can typically be covered in your insurance claim. If you choose to decline medical care or avoid going to the hospital, you could lose some or all the compensation you are entitled to.
Talk to the Parties Involved
Take this opportunity to talk to the other driver and any witnesses who stopped to help.
Keep your conversation with the other driver brief, as you will likely be disputing the claim with them later and do not want anything you say to be turned against you. The scene of the accident is not the place to figure out who is at fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” could be seen as an admission of liability. Just exchange contact and insurance details and wait for the police to arrive.
If eyewitnesses are still at the scene, feel free to talk with them about what they observed. Just make sure to ask for their contact information so we can reach out to them later after you submit your claim.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
You will likely have a brief window of time before emergency services arrive. You can use that opportunity to gather evidence that may not be accessible later, such as wreckage from the scene. Car accident sites are often cleaned up quickly to prevent further hazards. If you do not take photos of the damage to the vehicles, debris, or tire marks on the road while you’re still there, you could miss out on important visual evidence for your claim. Therefore, grab your smartphone and snap as many pictures as you think will be useful down the line.
If possible, feel free to photograph any visible injuries you suffered. This will show what your injuries appeared like before you received medical attention and started your treatment regimen.
Get Medical Care
If you want to recover compensation for damages caused by a car accident, the most crucial step is to seek medical care. It is essential to collect evidence demonstrating that you were injured, the extent of those injuries, and the treatment recommended by your healthcare providers for a full recovery. Delaying medical treatment after the crash or having gaps in your ongoing care can seriously undermine your claim.
After the accident, make it a priority to visit the emergency room. Try to avoid going to an urgent care center unless absolutely necessary, as they lack the comprehensive equipment needed to assess your condition thoroughly. If you choose not to take an ambulance from the scene, that is perfectly fine, but you should go straight to the hospital. Waiting even a few days to evaluate your symptoms before seeking care can raise doubts about the severity of your injuries.
Your treatment plan will vary based on the injuries you sustained in the accident. It is absolutely crucial to stick to it. While our team is here to collect and organize your medical records for your claim, your main focus should be your recovery and attending every appointment.
Speak to Our Team
Sticking to this advice is essential, as it will help you stay organized and ensure that our team submits your claim before the statute of limitations expires. Under Ark. Code. § 16-56-105, you have a period of three years from the date of your accident to initiate your lawsuit. Three years can pass faster than expected, particularly when dealing with significant injuries. This guideline allows for very limited room for mistakes. If you submit your claim after the limitation period has lapsed, you will be unable to recover any of your damages through legal action.
Call Our Prairie Grove, AR Car Accident Lawyers Today for Support with Your Case
For a free case review with our car accident attorneys, contact us today at (479) 316-0438.