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The compassionate team at Caddell Reynolds Law Firm understands the devastating impact car accidents can have on individuals and families throughout Arkansas. Whether your accident happened when driving on the highways around Fort Smith or taking back roads to seek tranquility in parks like Rocky Point or Creekmore Park, we know the challenges you are facing

If you were injured in a car accident, a Fort Smith car accident attorney from our law firm can help you recover compensation to pay for your injuries.

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Fort Smith Car Accident Attorney Guide

• Our Focus on Accidents and Injuries in Fort Smith, AR
• How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth in Fort Smith?
• Insurance Companies and Claims: What You Need to Know
• What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Smith
• What Other Exceptions Apply to the Statute of Limitations?
• How Our Fort Smith Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

Why Choose a Fort Smith Car Accident Attorney from Our Law Firm?

When a car accident injures you, you need a trusted legal advocate on your side. Caddell Reynolds Law Firm is dedicated to helping accident victims in Fort Smith get the compensation they deserve. Our experienced car accident attorneys will fight aggressively for your rights and interests every step of the way.

We Listen to Your Story

The first step is a free consultation where we take the time to understand the details of your accident, your injuries, and your goals. We want to hear your story directly from you.

We Guide You Through the Process

The legal system can be complex and intimidating. A Fort Smith car accident attorney will walk you through each step, explaining the process in easy-to-understand terms. We will also set realistic expectations and develop a strategy to maximize your compensation.

We Collaborate for the Best Outcome

Your case is our top priority. We’ll handle all the legal legwork while keeping you informed along the way. Our attorneys will consistently advise the best course of action and leverage our knowledge to secure a favorable outcome for you.

The professionals at Caddell Reynolds Law Firm have been fighting for the people of Fort Smith for years. Let our compassionate legal team be your voice and your ally after an auto accident. Contact us today.

Our Focus on Accidents and Injuries in Fort Smith, AR

Our skilled professionals have decades of experience helping injured clients from their accidents. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of car accidents in Fort Smith.

• Distracted Driving: As smartphones, map apps, and other smart technology in vehicles become more commonplace to help drivers get from one location to the next, these technologies can also be a reason for accidents. While these technologies have their place, if not used carefully, they can cause an accident in a split second.
• Speeding and reckless driving have caused accidents since the first cars were introduced. Speeding and reckless driving are common reasons for accidents throughout the country.
• Impaired driving, whether impaired by drugs or alcohol, can lead to reduced brain function, impaired thinking, unclear reasoning, and slowed muscle reaction times.
• Roadway damage can cause a driver to lose control. Think of how large potholes can cause someone to swerve or lose control.
• Auto part defects, like faulty brakes, electrical system issues, faulty steering, windshield wiper malfunctions, accelerator problems, and faulty airbags all have a common denominator. They can cause accidents.
• Fatigued driving causes reduced attention to roadway conditions and slower reaction times. It can even lead to complete loss of consciousness while driving.

Stemming from these accidents, many types of injuries occur. These can range from minor injuries to life-threatening injuries.

The most common injuries in car accidents, according to Forbes, include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Facial injuries
• Broken or bruised ribs
• Heart attack
• Whiplash
• Sprains and strains
• Bruising
• Broken bones
• Dislocated joints
• Loss of limbs
• Puncture wounds or penetrating injuries
• Organ damage
• PTSD

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth in Fort Smith?

After a car accident, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. It’s only fair that you receive compensation for all you endured. However, determining the value of your car accident claim can require careful analysis by an experienced car accident lawyer.

At Caddell Reynolds Law Firm, our skilled Fort Smith car accident attorneys have extensive experience calculating and pursuing maximum compensation for our clients.

We’ll evaluate every way the accident has upended your life to ensure your claim accounts for:

• Medical Expenses – From ambulance fees and hospitalization to future treatment costs, we’ll include every necessary medical expense related to your injuries.
• Lost Income – Whether you missed work during recovery or suffered disabilities preventing you from returning to your previous job, we’ll pursue compensation for all lost wages and diminished future earnings.
• Property Damage – We’ll make sure the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle is covered.
• Pain and Suffering – The physical and emotional trauma of an accident can be life-altering. You deserve compensation for ongoing pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Disability/Disfigurement – If your injuries have caused permanent disabilities or disfigurements, additional compensation may be available.

Every claim is unique, with nuances only an experienced car accident attorney can identify. Our team will evaluate your full circumstances to calculate and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Insurance Companies and Claims: What You Need to Know

After being involved in a car accident, your primary focus should be on your health and recovery. However, it’s crucial to approach insurance companies with caution, as their interests may not align with yours.

Insurance companies are businesses driven by the need to maximize profits for their shareholders. While they may claim to have your best interests in mind, their primary duty is to protect their bottom line. As a result, they may attempt to minimize or deny car accident claims to retain more profits.

