If you were involved in an auto accident in northeast Arkansas, contact our experienced car accident lawyers in Jonesboro. At Taylor King Law, we know the impact a car wreck can have on your life and we’re committed to helping you get back to how things were before your wreck.
In a growing city like Jonesboro, auto collisions are inevitable. While an auto accident itself may be unavoidable, the insurance claims process and accompanying frustration can be avoided.
Jonesboro Car Accident Lawyers
Hire a car wreck attorney in Jonesboro.
From Batesville to Blytheville, and Paragould to Wynne, we’re dedicated to serving all of northeast Arkansas. Visit our law office in Jonesboro today. We’re located on East Matthews Avenue between Main Street and Red Wolf Boulevard, just south of ASU.
We’re on your side in Jonesboro.
If you’re injured in a car crash, contact the trusted car accident attorneys at Taylor King Law. Whether you choose to hire our firm or not, we’ll answer all your questions.
Experience You Can Trust
Car accidents are dangerous. Insurance claims can be frustrating when you need to focus on your recovery. Trust your claim to a local law firm near you.
With over 30 years of experience handling injury claims, Taylor King is committed to handling the stress and the frustration following an accident, so you don’t have to. We’ll be on your side every step of the way.
Protecting Your Personal Injury Rights
REACH OUT VIA FORM
Let’s face it: ACCIDENTS HAPPEN.
What To Do After A Car Accident
Experts estimate that the average American has a collision once every 18 years (Forbes). This means that even the most proactive driver will likely be involved in an auto wreck during their lifetime
4 Things To Do Immediately Following a Car Wreck
Data suggests you’re not only likely to be involved in a car accident, but you’ll likely be involved in at least 3 or 4 car wrecks during your lifetime. Regardless, no one is ever prepared for an accident or for what comes next. Let’s look at 4 things to do after you’ve been in a collision.
1. Call 911
If able to after a wreck, then dial 911. Your first call after a car wreck needs to be 911. The 911 operator can ensure proper emergency care and authorities arrive at the scene of your accident.
2. Obtain a Police Report
Communicate clearly what happened to the responding officer. You’ll need an accident report that relays what occurred during the collision. Here’s How to Get a Police Report in AR.
3. Seek Medical Care
Whether you visit St. Bernards’s emergency room or NEA Baptist Memorial, seek immediate medical attention if needed. Afterward, visit an urgent care in Jonesboro or schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.
4. Call an Attorney
While it’s possible to handle your car accident claim on your own, calling a car accident attorney near you in Jonesboro can provide you with valuable information for your claim. A consultation with Taylor King is free.
If you’re the victim of a car accident and you have questions about what to do next, contact an experienced attorney near you who can make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Should I Call the Insurance Company?
You can call your or the at-fault insurance company after a collision. Let’s talk about which insurance to contact and when it’s better to call an attorney instead. Too often someone waits until they’ve reached their wit’s end to contact a lawyer. While an attorney can still help, calling sooner could have alleviated many of their problems. Let’s dive into the question!
Calling Your Insurance After a Wreck
Even if you’re not at fault for the accident it’s still important to contact your insurance company. Your rates will not be affected if you aren’t at fault. You can, however, access vital benefits such as uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage (med pay coverage), or personal injury protection (pip coverage).
Calling the At-Fault Insurance After a Crash
It’s possible to handle your accident claim on your own. In this case, we recommend calling the at-fault insurance company to open your accident claim.
Once you’ve opened your accident claim with the at-fault insurance, you’ll want to be aware of the following two tactics that insurance may use to minimize your claim.
Two Insurance Tactics to Watch Out For
There are 2 common tactics that an insurance adjuster will use to try and settle your claim at a lower value:
- They’ll try and settle your claim immediately, or…
- They’ll delay settling your claim as long as possible.
First, it’s important to know that both tactics are very common.
Insurance Tries Settling My Claim Immediately
Adjusters offer a settlement within the first few phone calls to car accident victims for one simple reason: it saves the insurance company time and money. A quick resolution may seem appealing at first, but you shouldn’t take the bait: accepting this initial settlement may cost you dearly. In the first days or weeks after a car wreck, you can’t yet know what your claim is fully worth.
Once you agree to a car accident settlement, it’s game over. You can’t negotiate for another settlement afterward. That’s why a personal injury attorney will not begin negotiations until you’ve been released by a doctor and have all the data on property damage, lost wages, and more. Do the same when handling your own claim. You deserve fair compensation for the loss and injuries you’ve endured.
Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, remember these five things:
- Remain calm.
- Ask for the adjuster’s information.
- Avoid sharing too much information about yourself.
