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Rogers Car Accident Lawyer

Rogers Car Accident Lawyer

Injuries that come from auto accidents can range from mild sprains to Traumatic Brain Injury. Regardless of your injuries, you can seek legal recourse and pursue maximum compensation. A Rogers car accident lawyer can help you work towards a full recovery. 

After a crash, victims will often feel the pressure to return to work, cut short medical treatment, and accept a settlement quickly. However, any of these issues can result in lifelong suffering, financial turmoil, and the inability to seek compensation that you deserve. Involve an attorney early into your Rogers, AR car accident claim to build a strong case and pursue fair compensation.

After a crash, you may have a hard time managing your finances. Your injuries may have caused you to miss work for a few days, weeks, or even months. Additionally, the pressure of unpaid medical expenses and missing regular bills can cause severe strain on any family or household.

When working towards a full recovery, ensure that you don’t miss any doctors or rehabilitation appointments. Additionally, only return to work when your doctor approves it. Although it can be hard to deal with daily aspects of life right now, this time will pass. Get a Rogers car accident lawyer involved to fight for your side.

What To Do After A Car Accident In Arizona Infographic

What Is the Cost of Hiring A Car Accident Attorney in Rogers, AR?

Injury and auto accident attorneys work differently than other lawyers when it comes to determining the cost. Many people do not have the means to pay for an attorney that works hourly. Especially when trying to recover from a crash financially.

Most auto wreck lawyers work on contingency, which means that they will only receive a percentage of your compensation as payment. That percentage may range between 25 to 40% and can even go higher depending on the specifics of your case and the attorney involved.

When you hire a Rogers, AR working with a contingency fee then there is no cost for you until you receive compensation. If you don’t receive any compensation that means, there is no cost to you for your attorneys time and effort.

Be sure that when you decide to hire an attorney, you carefully review the contingency terms. You can ask them about what fees or expenses they believe will be necessary for your case and how that may impact their fee.

Finally, when hiring a Rogers, AR car accident lawyer, you must account for the State of Arkansas statute of limitations. Arkansas has a strict two year filing period. That means that from the date of the crash, you only have two years to file your case. If you wait any longer, then you will likely not be able to recover compensation for any injuries or property damage.

Why Do I Need a Rogers Car Accident Lawyer?

After a car accident or crash, you will have a long list of things to take care of, first and foremost, yourself if you were hurt in a crash that means that you likely need medical attention and possibly ongoing medical care. Even if it’s only a few weeks of rehabilitation, it’s vital that you go through with it.

On top of your medical treatment, you’ll need to work with your insurance. From filing a claim to getting your car to a claims adjuster, these errands begin to mount up quite quickly. Then there are the issues that come up in other areas of life. Unpaid medical bills may put mental or emotional stress on you and your family.

Additionally, you may miss a substantial amount of work while recovering. The problem that many people face is that they need to put their lives back together while they’re in pain and not as able as they are normally.

The sooner that you can get your life back to normal, the better. Hiring Rogers, AR car crash attorney can help you regain normalcy. A lawyer can take over dealing with your insurance company, track and collect your medical bills, and ensure that you can focus on your recovery.

Auto accident lawyers in Rogers can also help you build a stronger case. Their experience in handling these cases and understanding how these claims reach a resolution gives them an advantage in negotiating with insurance companies.

Roads and Traffic in Rogers Arkansas

Right in Benton County, Rogers, Arkansas is a town with a population exceeding 55,000. It’s Arkansas’ eighth largest city and falls into the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers-Metro region. The region is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the nation. Rogers, AR is off of Interstate 49.

Additional highways connecting the four corners of Arkansas are in motion, as a temporary sales tax was imposed in 2012. As part of this initiative is widening existing highways to four lanes. The traffic in this growing area is quickly becoming congested, and the goal of this initiative is to reduce congestion as well as improvements to the road and highways systems. The half-cent tax should generate about $230 million each year, and the state has promised 30% of that to local governments.

A Guide to the Car Accident Process

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Rogers

Unfortunately, the biggest cause of accidents and the most prominent threat on the road is other drivers. Those who drive negligently are responsible for more deaths and accidents than any other standalone factor. One of the issues here is that there are so many things that count as negligent behavior.

