IMPLICATIONS OF AT-FAULT AUTO INSURANCE IN ARKANSAS

In Arkansas, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance with certain minimum coverage. As Arkansas is a comparative-fault state, the party who caused the accident must provide compensation for the victim(s) for their injuries and property damage. Ideally the at fault party will also be insured, so the insurance company of the at fault driver will pay compensation to the plaintiff or victim.

When an Arkansas driver is injured in an accident, he or she can opt to:

• File a claim with the insurance carrier of the at fault driver
• File a claim with one’s own insurance carrier who will in turn claim reimbursement from the insurance company of the at-fault driver
• File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver or his insurance carrier

Auto insurance coverage in Arkansas has the unique characteristic of following the insured person around. This means that the insured person could be injured while travelling in another person’s car, and can still claim benefits from his own insurance company. Coverage for children is usually connected with their parent’s coverage, and compensation can be claimed if they are injured in an accident while going in their parent’s car or any other car.

In Arkansas, auto insurance is mandatory, and all drivers must carry minimum coverage:

• Bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per individual
• Bodily injury coverage of $50,000 per accident where more than one individual is injured
• Property damage coverage of $25,000 per accident

These amounts cover the liability of the insured, if he or she is at fault for the accident. Usually, victims claim compensation from their own insurance carriers, who in turn seek repayment from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.