1. Rainwater, Holt & Sexton Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, social security disability
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence collection, medical record analysis, expert witness coordination, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has 40 or more attorneys and 150 or more staff members dedicated to helping clients. The firm has eight offices in Arkansas including Little Rock, Little Rock-Corporate Hill, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, and Jonesboro. The attorneys have extensive experience handling cases throughout Arkansas and have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas (with additional offices across the state)
Contact: (800) 434-4800 | https://www.callrainwater.com/
Consultation: Available 24 hours a day
2. Keith Law Group
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, product liability, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury cases including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, medical record analysis, expert witness testimony, damage documentation
Background: Attorney Sean T. Keith has been a personal injury lawyer for over 30 years and is a nationally recognized Top 100 Trial Lawyer. He has recovered over $20 million in medical device injury lawsuits. Sean was appointed in 2015 by Governor Asa Hutchinson to sit as a Special Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court. He currently serves as a member of the Arkansas Supreme Court Model Civil Jury Instructions Committee. Attorney Brynna Barnica has over 17 years of legal practice experience.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas (serving Northwest Arkansas and statewide)
Contact: https://keithlawgroup.com/
Consultation: Free consultation
3. The Brad Hendricks Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, social security disability
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, birth trauma cases, dangerous product injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence preservation, medical record analysis, expert witness coordination
Background: The firm has built a legacy for over 25 years providing individualized attention to clients throughout Arkansas. The attorneys have collective experience exceeding 275 years. The firm has six convenient locations across Arkansas including Little Rock, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Conway, Texarkana, and Fort Smith. The firm handles automobile and commercial truck accidents, medical negligence, birth trauma, and dangerous product cases.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas (with locations across the state)
Contact: https://www.bradhendricks.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation
4. LeVar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, dog bites, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, cause analysis, insurance company negotiations, trial preparation
Background: Attorney Alan LeVar has experience as both a prosecuting attorney and public defender before becoming a personal injury lawyer. He authored the book “There Are No Accidents, Only Collisions,” which focuses on crashes with 18-wheelers and offers tips for drivers involved in wrecks. The firm has extensive knowledge of accident litigation and is willing to take cases to trial if necessary to win more for clients.
Location: 204 Executive Court, Suite 208, Little Rock, AR 72205 (additional offices in Arkadelphia, Conway, and Bentonville)
Contact: (501) 588-0082 | https://levarlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation
5. Pfeifer Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, employment law, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence preservation, damage documentation
Background: Attorney Paul Pfeifer has over a decade of experience as an injury attorney. The firm provides one-on-one communication with clients, ensuring they understand what is happening throughout the proceedings. The firm understands that victims face a long recovery process and may need time away from work, so it works to hold responsible parties legally liable for all damages.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Contact: https://www.pfeiferlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Arkansas
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Arkansas has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents under Arkansas Code Section 16-56-105. This means you must file a lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is also three years. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing your right to pursue compensation.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Arkansas is a fault-based (tort) state for car accidents. The driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages. Victims can pursue compensation by filing claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages if your fault is less than 50% of the total fault for the accident. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and have $100,000 in damages, you would receive $70,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Arkansas requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). These are minimum requirements, and many drivers carry higher limits for additional protection.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Arkansas law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but it is not mandatory for drivers to purchase it. Policyholders must sign a written rejection if they choose not to purchase this coverage.
Damage Caps: Arkansas does not impose caps on economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving particularly egregious conduct but are subject to limitations.
Accident Reporting Requirements: In Arkansas, you must report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to law enforcement. If the accident occurs within city limits, report to local police. If outside city limits, report to the county sheriff or state police.
Seat Belt Law: Arkansas requires all front-seat occupants to wear seat belts. Failure to wear a seat belt may be considered evidence of comparative negligence and could reduce your recovery.
Wrongful Death Claims: Wrongful death claims in Arkansas must be filed within three years of the date of death. The personal representative of the estate files the claim on behalf of surviving family members.
Dram Shop Liability: Arkansas has limited dram shop liability laws. Generally, establishments are not liable for serving alcohol to adults, but liability may exist for serving minors who subsequently cause accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline to file a car accident lawsuit in Arkansas?
A: The statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims in Arkansas is three years from the date of the accident. While this is longer than many states, it is still important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Insurance claims should be filed promptly, and waiting too long can hurt your case even if you are within the statute of limitations.
Q: How does Arkansas’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my case?
A: Under Arkansas law, you can recover compensation if your fault is less than 50% of the total fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines your damages are $100,000 but you were 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any damages.
Q: What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Arkansas?
A: Arkansas requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to all persons per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. While uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, insurance companies must offer it, and you must sign a written rejection if you choose not to purchase it. Many attorneys recommend carrying higher coverage limits for better protection.
Q: Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company after my accident?
A: You should be cautious about giving recorded statements to insurance companies, especially the at-fault driver’s insurer, without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may elicit responses that could be used against you later to reduce your claim. An experienced car accident attorney can advise you on what to say and may handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
Q: What types of compensation can I recover in an Arkansas car accident case?
A: In Arkansas, car accident victims can recover economic damages including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disability or disfigurement. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. Arkansas does not cap most types of damages in personal injury cases.