Any way that drivers can negligently operate a vehicle is dangerous. However, some are much worse than others. For example, driving under the influence or when intoxicated is negligent driving. Additionally, speeding, driving when drowsy, or fatigued is negligent driving.

Distracted driving, one of the biggest issues, especially for highway drivers, includes texting, eating, and interacting with passengers. These all lead to crashes and injuries. As phones are so available and integrated into our daily life, we see that they constantly lead to crashes and contribute to distracted driving. In 2017, distracted driving was the factor behind 3,166 deaths.

There are movements in action to stop phone use while driving. However, that’s not the only form of distracted driving. Anything that pulls the driver’s attention away from driving is a form of distraction. These actions endanger the driver, their passengers, and other people on the road. Other forms of distractions include navigation systems, the radio, eating, drinking, and talking to passengers.

Other aspects that can play a role in car accidents include the weather, and changing road conditions. The people within Rogers, AR are well-aware of the extreme weather such as tornados, hail, and summer storms. Many conscientious drivers will ensure they slow their speed or pull over if necessary. However, as more people flock to the area, there are people on the road who don’t know how to handle these road conditions.

Arkansas Car Accident Statistics

Being in a car wreck doesn’t mean that you lacked in experience or ability. Many experienced and competent drivers are the victims in car wrecks every day. Unfortunately, the victims of car accidents may take on serious injury. In some cases, these accidents lead to death.

A fatal auto accident takes place about every 15 minutes in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car crashes are the leading cause of death in America for people ages 8 to 34.

Additionally, nearly 3 million people experience an injury from a car accident, and half of them experience permanent disabilities. That means that approximately 1.5 million people will have impaired function, paralysis, or neurological injuries as a result of car accidents. About 27% of all crashes result in a non-fatal injury, while about 72% result in property damage.

Arkansas Car Accident Fact Sheet

Arkansas car accident lawyer

Can I File A Lawsuit?

It is reasonable to pursue a lawsuit after a car accident. In some cases, an insurance company will not provide a fair compensation offer. In those cases, you need to seek legal action. Seeking legal action and filing a lawsuit does not always mean that your case will go to court. After filing a lawsuit, your claim may still settle.

An attorney will offer guidance on when a lawsuit is necessary and provide advice along the way. If you’re working with a Rogers, AR lawyer, they should take on all the legal procedures for the case and the trial. Moving forward with a lawsuit requires legal guidance.

Ideally, your case will close with a settlement. However, if the involved person or insurance company is not willing to make reasonable offers, then the case should move forward. Work with a Rogers, AR lawyer who is willing to take your case all the way. Be wary of law firms that are willing to accept unreasonably low settlements to close the case quickly.

What Will Happen to The Driver at Fault for The Accident?

It’s common to wonder what will happen to the other person involved. The impact on the other driver will depend on the situation. You may experience anger, or empathy, or even a mix of both feelings, which is normal. Unfortunately, you cannot go and change the events of the past. Instead, you can only seek a monetary claim to cover the damage the wreck cause to your life.

If the other driver had auto insurance, their insurance provider would likely offer them an attorney. Additionally, their insurance company will probably pay for the settlement or award for the extent of their policy. If the settlement or award is larger than their policy, they may have to pay the difference out of pocket.

Will I Get Compensation for My Injuries?

For anyone who can settle a claim, they will receive a form of compensation. Accepting a settlement may be agreeing to whatever money that the insurance company, or person responsible, offers.

The jury involved in your case will assign a compensation amount based on past and future medical costs, property damage, transportation costs for treatment, as well as pain and suffering.

Injury Cases Our Rogers Attorneys Handle

In Rogers, AR, our legal team is ready to take on a wide variety of cases. Car accidents are a common cause of unexpected injuries. However, other accidents such as truck crashes, nursing home abuse, lead to injuries which require legal assistance as well. If you don’t see a case example here that matches what you need, contact our offices in Rogers for more help.

