Being involved in a car crash can be extremely stressful, resulting in harm, anxiety, and responsibilities. If you experience something similar in Rogers, Arkansas, it’s important to know what your rights are and how to defend yourself.
On Roger’s congested roads, traffic accidents are inevitable. In the best-case scenario, only the vehicles involved sustain damage. Unfortunately, many accidents result in injuries to the people involved. The injuries from car accidents can be severe and even fatal, with profound impacts on families, careers, and personal lives.
As per the latest Rogers car accident news, KNWA Fox 24 stated a 43-year-old woman was found dead after a single-vehicle accident. Angela Williams was driving her 2017 Ford Edge on Interstate 49 when she was hit by a vehicle somewhere around 10:50 am.
To quote another incident, the Arkansas state police reported the death of a Rogers man in a two-vehicle accident. As stated by Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 31-year-old Jeffrey Beierle was driving his Honda Odyssey on Greenhouse Road in Bentonville when it hit a curb. As per the incident report, it crashed into a southbound 2004 Toyota Tundra. The Toyota Tundra was driven by a 70-year-old named Jere Seifritz. The collision resulted in Beierle’s death and caused injuries to Jere.
Now that we know that the roads of Rogers often witness many accidents, it’s crucial to know the aftermath of an accident. This blog will take you through the aftermath of a car accident. Let’s begin with –
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you must ensure safety and a few other crucial things.
1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Following a car collision, you should put everyone’s safety, including your own, first. Firstly, call 911 and report the accident and request medical assistance. Initial medical attention is vital as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Here are the safety steps you must take –
- Turn on the hazard lights
- Move your car to a safe space (only if that’s possible for you)
- Check on others present in the car and assist them if that falls in your current ability
- Don’t try to move yourself or any injured individual, as it may cause additional damage.
- Exchange contact and other details with the other party
- Document the scene
- Notify the police
2. Report the Accident
If you face a car accident in Arkansas, make sure to report the injury, death, or damage. When the police arrive, inform them about the entire accident scene. Also, ensure that you get a police report copy that will help you later as evidence.
3. Document the Scene
Collecting evidence at the car accident scene is essential. As per hseblog.com, you must secure and document the accident scene. The main objective lies in ensuring safety, collecting evidence, and gathering information for insurance, and maintaining operational continuity. So, make sure to have photos and videos of the accident site, vehicle damage, and injuries. Also, if you notice some witnesses, get their contact details as well.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
If anyone ever faces a car accident, they must hold basic knowledge of their legal rights. Here are some essential points you must consider knowing –
1. Right to Compensation
You can seek compensation if you are injured or your vehicle is damaged due to another driver’s negligence. According to Policyhouse, car accidents call for you to incur hospital expenses, car rental costs, and auto repair. If you also faced discomfort and felt mentally pressured, you have all the right to get paid for all the expenses. The compensation amount you receive can help you with many aspects. It will cover your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and suffering as well.
Arkansas is known to follow a “fault” system. It means the person who stands to be the faulty driver, must cover these costs. But for that, your case must have a solid base. It is essential to prove the other party’s fault in the accident. But if the investigation finds you partly responsible, your compensation might decrease. Also, if the investigation finds you to be 51% responsible for the accident, your compensation might be dismissed.
So, when filing your case, make sure to know about all the details.
2. Right to Legal Representation
You can hire a Rogers car accident attorney to represent you in dealings with court. Choosing a professional attorney can help you in many ways. They will guide and make you learn about your rights. By collecting details of the car accident, they will also stand by you while negotiating with the insurance adjusters.
3. Right to Refuse Early Settlements
Insurance companies may offer quick settlements to minimize their payouts. However, according to Keith Law Group, these early offers often do not fully cover the extent of your damages. So, if you want, you will have the option to refuse any settlement offer. You can do it if you believe it is unfair and negotiate for adequate compensation.
4. Right to File a Lawsuit
If settlement negotiations do not result in fair compensation, you have the right to file a lawsuit. You can file for a personal injury lawsuit in three years from the date of the accident. If you don’t do so, you will have a risk of losing your compensation.
FAQs
1. Should I contact my insurance company after the accident?
Yes, report the accident to your insurer. The other driver’s insurance may delay or dispute liability. This ensures coverage for repairs, storage, and a rental car and helps your insurer recover your deductible from them.
2. Can I recover for the diminished value of my car?
If your car is repairable, you might reclaim it for its diminished value. The newer and more damaged it is, the higher the claim’s value. Older, high-mileage, or previously wrecked cars yield lower claims. Visit these sites to assess your claim’s worth accurately.
3. What can I do if my car crashes?
If you face a car accident resulting in your car getting totaled, your insurer will pay its actual value, not the replacement cost. But, If you have your car on a loan, you will have to keep pay until the insurer clears it.
After a car accident in Rogers, being informed about your rights is vital. Take immediate steps like ensuring safety, reporting, and documenting. Know your rights about compensation, legal representation, and early settlement refusal. Remember, you can file a lawsuit if needed. Being proactive ensures protection and justice.
