Rogers Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident, there are a few steps you should take immediately after the accident occurs:

1. Do not leave the scene of the car accident.
2. Call 911 immediately to alert authorities and receive medical attention.
3. Follow any instructions given to you by the police.
4. Do not admit fault at any point.
5. Collect evidence at the scene of the car accident, including pictures, videos, contact information for witnesses and authorities, receipt of the accident report created by the responding police officer, and any other relevant information.
6. Track all costs associated with the accident, including medical bills and vehicle repair costs.
7. Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer for a consultation.

As a victim, being involved in a drunk driving accident is incredibly traumatic.

A drunk driver often has little regard for other vehicles on the road – crashes are often violent and can result in severe injuries and death.

Drunk driving accidents typically result in criminal charges.

Our attorneys, who specialize in personal injury cases, will file a claim against the driver (and his insurance company) in civil court.

These cases, unlike in criminal court, can result in significant settlements awarded to victims that cover damages and costs associated with the drunk driving accident.

It’s in a victim’s best interest to seek the help of an experienced attorney when it comes to legal action for a drunk driving accident.

Victims have certain legal rights to file suit against negligent drivers under Arkansas law.

Contact a DUI accident lawyer and have them help you figure the best course of action.

Evidence in a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit

DUI accident lawyers will help guide victims in their claim, and will request certain evidence the victims have or secure that evidence themselves.

Evidence in drunk driving accident lawsuits may include:

• Photos and videos of the accident or scene of accident
• Medical records
• The official police report from the accident
• Repair bills
• Witness
• Insurance company information
• Any other relevant evidence

Car accident claims involving a drunk driver rely on solid evidence, so it’s important that you begin to collect evidence soon after the car crash and preserve it for use by your attorney.

Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Case: What Can You Recover Compensation For?

The costs incurred by a car accident can be significant, and too often victims are left to deal with their costs on their own or deal with the insurance company of the other driver.

A DUI accident lawyer can help determine your financial losses, build a strong case, and hold any liable parties responsible for their actions.

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic or non-economic, as the result of an accident.

Damages in a drunk driving accident case may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or lost earning ability
• Property damage
• Loss of quality of life, loss of consortium, and other non-monetary losses.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

If a drunk driving accident results in the tragic death of a loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.

Our accident lawyers handle wrongful death cases as well, and we are free to discuss your legal options regarding a wrongful death claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a DUI Accident Claim in Civil Court?

The statute of limitations in Arkansas states that you have three years from the date of an accident to file a claim.

Drunk driving in Arkansas is determined by the blood alcohol content of the driver.

In Arkansas, drivers of private vehicles are considered to be drunk if their blood alcohol level is above .08 percent.

Commercial drivers (semi-trucks, company vehicles, etc.) are considered to be drunk when their blood alcohol level is above .04 percent.

Dependent on certain factors, first time offenders could face up to one year of prison time as well as fines between $150-$1000.

Repeat offenders can face more prison time, fines and community service penalties.

Arkansas’s Ignition Interlock Law is meant to keep those convicted of drunk driving from offending again.

If a person is put onto the ignition lock program, an electronic device with a breathalyzer is connected to their vehicle’s ignition system.

The device prevents a person from starting the vehicle if their breath alcohol content is above a set amount.

Drunk Driving Accidents in Arkansas

Drunk driving accidents are still all too common in Arkansas, despite efforts across the state advocating against driving under the influence.

According to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org), Arkansas totaled 128 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2019, representing over a quarter of all traffic fatalities that year.

Further, the percentage of drivers whose BAC was above .15% accounted for almost 75% of the DUI fatalities.

If you’ve suffered injuries as a result of the reckless behavior of a drunk driver, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Even if a drunk driver has faced criminal charges for their negligence, they can still be named in civil court.

A DUI Accident Attorney from our law firm can help you secure compensation for your injuries and damages.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis – meaning there are no legal fees unless your case wins.