Motorcycle Accidents

Too often, insurance companies and other drivers attempt to blame the motorcyclists for their injuries. Don’t let that happen. Get someone to fight for your side while you’re recovering injuries caused by another person’s poor driving. Use all the evidence possible to show that you were careful while riding.  Our experienced Rogers motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help.

Truck Accidents

Trucking accidents will often come with a severe injury, and sometimes death. When you are in an accident with a commercial truck, be sure to get an Rogers truck accident attorney on your side quickly. These crashes will often provoke a high-powered legal team to act against your claim.

Nursing Home Abuse

One of the worst forms of abuse is the abuse of the elderly. Often these victims can do little more than suffer through the actions of their negligent, or even malicious caretakers. Nurses, doctors, and even administrative staff have been found guilty in these cases. Expose the nursing home abuse and get compensation for the elder in your life.

Workers Compensation

As a right, everyone should work in a safe environment. Of course, not every company takes policies and procedures seriously. When you were hurt on the job, it likely came from a lack of awareness or lack of reinforcement of existing policy. Don’t let your employer use a dormant or forgotten rule to deny your workers comp claim. Contact our Rogers workers compensation lawyers for help.

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, the people we love are taken too soon. When someone died as the result of negligence or carelessness, you can file a civil case. This option is available even if there is an open criminal case. A lawsuit for wrongful death will seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the suffering of surviving family members.

Contact Our Auto Accident Attorneys Today for A Free Consultation

When you’re looking for the right car accident attorney for your case you need to sit down with someone first for a full case evaluation, at the Law Offices of Jason M. Hatfield, we make that easy. If you have concerns about your car wreck, then come in for a free consultation.

During your free consultation, you will meet someone from our team of knowledge and experienced staff of Rogers personal injury lawyers. You can learn more about how you can get fair compensation for your claim. Additionally, any of our staff will happily explain how we will calculate the value of your claim and work with you towards a full resolution.

Call the Law Offices of Jason M. Hatfield for a consultation now.

Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyer

Rogers Car Accident Lawyer

Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyers

We pursue fair compensation on behalf of accident victims throughout Sebastian County

Suffering a serious injury can throw your life into a tailspin. You may suddenly find yourself in the hospital, missing weeks of work, and wondering what your future will look like. When will doctors say you can go home? When will you be able to return to work? Will there be any additional follow-up medical treatment you’ll need to pursue? How are you going to pay for all of this? These are common questions anyone would ask themselves if they were in your position. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we are a compassionate team of Fort Smith personal injury lawyers who are here to help accident victims on their road to recovery. Our lawyers will take the time to sit down with you and listen to your story because we believe the more we know about your case, the better we can help.

Table of Contents

We handle a variety of Fort Smith personal injury cases

For more than 20 years, the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield has provided exceptional representation to Fort Smith accident victims and their families. We believe that by holding people accountable for the harms caused by their negligent actions, we are not only helping clients, we are also helping make Arkansas a safer place. 

Accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable injury in Arkansas and across the United States. At the Law Offices of Jason M. Hatfield, we proudly represent clients who suffered injuries related to any of the following accidents.

Car Accidents

Motor vehicles are necessary in today’s society; however, our reliance on them creates a situation where many drivers overlook the dangers these vehicles present. Motorists owe a duty of care to the others on the road. This means that a driver who negligently causes a car accident that injures another motorist, passenger, bicyclist or pedestrian can be held liable for the injured party’s damages. In most cases, these Fort Smith car accident lawsuits are filed against the at-fault driver, and that driver’s insurance company has a duty to assign that negligent driver an insurance defense lawyer to defend the case under the insurance policy. A knowledgeable Fort Smith car accident lawyer can help accident victims effectively prepare their claims.
Arkansas Car Accidents Infographic

Over 500 people are killed in fatal Arkansas car accidents and another 2,000 seriously injured each year. Roughly 20 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in the state involve a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. 

Truck Accidents

Arkansas truck accidents make up only a small percentage of the total number of traffic accidents in the state. However, they comprise a much larger portion of those accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

About one in six fatal Arkansas motor vehicle accidents involves a large truck like a semi-truck. 

