Find an Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney
If you have ever been in a car accident, you know how frightening they can be. If your vehicle was damaged or totaled, you may be left without a means of transportation to and from your job. You may also be injured and be unable to work for a certain period of time. How will you and your family cope with the loss of this income? Fortunately, there are ways that you can seek compensation for the accident if it was caused by a negligent driver. However, it is always important to first consult with an Arkansas personal injury attorney who can determine the best and most effective procedure to receive the most compensation to which you are eligible.
How to Prevent Car Accidents
There are over 6 million car crashes each year in the United States, accounting for 3 million injuries. Roughly 2 million of these injuries are permanent. Unfortunately, the majority of these situations result from circumstances that could have easily been avoided or controlled.
Most car accidents occur due to careless and reckless driving. Some of the best ways to avoid collisions include always driving at the speed limit, making sure your vehicle is properly maintenance and staying visible. Be a courteous, defensive driver to forsee potential road complications. You must pay close attention at intersections since nearly one quarter of all accidents occur at traffic lights or stop signs. Most of these accidents can be prevented by simply slowing down and checking both ways thoroughly to ensure there are no other cars visible.
Alcohol is a major factor that contributes to car crashes. Across the country, over three-quarters of all accidents have involved alcohol. While police are becoming more thorough when they monitor the roadways, you should always take drinking and driving seriously.
Another major cause of accidents is distracted driving. Whether you are on a cell phone, listening to loud music or having a heated argument with a passenger, all of these circumstances can distract your eyes and focus from the road and cause an accident. If you must speak to a passenger or take an important business call, find a place to pull over until you are finished.
Be a courteous driver; do not encourage others to be aggressive. If someone is in a hurry and wants to pass you, simply let them. It is not worth speeding up and risking a car crash just to prove a point. Road rage encompasses a variety of circumstances including weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, speeding and running stop signs.
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen in different situations, whether they result from bumper-to-bumper traffic or speedy highway driving. However, they can also occur in parking lots and on side streets. Exactly how the car collides with pedestrians, objects and other vehicles directly impacts the injuries that may occur. Some of the most common types of car crashes include:
- Single car accidents
- Sideswipe collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Vehicle rollovers
- Multi-vehicle pileups
Regardless of the type of car accident, these incidents can be dangerous and cause serious damage to you, your passengers and your vehicle. Your Arkansas personal injury attorney will help you to determine whether the accident was the result of a negligent driver and if you have a case to seek compensation.
How are Accidents Managed?
When you are involved in a car crash, the first thing you should do is make sure you and your passengers are okay and not injured. If you need medical attention, call for emergency medical responders to evaluate and treat you. While you will also need to speak with police and answer any questions accurately and honestly, you must also consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps should you need to pursue a claim. Make sure the police report is as accurate as possible as it may come to play in your favor if you and your personal injury attorney decide to file a lawsuit.
Your Arkansas personal injury attorney may also advise you to collect any and all documentation you can obtain regarding the accident. Note the make, model and license plate numbers of the vehicles involved, as well as the other driver’s name and contact information. Ask witnesses for their information as well, as they may need to testify on your behalf if you and your personal injury attorney feel you will go to court.
Do not, under any circumstances, admit fault to anyone and avoid signing any documentation you may receive from your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance provider, or any other third party that was involved in the incident. Always run paperwork through your personal injury attorney prior to signing it.
Contact an Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney to Learn More
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident or have suffered damages due to a negligent driver, it is vital that you contact a personal injury attorney at Attorney Group for Arkansas. There are certain steps you must follow to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible, and your personal injury attorney will work with you to determine the best way to file your claim.