- Decline to give detailed accident or injury information.
- Be firm that you’re waiting to settle until you’re ready.
To learn more about how to handle an insurance claim, read here: What If Insurance Tries to Settle Quickly?
Insurance Delays Settling My Claim
On the other hand, delaying your claim’s settlement is a tactic designed to frustrate you. The phrase “let’s just get this over with” typically doesn’t translate to maximum value for your claim. And insurance adjusters know this!
If an insurance company is not answering your calls, we have 4 tips:
- Be patient, but persistent.
- Try another form of communication, such as email or text.
- Ask to speak with a supervisor.
- Hire a car accident lawyer.
You can read more here: What If Insurance Won’t Return My Calls?
Calling an Attorney vs Calling Insurance
How do you know if you should call an attorney instead of calling insurance? While it’s possible to handle a car accident claim on your own, several red flags indicate it’s time to call an attorney.
Do I Need a Jonesboro Car Accident Attorney?
“Do I need an attorney?” is an excellent question. You can handle a car accident claim on your own. However, if you see any of these seven red flags, then it’s time to call a lawyer:
1. Claim Denied
If the insurance company has denied your claim or their offer is lower than the cost of your damages.
2. Serious Injury
If you have a serious injury that needs ongoing treatment with significant medical bills.
3. At-Fault’s Story Changes
If the at-fault driver has changed their story and is now denying fault.
4. Pre-Existing Injuries
If you have pre-existing injuries. Insurance may use a pre-existing injury as leverage to lower your settlement.
5. Unfairly Treated
If you’re unsure whether you’re being treated fairly by insurance, or you simply aren’t clear on your legal rights in Arkansas.
6. More Than a Year
If it’s been more than a year since your accident.
7. Coverage Questioned
If insurance coverage is being questioned. An attorney will pursue every avenue of compensation available.
How do you know if you need to call an attorney? If any of these seven statements are true, then we’d advise you to call our Jonesboro law office and speak with an injury attorney.
Whether you choose to hire a Jonesboro attorney or not, an experienced accident lawyer near you can help you explore your options and ensure you’re being treated fairly. They can answer your car wreck questions and point you in the right direction.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
What are the most common causes of car wrecks? Let’s take a look at the 3 most notorious reasons an accident happens:
- SPEEDING
- Nearly 1/3 of all fatal car crashes were a result of speeding in 2022.
- DRINKING
- Even more dangerous than speeding is drunk driving. But what’s worse? Every drunk driving accident is preventable.
- DISTRACTIONS
- Distracted driving is on the rise. But texting while driving is illegal in Arkansas thanks to Paul’s Law – a law named after a Jonesboro man fatally injured in a distracted driving accident.
While weather and road conditions or drowsy driving are all common causes, speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving are the three most dangerous reasons an accident happens. If you’re involved in an accident, call an attorney near you today.
Common Injuries After a CAR ACCIDENT
Because each car accident is different, no two injuries are exactly alike. However, there are some injuries that are commonly experienced after a car wreck. The most common injuries following a crash are:
Whiplash
…is one of the most common injuries resulting from a car accident, happening most often in rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when your head and neck are suddenly jerked back and forth (like the cracking of a whip…hence the name), and symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Most symptoms resolve over time, but they may require medication or therapy. Moreover, a smaller number will suffer from chronic neck problems and pain afterward. Other neck injuries include disc injury and cervical radiculopathy (irritated nerves).
Back Injuries
Your spine is divided into three different sections: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae. With the discs, muscles, tendons, and nerves in your spinal area, back injuries are common, but also very painful. In a car wreck, back injuries can range from strained muscles or dislocated discs to serious spinal cord trauma. In many cases, chiropractic work or physical therapy can relieve pain and help realign your spine, but some injuries may require surgery to restore mobility. Never ignore back pain after being in a crash.
Concussions
…are usually caused when your head strikes a part of the car, such as the steering wheel or window, giving your brain a “jolt” that can actually cause it to move inside your skull. A concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury, and if you or someone you love has been involved in a car wreck, we’d advise you to watch for signs of a concussion: confusion, slurred speech, nausea or vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, or memory loss.
Leg and Knee Injuries
Most people think of upper body injuries when discussing car wrecks, but your legs and knees are also at risk. These injuries usually result when a passenger hits their knees or legs on the dashboard, or when part of the car is smashed inward. The knee area, with its ligaments and tendons, is especially prone to injury. Other possible injuries include fractures, broken bones, or cuts and bruises.
Do I Have a Car Wreck Case?
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck that wasn’t your fault, then there’s an excellent chance that you have a case!
