Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Arkansas
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Date Last Updated: July 9, 2025
Get the Justice and Compensation You Deserve After a Drunk Driving Crash
Drunk driving accidents happen far too often across Arkansas, leaving innocent victims dealing with devastating injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and emotional trauma that can last a lifetime.
When an intoxicated driver destroys your life in a split second, you need experienced legal advocates who will fight relentlessly for your rights.
The aftermath of being struck by a drunk driver creates a cascade of problems that most people never see coming.
Your injuries may require months or years of treatment, forcing you to miss work and lose the income your family depends on.
Insurance companies often try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether, hoping you’ll accept far less than what your case is truly worth.
Meanwhile, the drunk driver who caused your suffering may face criminal charges, but that doesn’t automatically guarantee you’ll receive the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Without proper legal representation, you could find yourself drowning in debt from medical expenses while struggling to support your family during your recovery.
The physical pain from your injuries is difficult enough without adding financial stress and uncertainty about your future.
Many accident victims don’t realize they have the right to pursue both criminal justice through the courts and civil compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
The legal process can be complex, especially when dealing with cases involving impaired drivers, but having skilled legal representation levels the playing field and gives you the best chance to receive fair compensation you deserve.
Our experienced drunk driving car accident lawyers understand how to build a strong case that holds the intoxicated driver accountable for their reckless actions.
We know how to investigate the crash thoroughly, gather critical evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies who would rather protect their profits than provide fair compensation to victims.
Common Types of Drunk Driving Accidents
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes involving drunk drivers often occur when the impaired driver drifts into oncoming traffic or drives the wrong way down a road.
These accidents typically result in the most severe injuries and fatalities because of the combined speed of both vehicles at impact.
The force generated in head-on collisions frequently causes traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple broken bones that require extensive medical treatment.
Rear-End Crashes
Intoxicated drivers often fail to notice stopped or slowing traffic ahead of them, leading to high-speed rear-end collisions.
While these crashes may seem less dangerous than head-on impacts, they can still cause serious injuries including whiplash, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries from the sudden impact.
Passengers in the rear-struck vehicle are particularly vulnerable to injury from the unexpected force of being hit from behind.
Intersection Accidents
Drunk drivers frequently run red lights or stop signs, causing devastating crashes with vehicles lawfully proceeding through intersections.
These side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, often result in severe injuries to occupants on the side of the vehicle that was struck.
The lack of protection on the sides of most vehicles makes passengers particularly vulnerable to serious harm in intersection crashes.
Single-Vehicle Crashes with Multiple Victims
Impaired drivers may lose control of their vehicles and crash into pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers in their own car.
These accidents can be particularly tragic when the drunk driver survives while their passengers or innocent bystanders suffer severe injuries or death.
Rollover accidents caused by drunk drivers often result in multiple victims with varying degrees of injuries.
Common Injuries From Drunk Driving Accidents and Their Consequences
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The sudden impact of a drunk driving crash can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in traumatic brain injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive problems, memory loss, personality changes, and difficulty performing basic daily activities.
Even mild traumatic brain injuries can have lasting effects that impact a victim’s ability to work and maintain relationships.
The cost of ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity from brain injuries can reach into the millions of dollars over a lifetime.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The violent forces involved in drunk driving accidents can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Victims with spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications to accommodate their new physical limitations.
The emotional and psychological impact of sudden paralysis can be devastating for victims and their families.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The impact of a drunk driving crash can cause multiple fractures throughout the body, some of which may require surgical repair with pins, plates, or screws.
Complex fractures may not heal properly, leading to permanent disability, chronic pain, and reduced mobility.
Recovery from serious fractures often requires months of physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
The force of a collision can cause damage to internal organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs.
Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Some internal injuries may result in long-term complications that require ongoing medical monitoring and treatment.
Why So Many Arkansas Drunk Driving Accident Victims Don't Get the Compensation They Deserve
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to minimize the amount they pay out on claims.
They may try to blame the victim for the accident, downplay the severity of injuries, or pressure victims to accept quick settlements before they understand the full extent of their damages.
Without a drunk driving accident lawyer on their side, many victims often don’t know their rights or the true value of their claims.
Complexity of Drunk Driving Cases
Cases involving intoxicated drivers can be more complex than typical car accidents because they may involve criminal proceedings as well as civil litigation.
Evidence from the criminal case can be valuable in seeking compensation in the civil case, but navigating both legal systems requires specific knowledge and experience.
The timeline for criminal cases may not align with the needs of injury victims who require immediate medical care and financial support.
Underestimating Future Damages
Many victims focus only on their immediate medical bills and don’t consider the long-term costs of their injuries.
Future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and ongoing care needs can far exceed the initial costs of treatment.
Without proper legal guidance from an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer, victims may settle for amounts that seem reasonable in the moment but are inadequate for their lifetime needs.
Lack of Understanding About Available Compensation
Many victims don’t realize they may be entitled to pursue compensation beyond just medical bills and lost wages.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life are all legitimate damages that can be recovered in drunk driving cases.
In cases involving particularly reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be available to punish the drunk driver and deter similar conduct.
How Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers, Who Have Won Over
$200 Million For Our Clients, Can Help You Get the Compensation You Are Entitled to
Thorough Investigation of Your Case
We immediately begin investigating your drunk driving accident to gather critical evidence before it disappears or is destroyed.
Our team obtains police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build a complete picture of how the accident occurred.
We work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the crash scene and provide detailed analysis of the forces involved and the drunk driver’s actions.
Proving the Drunk Driver’s Negligence
We gather evidence of the driver’s blood alcohol concentration at the time of the accident and document any prior history of impaired driving.
