Referred to as the ‘Natural State,’ Arkansas is a wonderful place to live in. With a population of 3,045,637, the state is best known for its food, friendly residents, stunning views, and good roads.
Even though the state has drivable and scenic roads, the rate of car accidents has increased by 24.9%. Recently, a 54-year-old man from Rogers, Arkansas, was killed in a fatal car crash after losing control of the vehicle. Similarly, two people died in a car overturn and a three-car pile-up in the state.
All these incidents make the state rank #24 in a report for fatal road accidents. A USA Today article suggests that Arkansas witnessed 643 fatal car accidents in 2022. For instance, intersections like Asher Avenue and University Avenue in Little Rock and the 285-mile Interstate 40 have seen thousands of casualties.
Ideally, car accidents in Arkansas occur due to driver mistakes, poor road conditions, bad lighting, inclement weather, etc. It proves that driving on the roads in Arkansas is unpredictable and somewhat dangerous.
But what should you do if you get involved in a car accident in Arkansas? In this blog, we will discuss three things you should do right after an accident.
#1. Get Medical Treatment
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Witnesses suggest that the N 46th Street and W Walnut Street intersection in Rogers is usually packed during rush hour. Unsuspecting drivers get into a T-bone accident due to the fault of a speeding vehicle. Similarly, the dangerous stretch between N College Avenue and E Joyce Boulevard in Fayetteville is prone to commercial truck accidents.
It proves that even if you are the safest driver, you can get into head-on, rear-end, or side-impact collisions in Arkansas. When that happens, you’ll suffer both external and internal injuries.
Of course, you’ll rush to the emergency room if the injuries are severe. But you’d probably refuse treatment if you only saw a few cuts and bruises. Sometimes, you might feel fine, but there can be a concussion that you’re unaware of. It happens because of the adrenaline rush you get from the shock of getting into an accident.
However, not getting treatment for any unseen internal injuries will lead you to develop symptoms like amnesia, dizziness, nausea, etc. In some cases, delaying a doctor’s visit can be life-threatening.
That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention right after getting into an accident. Moreover, immediate medical attention can help you gain hefty compensation based on medical expenses after filing a claim.
#2. Call Your Lawyer
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Irrespective of the Arkansas city you live in, state-certified lawyers will help you gain the rightful compensation for the damages caused. These include vehicle damage, physical injury, and emotional damage.
A car accident lawyer in Arkansas will deal with the nerve-wracking and confusing legal aspects and proceedings. According to Keith Law Group, attorneys will investigate the incident, calculate damages, and file an auto insurance claim on your behalf.
If you aren’t satisfied with the outcome, you can request a lawsuit, and they will negotiate claims during the trial. The lawyers will use the evidence you collect to seek compensation that rightfully covers all the costs associated with the injuries.
But remember to hire lawyers based in your city to represent the case. That’s because they’ll understand regional rules and regulations to help you win.
In July 2023, six people were injured in a car crash on West Hudson Road in Rogers. These injured individuals definitely hired a Rogers car accident attorney to hold the at-fault parties accountable for the damages caused. The lawyers surely helped the victims get compensation for medical bills, personal injury, loss of wages, etc.
#3. Gather Evidence
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Have you been cleared by the paramedics for internal and external injuries? Then, it is time to put on your detective goggles and gather evidence. You can also check on the other parties involved after calling your lawyer. Ideally, the attorney will ask you to get your hands on the following proof after an accident:
- Take photos of the road conditions and damage to the cars involved.
- Shoot a video of the accident scene, explaining what exactly happened.
- Take a picture of the on-scene officer’s name and badge.
- Obtain the contact information, number, and insurance details of the at-fault party.
- Talk to any witnesses involved and take their contact information.
Furthermore, you should keep the medical reports, vehicle repair bills, and other reports as evidence. All these will be crucial if you want to file a car accident lawsuit eventually. You can also note the precise location and time of the accident. In some cases, your lawyer might get a hold of the police report or collect dashcam footage as proof.
The Bottom Line
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Be it the roads of Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Rogers, being an Arkansan means you are at risk of getting into a car accident. When that happens, you must follow the things mentioned in this blog.
These include gathering substantial evidence, discussing your case with an attorney, and getting timely medical treatment.
Even then, car crashes can sometimes lead to critical injuries. To avoid that, you must buckle up and never remove your seat belts. Moreover, you should drive safely in harsh weather conditions or through rural roads and follow traffic rules.
Remember to maintain a safe distance from other cars and never drive while under the influence of alcohol.