Several variables affect car accident claims. We know, because we’ve seen them all! If you’ve been involved in a car accident, call Taylor King Law or fill out the form below and one of our experienced team members will evaluate your case at no cost to you.
For a free case evaluation:
On Your Side – By Your Side
Why Hire a Local Car Accident Lawyer NEAR ME?
Hiring an attorney is an important decision. You need someone with the experience and the expertise to handle your claim properly. We believe an important factor is hiring a car wreck lawyer near you.
By hiring a local Jonesboro law firm, you are guaranteed to have someone on your side who’s available and committed to you.
Why hire an Auto Accident Lawyer near me? We have 7 reasons why we think it’s important to hire local and you can read them all here: Advantages of Hiring a Local Law Firm Near You
Frequently Asked Questions for a Car Accident Lawyer in Jonesboro
What Types of Compensation Will I Receive?
In addition to damages to your vehicle and medical bills, you have the right to be compensated for pain and suffering as well as mental anguish. Additionally, lost wages and lost profits. Some injuries are permanent in nature. Future damages can also be proven and claimed.
An experienced injury attorney can make sure you receive full compensation. Ask the question so you’ll know they’re prepared to seek justice for you.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Jonesboro?
A car wreck claim falls under the umbrella of a personal injury claim.
In Arkansas, you have 3 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This window that you have to file a lawsuit is what’s known as the statute of limitations. Personal injury claims include car wrecks.
The statute of limitations can vary from state to state, which is why it’s critical to hire a local car accident lawyer in Arkansas. Jonesboro shares Arkansas’ statute of limitations.
When you call to speak with an attorney, one of the initial questions you’ll be asked is when the accident took place. With this information, a law firm will be able to obtain a police report as well as ensure your case meets the necessary statute of limitations.
Will My Case Go to Litigation?
Typically, car accident claims can be settled outside of court without filing a lawsuit. Attorneys can help you position your claim to settle outside of court while preparing to go to court if necessary.
Your attorney will discuss the various types of compensation you’ll be able to seek. They’ll ask questions, and make sure that you receive full compensation for your damages. If the insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, then you’ll need a law firm equipped with the resources to go to court.
Taylor King Law has an entire team dedicated to litigating cases that insurance refuses to make right. We go to bat for you!
Do I Need an Accident Report?
Yes, you need an accident report to file an insurance claim. If you don’t already have a copy of your accident report, Taylor King Law can obtain a copy on your behalf. We have a team of investigators who work hard to gather all the necessary information to better your claim.
If you have questions about obtaining a copy of your report in Arkansas, you can read our full blog: How to Obtain a Car Wreck Report in AR
What is Modified Comparative Fault?
The modified comparative fault rule applies in the state of Arkansas. When more than one party is involved in an accident, a percentage of fault is applied to each party. To file a lawsuit, the plaintiff’s fault cannot exceed 49%.
Oftentimes, an insurance company will claim that the victim was partially at fault for the accident. Modified comparative fault states that the plaintiff cannot seek damages if they are found to be 50% or more at fault.
Your attorney will be responsible for handling this part of your car wreck claim and ensuring you receive compensation.
How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
There’s no sure-fire system for evaluating the exact amount of what your case is worth. However, our team of attorneys has more than 275 years of combined legal experience. We understand the process and know how to maximize your case. And we’ll be honest and upfront about what we can do for you.
If you have questions about compensation or how much your claim might be worth, your best bet is to call a car accident attorney in Jonesboro. With enough information, we can help you better understand the value of your claim.
You can always reach Taylor King Law over the phone and online 24/7, 365 days a year. We are committed to being available to you anytime you need legal help.
Car Accident Lawyer
On Your Side in JONESBORO
Nationally recognized and locally awarded, we’re the right legal team to have on your side when you’ve been injured.
From handling your accident report to seeking compensation for pain and suffering, our car wreck attorneys in Jonesboro will be by your side throughout the process. We’ll coordinate and ensure your medical bills, property damage, rental car, lost wages, mileage expenses, health insurance, and everything in between is handled with care. At Taylor King Law, you’ll find both experience and expertise; as well as a local auto accident attorney you can trust.
The anguish you’ve experienced in a car wreck shouldn’t have to be increased by the frustration of handling your car accident claim alone.
An initial consultation with Taylor King is both FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
We work on a contingency basis, we only get paid once we win your case. Contact our Jonesboro office today at 870.568.1158.
Speak with a Car Wreck Lawyer in Jonesboro
Our attorney’s office in Jonesboro is located just south of ASU between Red Wolf Boulevard and Main Street. Visit our Jonesboro location.
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