Our investigation includes reviewing bar receipts, witness testimony about the driver’s condition, and any statements made by the intoxicated driver at the accident scene.
We also examine whether the drunk driver was served alcohol by a bar or restaurant that should have recognized their intoxication under Arkansas dram shop law.
Comprehensive Damage Assessment
We work with medical experts to fully understand the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ll need in the future.
Our team calculates not just your current medical bills and lost wages, but also your future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and other long-term damages.
We ensure that all aspects of your suffering are properly documented and valued, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies
We handle all communications with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery without dealing with pressure tactics or lowball offers.
Our personal injury attorneys in Arkansas have extensive experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and know how to counter their attempts to minimize your claim.
We’re prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation for your injuries.
Coordination with Criminal Proceedings
We monitor the criminal case against the drunk driver and use information from that proceeding to strengthen your civil case.
Evidence from the criminal investigation, including breathalyzer results and field sobriety tests, can be powerful proof of the driver’s negligence in your personal injury lawsuit.
We ensure that the criminal case doesn’t interfere with your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
Support Throughout the Legal Process
We understand that recovering from a drunk driving accident involves more than just physical healing, and we provide compassionate support throughout your case.
Our team keeps you informed about the progress of your case and explains each step of the legal process in terms you can understand.
We connect you with medical providers and other resources you may need during your recovery.
Why Choose Our Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers to Represent You
We don’t just handle cases—we champion our clients’ interests and fight for the justice they deserve. When you trust us with your case, you become part of our family, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are here to serve you.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- An Elite Legal Team – We’ve hand-picked top attorneys, paralegals, and case managers, all trained by leading experts in law, insurance, medicine, and safety.
- Proven Results – Our firm has recovered over $200 million for injury victims across Texas.
- Recognized Excellence – Our attorneys have earned recognition from Super Lawyers, Texas Lawyer Magazine, D Magazine, and The National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40.
- Rapid Action on Your Case – We don’t wait to get started. Our team works with urgency, using advanced technology to analyze evidence and get you answers fast.
- A Client-First Approach – We understand the challenges you’re facing, from medical expenses to property damage, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
- More Than Just Lawyers – As Dallas natives, we’re committed to protecting our neighbors and giving back to the communities we serve.
At Shamieh Law, “Winning With Awareness” means we fight aggressively for results while never losing sight of the people we represent. Every case is different, and we take the time to craft a legal strategy that fits your unique situation.
When you need a firm that’s ready to take action, call us today. We’re here to help.
Winning Life-Changing Settlements for Injury Victims
We have recovered millions on behalf of our deserving clients, and now we’re here to do the same for you. Below are just a few examples of the settlements and verdicts our attorneys have achieved:
Read more.
Our Arkansas Office
Areas we proudly serve from our Arkansas Office:
We’re a team of dedicated and driven personal injury lawyers who proudly serve clients across Arkansas, including:
- Little Rock
- Fayetteville
- Fort Smith
- Springdale
- Jonesboro
- Rogers
- Conway
- North Little Rock
- Bentonville
- Benton
If you can’t make the trip to our offices for your free consultation, our team will travel to you. Our primary goal is your comfort and well-being. We seek to provide the assistance you need during this stressful time, and we understand the importance of helping you focus on recovery.
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win Your Case
At Shamieh Law, we believe the cost of quality representation should not hold you back from pursuing the compensation you need and deserve. We understand you may have lost your main source of income or vehicle after an accident and could also be facing substantial medical bills.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. In Texas, contingency fees are common agreements between the lawyer and the client in which the attorney does not collect a fee unless they win or settle the case.
The fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the compensation awarded. This arrangement allows clients with limited financial resources to access legal representation without paying out-of-pocket fees. So, you owe us nothing unless we win.
Contact Us Today to Pursue the Compensation You Are Entitled To
Don’t let the drunk driver who caused your suffering escape responsibility for their reckless actions.
Time is critical in drunk driving accident cases, as evidence can disappear and witness memories can fade.
Every day you wait is another day the insurance companies have to build a defense against your claim.
You need experienced attorneys who understand the unique challenges of drunk driving cases and have the resources to take on insurance companies and their legal teams.
Our track record of recovering over $200 million for clients speaks to our commitment to fighting for the justice and full and fair compensation our clients deserve.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options with no obligation on your part.
Take the first step toward getting your life back on track by calling 501-361-1334 or filling out our contact form today.
FAQs About Drunk Driving Accident Injuries In Arkansas
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in Arkansas?
Arkansas law generally gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation against the drunk driver. However, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault rule that allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is less than the defendant’s. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive significant compensation for your injuries.
What if the drunk driver doesn't have insurance or enough insurance to cover my damages?
If the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. We can also investigate whether a bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver can be held liable under Arkansas dram shop law.
How much is my drunk driving accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on many factors including the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Cases involving drunk drivers may also qualify for punitive damages, which can significantly increase the total compensation available.
Will I have to go to court for my drunk driving accident case?
Many drunk driving accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.
What evidence do I need for my drunk driving accident case?
Important evidence includes police reports, witness statements, photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, and medical records documenting your injuries. We handle gathering and preserving evidence for your case, so you don’t need to worry about collecting it yourself.
Can I sue a bar that served the drunk driver?
Arkansas dram shop law allows injured parties to hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments liable if they served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated. We investigate whether the drunk driver was overserved alcohol and pursue all available sources of compensation for your injuries.
How long will my drunk driving accident case take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation for your damages.
What should I do immediately after a drunk driving accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, as some injuries may not be apparent right away. Contact our office as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin the investigation into your accident.