Most truck drivers understand the dangers of driving a huge vehicle and take the necessary precautions. However, unfortunately, that is not always the case. Truck drivers are under tremendous time pressure to travel as many miles as they can each day, which increases the chances of distracted driving or drowsy driving accidents. If you or a loved one were involved in a Fort Smith truck accident, speaking with an attorney is an excellent first step to gaining a greater understanding of how to hold a negligent truck driver accountable for their actions.
Smoke rising from a truck accident on highway

Motorcycle Accidents

While many people think motorcycle accidents usually involve a single vehicle, that is not the case. 

Arkansas motorcycle accident infographic

Motorcycles are involved in about ten percent of all fatal and non-fatal traffic accidents in Arkansas.

Many people are under the false impression that most motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents. However, that is not the case; more than half of all Arkansas motorcycle accidents involved at least one other vehicle.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of protection motorcycles offer to riders, injuries in these accidents tend to be severe. Even if you are wearing a helmet, you can still suffer life-changing injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, severe burns and more. Fort Smith motorcycle accident victims should reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to help them prepare their claim.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls are among the most common causes of injury among older adults; however, every age group is at risk. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their property safe for invited guests. The extent of a property owner’s duty varies, depending on the type of location they own and the nature of your visit. However, typically, a landowner must warn guests of known hazards that could threaten their safety. And when it comes to business, they have a heightened duty to conduct routine inspections to discover potential hazards that could be dangerous for customers. Fort Smith slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including:
  • Grocery stores
  • Shopping malls
  • Department stores
  • Public buildings
  • Hospitals and doctor’s offices
  • Parking lots and parking garages
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8 Stages of the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process in Arkansas

Sustaining an injury after a severe accident can be a very stressful experience. Most people considering a personal injury lawsuit have little to no experience with the process. Going through the personal injury process with an expert attorney can make the process less intimidating & more manageable. The Arkansas personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. have outlined the eight stages of how the personal injury process works in the state.

Damages in a Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawsuit

Those who successfully bring a Fort Smith personal injury lawsuit can recover financial compensation for their injuries. While every case is unique, and it’s impossible to pinpoint what a damages award will look like without an in-depth case analysis, Arkansas law generally allows accident victims to recover for their economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages pay you back for the money you were forced to spend (or could not make) because of the accident. For example, medical bills, lost wages, decreased earning capacity and property damage are all types of economic damages. Proving economic damages is generally pretty straightforward, as you can present objective evidence of the amount of damages. For instance, we can present the court with your total medical bills to prove the cost of your medical treatment. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are a little more complicated. These damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological effect the accident had on your life. For example, the following are all types of non-economic damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life 
  • Loss of familial relationships

Arkansas Personal Injury Guide Infographic

If you have been injured by someone’s negligence, whether from a car crash or a construction site accident, you may be able to receive economic recovery to help you move forward with your life. Here is a quick guide to Arkansas personal injury law to help answer questions you may have.

Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

The most common personal injuries include:
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Amputations
  • Crush injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fractures
  • Internal organ damage
  • Broken bones
  • Deep disfiguring cuts
  • Burns
  • Nerve damage
  • Paralysis
  • Scarring
  • Penetrating wounds from flying objects
  • Airbag injuries, including broken nose and/or jaw
  • Dislocations
Personal injuries are very common and each year across the nation, roughly 39 million Americans need medical treatment for a wide range of such injuries. Of great concern is the fact that medical errors and accidental injuries are the third leading cause of death.
For your personal injury attorney to help you build a case seeking compensation for your injuries, several pieces of evidence would be helpful. Those documents include:
  • Police reports
  • Statements made by witnesses
  • Survivor/client statement – this is a crucial document that outlines, in the survivor’s words what happened and how it affects their life.
  • Medical documents, including E.R. Records, doctor treatment notes, rehabilitation reports, and autopsy reports.
  • Any reports dealing with past safety concerns of a vehicle and/or past safety violations.
  • Pictures and/or video of the accident scene and injuries.
  • Any private investigation reports available (can be obtained through discovery).
  • The service history of the vehicle involved in the crash.
  • The 911 call transcript.
  • Any audio recordings available captured on a smartphone.
  • Relevant W2 forms that indicate lost wages
  • All receipts of medical expenses related to the accident, vehicle rental, payments to others to transport you.
  • Keep all your files relating to the crash together and keep a digital and physical copy. Use a spreadsheet to indicate what you have and what you still need to obtain.
Your attorney may have other documents they could use to build your case. They ask for those when they discuss your case with you when you find out your legal rights, and determine if you want to proceed with a personal injury claim.
If you have been hurt in an accident, there are some things that you need to do immediately, if possible. You want to protect your rights while seeking compensation for your injuries from an insurance company. Here are things you need to do as quickly as possible:
  • Call the police and make sure you get the accident report.
  • If possible, get the contact information of other witnesses.
  • Get medical help immediately or as soon as possible. Do not wait.
  • Describe all of your injuries no matter how small or big they are, as the doctor documents them for the medical record. These records are helpful for your personal injury attorney while seeking compensation for your injuries.
  • No matter what tests are ordered, get all of them done as instructed. Ask for x-rays, scans, or an MRI if the injuries are serious. Get the results of those tests for your attorney.
  • Do not provide “any” statement whatsoever to any insurance company, including your own. While you can notify them of the accident, do not provide any other details until you have retained a car accident attorney.
  • If you do not have an experienced car accident attorney, make sure you hire one as soon as you can.
  • Keep personal records of all your injuries, how you feel, your experiences, what medical treatment you obtained, what the outcome was, and keep receipts for all expenses related to the accident.
  • No matter how you feel, follow through on ALL doctor, therapist, and therapy appointments. Always show up and do what you were instructed to do, and do not skip any appointments.
  • Throughout this process of recovering from injuries in a car accident, dealing with insurance companies and your attorney, have patience. The process to recover compensation for your injuries can be a long one.
Personal injury cases can happen at any time and anywhere. The most common types of personal injury cases include:
  • Nursing home abuse, neglect
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Birth injuries
  • Aviation, boating accidents
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Medical malpractice
  • Wrongful death claims
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Car accident claims
  • Medical malpractice
  • Wrongful death claims
  • Dog bites
  • Defamation claims, as personal injury cases do not always involve physical injuries
  • Assault
  • Accidents in the workplace
  • Premises liability claims
  • Product liability claims
  • Construction injuries

    Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

    While almost every accident victim can point to some type of damage they suffered due to the accident, identifying the full extent of your damages is critical to your full recovery. You only get one chance to bring a case, so you want to make sure you get it right. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., represents injured workers from all over Northwest Arkansas including Fort Smith, SpringdaleFayettevilleRogersBentonville, Berryville and Harrison.

    Fort Smith Wrongful Death Cases

    Preventable accidents claim thousands of lives in Arkansas every year. Whether a loved one is lost after a motor vehicle accident, workplace accident or any other type of accident, the result is tragic. While many accident victims can physically recover from their injuries, sadly, many do not. Families who have lost a loved one in a preventable accident can pursue a Fort Smith wrongful death case against the at-fault party.

    Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

    A wrongful death claim is a type of personal injury case except that, instead of being brought by the accident victim, it is brought by their surviving family members. Wrongful death claims can be filed after any type of accident. The following family members can file a wrongful death claim:

    • Spouses
    • Children
    • Parents
    • Siblings
    • The personal representative of the accident victim’s estate
    What damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit?

    The damages available through a wrongful death claim are similar to those in a personal injury claim and include:

    • Medical bills and expenses
    • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
    • Lost benefits (such as health insurance premiums)
    • Compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering
    • Compensation for your own mental anguish

    Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

    If you or a loved one was recently involved in a Fort Smith accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. In the aftermath of a fatal accident, families may be looking for answers that are hard to come by. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, our compassionate wrongful death lawyers can help you understand your options so you can make the decision that is best for your family. For more than two decades, attorney Hatfield and his dedicated team have served Fort Smith and the surrounding communities. As skilled negotiators, we can often resolve our clients’ cases without the need for a trial; however, we are also aggressive litigators and will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement offer. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a Fort Smith, personal injury lawyer, give us a call today at 479-361-3575. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.

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