If you live near Fort Smith and you’ve been injured in a car wreck, contact an experienced car accident attorney in Fort Smith you can trust. At Taylor King Law, we understand the impact a car crash has on your life and we’re committed to helping you get back to how things were before your collision. Our Fort Smith car accident lawyers are committed to handling the stress following your car wreck, so you don’t have to.
Fort Smith Car Wreck Attorneys
Hire a car wreck attorney today.
With an office on Rogers Avenue between downtown Fort Smith and I-540, our team of car crash attorneys is available to discuss your case anytime.
Call Taylor King at 479.668.3198 for a free consultation or visit our Fort Smith law firm.
Whether you choose to hire our firm or not, we will answer your car wreck questions and offer the advice you need to handle your auto accident claim. It’s our commitment to being “on your side – by your side.”
Protecting Your Personal Injury Rights
REACH OUT VIA FORM
What Should I Do After a Car Wreck?
Let’s face it: accidents happen. 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 a wreck during their lifetime.
Let’s talk first about what to do in the days following your car wreck. In the days following a car accident, your most pressing concern should be your health.
Call a Health Care Provider
Visit your primary care physician if you’re feeling pain following your crash. If you don’t have a primary care physician, you can visit an urgent care center. Even if you don’t feel pain immediately after an accident, scheduling an appointment with a medical care provider is the safest and smartest way to ensure your long-term health.
Adrenaline may mask injuries following an accident, and often you won’t feel pain until days later when the endorphins wear off. Whether you visit an emergency room, urgent care, your primary care physician, a chiropractor, or a physical therapist…put your health first if you’ve been in a wreck.
Keep in mind that symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may wait weeks or even months to present, and back pain might be symptomatic of a more severe spinal injury. Car wrecks, even at slower speeds, can be devastating to your physical health.
If you’ve yet to seek medical attention, call a medical care provider today and schedule an appointment. If you’re unsure who to call, use our blog to understand better your options: Medical Treatment Options After a Wreck
We always tell clients to take care of their health and allow their attorney to take care of everything else. After you’ve sought medical care, your next call needs to be to an attorney.
Call an Attorney
Speak with an experienced lawyer. They will provide you with the information you need to proceed with your claim. Whether you choose to hire our law firm or not, Taylor King can advise you on your next steps.
An attorney can warn of potential pitfalls and help you be more aware of what the insurance company is doing. We have over 275 years of legal experience at Taylor King Law – put our expertise to good use!
If you’ve been involved in a wreck, you can read more here: What to Do After a Car Wreck, and call Taylor King Law in Little Rock with any questions you have.
Am I Supposed to Call the Insurance Company After an Accident?
It’s possible to handle your accident claim without the help of an attorney. If you’re unsure whether you need an attorney, look back to see our 7 red flags that indicate it’s time to hire an attorney. If none of those red flags appear, then you’ll need to call the at-fault’s 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.
There are 2 common tactics that an insurance adjuster will use to try and settle your claim at a minimum value:
- They’ll try and settle your claim immediately
- They’ll delay settling your claim as long as possible
First, it’s important to know that both tactics are very common. Many insurance companies use these tactics!
Insurance Tries Settling Your Claim Quickly
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 really worth.
Once you agree to a car accident settlement, it’s game over. You cannot 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. You need to 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 is Delaying Settling Your 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.
- Ask to speak with a supervisor.
- Hire a lawyer.
You can read more here: What If Insurance Won’t Return My Calls?
Do I Need an Attorney After a Wreck?
Whether or not you need an attorney after an accident will depend on several variables. While it’s possible to handle an insurance claim alone, here are seven red flags that indicate it’s time to call an attorney:
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.
If any of these seven statements are true, we’d advise you to call a lawyer.
Whether you choose to hire an attorney or not, an experienced lawyer will be able to help you explore your options and ensure you’re being treated fairly.
On the other hand, if none of these seven statements are true, then it’s highly likely you can settle your claim on your own. You can learn more about how to know whether you’re in a good position to handle your car insurance claim here: Should I Call a Lawyer?
We’ve also outlined several things to keep in mind when handling your insurance claim further below.
Do I Have an Auto Accident Case?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, then there’s a strong chance that you have a case!
There are several variables in every car accident claim. We know, because we’ve seen them all! If you’ve been involved in a car wreck, call Taylor King Law in Fort Smith or fill out the form below and one of our experienced team members will evaluate your case at absolutely no cost to you.
For a free case evaluation:
On Your Side – By Your Side
Common Injuries After a Car Wreck
Because each car accident is different, no two injuries are exactly alike. However, there are some injuries that people commonly experience after being in 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.
Car Wreck Claim Questions
What Type of Compensation Will I Receive?
In terms of the types of claims you might open after an accident, you have many options.
In addition to property damage and medical bills, you also have the right to be compensated for pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, lost profits, and the injury itself. Additionally, some injuries are permanent in nature.
Future damages can also be proven and claimed.
Do I Have a Case for Litigation?
Typically, these claims are settled outside of court without having to file 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.
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 an attorney. With enough information, we can help you better understand the value of your claim.
Speak with a car accident attorney in Fort Smith today. Visit our office at 3801 Rogers Avenue or call us at 479.668.3198.
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.
On Your Side – By Your Side in Fort Smith
Nationally recognized and locally awarded, Taylor King Law is the right legal team to have on your side.
From handling your accident report to obtaining compensation for pain and suffering, our car wreck attorneys will be by your side throughout the process. We’ll coordinate to ensure your medical bills, property damage, rental car, lost wages, mileage expenses, medicare, 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 an attorney is both FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
We work on a contingency basis so we only get paid once we win your case. Contact our law office in Fort Smith to learn more.
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
No one is prepared for a car wreck. If you’ve been involved in a crash, you’re likely in an unfamiliar situation. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate an otherwise difficult time.
A lawyer who knows what they’re doing can help you maneuver the landmines that follow a car wreck.
Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on getting well and on the things you need to do with your medical treatment to get better.
You need an advocate who will represent you and treat you fairly. You need someone who is on your side.
Our team will handle the legal battle to ensure you’re treated right and receive the settlement you deserve. We’ve been representing our friends and neighbors in Arkansas for nearly 30 years. Trust Taylor King Law to be on your side – by your side.
Taylor King Law will gather evidence and medical records, as well as ensure you’re being treated for your injuries. Our Fort Smith car wreck attorneys will speak with the insurance company; we’ll handle every step of the process, including negotiating your claim.
Car Accidents in Fort Smith
Fort Smith is one of Arkansas’ largest cities. Interstates 40 and 540, as well as 49 all intersect, and major highways such as Highway 71, Highway 62, and Highway 59 course through Sebastian County. Car crashes are inevitable in such an environment.
Accidents happen whether you’re in Fort Smith or one of its surrounding communities: Greenwood, Van Buren, Alma, Barling, or another nearby town in western Arkansas.
While an accident itself may be unavoidable, the insurance claims process and accompanying frustration can be avoided.
We know how traumatic the experience of a car wreck can be. We’ll handle the stress and frustration that follows an accident, so you don’t have to. With an office at 3801 Rogers Avenue near downtown Fort Smith, we’re available to discuss your case.
Visit our Law Office in Fort Smith
Our attorney’s office in Fort Smith is located just east of downtown Ft. Smith and a short drive from I-540. We’re available if you need to speak with an attorney face-to-face. An initial consultation is both free and confidential.
Because we work on contingency fees, you won’t owe us anything unless we recover damages from the insurance company. Contact us today to learn more.
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