To safeguard your rights and ensure you receive as much compensation as possible, consult a Fort Smith car accident attorney before speaking with an insurance company, especially if you suffered injuries. Your car accident lawyer can manage the claims process for you, advocating for you while you concentrate on your recovery.

Avoid providing any statements or information to insurance providers until after consulting with legal counsel. Simply inform them that you will communicate with them after seeking legal advice. This precaution can prevent you from inadvertently jeopardizing your car accident claim or accepting an inadequate settlement offer.

Remember, insurance companies have teams of professionals working to protect their interests. By retaining an experienced car accident attorney, you level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Smith

Get Medical Care

After a car accident in Fort Smith, make accessing proper medical care your top priority, even if you feel relatively unharmed. Many car accident injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or nerve damage, may not be immediately apparent. Seeking prompt medical attention can help identify and treat these hidden issues before they worsen.

While visible scrapes or bruises may seem trivial at first, additional symptoms may manifest in the days following the accident. Consult a healthcare professional who can properly diagnose and treat any underlying injuries.

Keep Your Medical Records

Keeping detailed records of the medical care you receive after the accident is crucial. These documents can serve as valuable evidence when building a car accident case to pursue compensation for your injuries and associated expenses.

Prioritize Your Health

Your health should be the primary concern, and you should never hesitate to seek medical attention due to financial considerations. Proactively advocate for your well-being by clearly communicating your health concerns to your healthcare providers.

Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up appointments are equally important, not only for monitoring your recovery progress but also for providing additional documentation that may strengthen your car accident case. Regularly consulting your healthcare team keeps your healing process on track and promptly addresses any complications.

Taking prompt action to prioritize your health and meticulously documenting your medical care can significantly improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for the injuries sustained in the car accident.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Arkansas?

Arkansas has specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing lawsuits related to car accidents. You need a lawyer who understands these deadlines, as missing them can lead to the dismissal of your case, regardless of its merits.

The primary statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents is three years from the date of the accident, as outlined in Ark. Code § 16-56-105. However, exceptions apply to this rule.

If the car accident results in death, the three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims begins on the date of the person’s death, not the accident date.

In cases where a defective auto part contributed to the accident or worsened the injuries, a separate three-year product liability statute of limitations applies, starting from the date of the injury, death, or damage.

Not all statutes of limitations in Arkansas are three years long. For instance, medical malpractice claims have a two-year deadline.

Given the complexities involved and the severe consequences of missing the deadline, consult a Fort Smith car accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that you file your lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations.

What Other Exceptions Apply to the Statute of Limitations?

While statutes of limitations serve an important purpose, Arkansas recognizes certain narrow exceptions to prevent legitimate claims from being barred unfairly. These exceptions help hold wrongdoers accountable and allow individuals in specific circumstances a reasonable opportunity to pursue legal action.

One of the most significant exceptions relates to minors and individuals with legal disabilities. Under Ark. Code § 16-56-116, persons under the age of 21 or those deemed insane when a cause of action accrues have until three years after turning 21, or within three years after the disability is removed.

In cases where the person with a valid cause of action passes away before the statute of limitations expires, the executor or administrator of their estate has one year from the date of death to file a lawsuit for that cause of action, provided that the cause of action survives (such as personal injury claims arising from car accidents).

Members of the U.S. military also receive special consideration during times of war. Ark. Code § 16-56-118 states that the statute of limitations for such individuals is “suspended… during the existence of a state of war between the United States and any other nation, and for six (6) months thereafter.”

While these are not the only exceptions to the Arkansas statutes of limitations, they illustrate the situations where exceptions may apply. However, do not delay filing a lawsuit solely based on the belief that an exception applies.

Exceptions are narrow, and the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff. Additionally, the longer a person waits to file a lawsuit, gathering evidence and witness testimony grows harder.

How Our Fort Smith Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

Ultimately, the accident you were in doesn’t have to define you, and now that you are on the other side of it, you can choose the best way to reclaim your life. Start by hiring the right Fort Smith car accident lawyer for you.

Our Fort Smith personal injury lawyers are known for providing top-tier legal advocacy for the victims of car accidents. With success in obtaining favorable results for clients whether at trial or through settlement negotiations, we’re truly dedicated to you and your case.

contact us today to determine the compensation you deserve after your car accident. Call (479) 782-5297 or contact us through our website for your free consultation with one of our accident lawyers today. Our legal team will assess your claim, help you navigate the challenging aftermath of your accident, and get you the justice you deserve.

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Caddell Reynolds Law Firm – Fort Smith Main Office

122 N 11th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901
P: (479) 782-5297

If You Have Been Injured, We Are Here for You