Conway, AR Car Accident Lawyer
Each day, we drive our cars and carry out our routine without any mishaps. However, there are times when unforeseen incidents occur, leading to car accident injuries that necessitate compensation.
If you were injured in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, our lawyers are here to assist you in recovering compensation. Unfortunately, negligent drivers are more prevalent on the roads than we would like to believe, and their actions can lead to accidents in various ways. If this applies to you, you have the option to file a lawsuit to obtain justice for the damages you have suffered. Remember, you do not have to face these challenges alone. Our team is ready to fight for you.
For a free case review with our car accident lawyers, contact us today at (479) 316-0438.
Knowing Whether You Have a Valid Car Accident Lawsuit in Conway
After a car accident, it is common to feel disoriented and worried about the well-being of everyone involved. Nonetheless, if you did not cause the accident, then someone else must have been at fault. Fortunately, our car accident attorneys can help you determine what steps to take next to protect your rights and recover the compensation you are entitled to. In Conway, insurance operates under the “at-fault” system, which means that the insurance company of the driver who acted negligently should be held accountable.
Negligence
The driver whose actions resulted in an accident is usually considered at fault. Negligence occurs when a party fails to fulfill their legal obligations to others. As drivers, we owe legal duties to our fellow motorists on the road, such as following traffic regulations and guidelines.
This includes driving within speed limits, obeying traffic lights and stop signs, and keeping our attention on the road rather than our phones. Any failure to meet these duties can lead to an accident, and the driver who neglected their responsibilities will be held accountable for the resulting consequences of the accident.
Damages Available Following a Car Accident in Conway
The consequences of a car accident play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a lawsuit. To win a personal injury case, the plaintiff must prove that they experienced damages from the accident that can be compensated in court. This highlights the significance of seeking medical assistance immediately after an accident to uncover and treat any injuries.
If you have been injured, lost work hours, or incurred expenses because of a car accident, it is advisable to consult with our skilled Conway attorneys to determine if you have a legal claim. Avoid relying on the opinions of friends or family members, and certainly do not depend on what the insurance companies say. Instead, it is recommended that you discuss your specific situation with a knowledgeable lawyer.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Conway?
In Conway and throughout Arkansas, there is a specific time limit for filing a car accident lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations and is set out in Ark. Code. § 16-56-105. Victims of car accident injuries have three years from the date of the accident to file their lawsuit.
The clock starts ticking on the date that the cause of action accrues, which is usually the date of the accident. For example, if your car accident occurred on January 10, 2024, you would have until January 10, 2027, to file your claim in the appropriate court.
Dangerous Roads and Highways in Conway, AR
Road safety is a significant concern in Conway, where certain roads and highways have become notorious for their danger. For example, Highway 12, despite being just 57 miles long, has gained a reputation as one of the most dangerous roads in Conway. Accidents on this highway are often fatal, leading to tragic losses and potential wrongful death cases. Interstate 40 is also one of the most dangerous interstates in Conway.
Types of Car Accident Cases Our Attorneys Handle in Conway
Some car accidents are straightforward, requiring little more than filing a claim. However, many car accident cases in Conway can be much more complicated, often involving multiple parties. The following are some of the difficult cases we help clients get compensation for in Conway:
Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles
Multi-vehicle accidents can be extremely complicated to deal with. They involve multiple parties, and determining fault can be a challenge because of the complex sequence of events leading up to the crash.
In several cases, more than one driver might share responsibility for the accident. After being involved in a crash, it’s critical to document everything you can to strengthen your case. Be sure to photograph the scene, speak with any witnesses and get their contact information, and request a copy of the official police report. Thorough documentation can significantly improve your ability to recover the full compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Accidents Caused by Commercial Drivers
When a collision happens involving a commercial driver, the following lawsuit can be much more complicated than those involving private drivers. If the accident occurred while the driver was performing their work duties, the driver’s employer might share some responsibility.
This is particularly the case if the employer fails to ensure that the driver is properly trained and fit to operate the vehicle. Moreover, if the vehicle was not adequately maintained or if the company responsible failed to provide proper training to its employees, the company could also be held accountable.
Rideshare Vehicle Accidents
In the event of an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, such as those operated by Uber or Lyft, determining liability can be a complex process. If the driver of the rideshare vehicle is found to be at fault, the company’s insurance policy typically covers any resulting damages.
However, this only applies if the driver was actively transporting a passenger and was logged into the app at the time of the accident. If the driver was not carrying a passenger and was not waiting for a ride request, their personal insurance policy might be used to cover the damages. It is essential to have a team on your side that understands these nuances in order to have the best chance of maximizing the compensation you receive.
Accidents Caused by Amazon Delivery Truck Drivers
Accidents involving Amazon delivery trucks have become increasingly common as the company continues to expand its delivery network. If an Amazon delivery driver causes an accident, both the driver and Amazon might be held liable. Amazon maintains a commercial insurance policy that covers its drivers during deliveries, but the company has also faced lawsuits alleging negligence in its hiring and training practices.
In some cases, the driver might work for a third party contracted with Amazon to make its deliveries. This means the driver usually does not work directly for Amazon but is an employee of the third-party contractor, who has direct control over the employee. In that situation, suing Amazon might not be possible, but compensation could be recovered from the contractor and its driver. However, Amazon insurance might still apply in these cases.
Pedestrian and Car Accidents
Pedestrian and car accidents are tragically common. These accidents often occur when pedestrians attempt to cross highways or local streets, and they are more common at night. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the driver of the vehicle can often be held liable if they were not exercising reasonable care. However, pedestrians also have a duty to follow traffic laws and could be found partially at fault in some situations.
Bicycle and Car Accidents
Bicycle and car accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries, especially considering cyclists’ high susceptibility to harm. Numerous factors can lead to such accidents, including drivers neglecting to give way to cyclists, inattentiveness from either drivers or cyclists or hazardous road conditions.
In these cases, responsibility is generally attributed to the party who failed to demonstrate reasonable care, which could include the driver, cyclist, or even a third party responsible for ensuring the safety of road conditions.
Manufacturing and Design Defects
Not all car accidents are solely the result of driver error or negligence. In some cases, accidents can be caused by manufacturing and design defects. These defects can render vehicles unsafe and lead to accidents that could have been prevented.
When such situations arise, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the faulty part can be held accountable. To establish liability, it is necessary to demonstrate that the vehicle or part was, in fact, defective, that the defect caused the accident, and that the accident resulted in the victim’s injuries. This process can be extremely challenging and often requires the testimony of expert witnesses to establish important but detailed elements in the case.
Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers
One of the leading causes of car accidents in Conway is drunk driving. If a drunk driver causes a car accident, the driver can be held accountable for any injuries or damage that results from the accident.
In certain situations, establishments that served alcohol to the driver can also be held responsible for the accident under the state’s dram shop laws. Moreover, a criminal conviction for drunk driving can serve as evidence of negligence in a civil case.
Because driving while intoxicated is usually considered egregious behavior, punitive damages can typically be claimed in these cases. These damages are intended to punish the other party for reckless behavior, which a DUI almost always falls under.
Our Conway Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Call us today at (479) 316-0438 to speak with our car accident attorneys and receive your free case evaluation.