Jason M. Hatfield, Senior Personal Injury Attorney at The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., with over 25 years of experience representing accident victims across Arkansas.
Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of death by unintentional injury in the United States and in Arkansas. A 2024 report on injury deaths by the Arkansas Department of Health reveals just how devastating these car accidents can be for the state’s residents.
Key Findings in the Department of Health Report
In 2023, motor vehicle crashes were the number-one most common cause of death due to unintentional injury in Arkansas. That year, Arkansans died in car crashes at a rate of 20.2 deaths per 100,000 state residents. Other causes rounding out the top five included suicide (20.0 per 100,000), unintentional poisoning (17.1 per 100,000), homicide (11.2 per 100,000), and falls (8.8 per 100,000).
How many people do these rates represent? In 2023, 626 Arkansans died in motor vehicle crashes. Thousands more suffered injuries, many of which were life-altering.
The Department of Health divides Arkansas counties into five regions. This method allows the Department to study regional trends and influences. Benton County is located in the “Northwest” region.
The Northwest region saw a slightly lower rate of motor vehicle accident deaths than the state average, at 13.9 per 100,000 residents. Motor vehicle accident deaths were highest in the southeast and southwest regions. In 2023, 157 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the Northwest region.
Efforts to Improve Roadway Safety in Arkansas
Hundreds of Arkansas residents die in roadway accidents each year, and thousands suffer injuries. These incidents come with heavy costs: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other burdens.
Recognizing that every roadway death is one too many, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office (HSO) creates an annual Highway Safety Plan (HSP). This plan is filed with the federal National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). The HSO also tracks its progress across several years by comparing safety plans and programs with actual outcomes.
The most recently filed Highway Safety Plan, in 2022, notes the HSP’s goals for 2018-2022:
- Limit motor vehicle death rates at or below 1.808 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT),
- Limit total fatalities to 632 or fewer, and
- Limit serious injuries to 2,997 or fewer.
The report notes that the HSO’s safety efforts successfully met all three of the department’s primary goals. Certain secondary goals were not met, however. These included limiting the number of deaths due to not wearing a seat belt, drunk driving, and speeding. Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths also increased beyond goal limits between 2018 and 2022.
The numbers indicate that the roads are getting more dangerous for Arkansas drivers. Practicing safe driving can help. If another driver causes serious injuries or a wrongful death, it’s vital to speak to a top-rated Northwestern Arkansas car accident lawyer immediately.
What To Do After a Car Accident
Safety is essential after a car crash. Protecting those at the scene and calling 911 should be the first things on your list when you experience or witness a car accident.
Prompt medical attention is critical. In a serious accident, emergency first responders can address immediate needs and transport the injured to a nearby emergency department. If you didn’t receive medical care at the scene, visit a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can evaluate and document your injuries. Building a medical recovery plan is crucial to receiving the help you need. Your attorney will then be able to evaluate how much compensation is fair to fight for for your injuries and future medical costs.
After a serious injury or the sudden loss of a loved one, it can be difficult to think straight. Help yourself by keeping all your paperwork in one place. This system will help you find things when you need them. Consider keeping a journal or log of conversations you have about the crash, paperwork you filed, appointments you attended, and other tasks you did. If your injuries or grief prevent you from doing this, consider appointing a trusted family member or asking for a case manager to help you.
Contact Jason M. Hatfield Today To Discuss Your Legal Options
An attorney can support you in several ways after a car accident. Your lawyer can investigate your claim and gather evidence. Your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies. If necessary, your lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf, prepare for court, and present your case to a judge and jury.
Your attorney tackles the vital tasks of representing and defending your legal rights, while you focus on healing from your injuries. To learn more, talk to the team at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. today. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a Bentonville car accident attorney.
Discover Why Clients Trust Us for Exceptional Legal Representation – Call Us Today!
Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., is a distinguished personal injury law firm that has garnered significant recognition for its dedication to client advocacy and legal excellence:
- Best Law Firms Rankings: The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. has been awarded Tier 1 Metro Rankings in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimant, reflecting our firm’s commitment to providing top-tier legal representation in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
- Top Honors by Best Lawyers: Selected as one of the Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers in 2024, our firm stands out for its outstanding legal services and client satisfaction.
- Super Lawyers Recognition: Jason M. Hatfield has been repeatedly recognized on the Top 50 Arkansas Super Lawyers list for Personal Injury, showcasing his prowess and dedication in the field.
- AV Preeminent® Rating: The firm has received the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating by Martindale-Hubbell, highlighting our high ethical standards and legal ability as rated by our peers.
- Legal Elite Acknowledgment: Honored as one of Arkansas Money & Politics’ 2024 Legal Elite, our firm is recognized for its impactful contribution to the legal community in Arkansas.
These accolades underscore our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. If you have experienced a personal injury in Arkansas, we invite you to contact our firm to explore your legal rights and options. Call Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., at (479) 361-3575 for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the personalized and effective legal assistance you deserve.
For more details about our firm and case results, visit our About page.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult an attorney about your specific situation.