The screech of brakes, the crunch of metal, and suddenly your normal day in Little Rock has turned into chaos. In those first confusing moments after a car accident, your mind races while your heart pounds.
What you do next can make the difference between a smooth recovery and months of complications with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal battles. The right actions taken immediately can protect both your well-being and your rights under Arkansas law.
Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene
Ensure Safety First
Your immediate priority after any car accident in Little Rock should be ensuring everyone’s safety. Move your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so, particularly on busy Arkansas highways like Interstate 40 or Interstate 430. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and prevent secondary accidents. If your car cannot be moved safely, leave it where it is and focus on getting yourself and any passengers to a safe location away from traffic.
Check yourself and all passengers for injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms immediately following an accident, so be thorough in your assessment. If anyone appears to be seriously injured, avoid moving them unless there’s an immediate danger like fire or oncoming traffic.
Call Emergency Services
Contact 911 immediately, even if the accident seems minor. Arkansas law requires police reports for accidents involving injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Given that repair costs can quickly add up, most accidents will meet this threshold. When you call 911, provide the dispatcher with your exact location in Little Rock, including nearby landmarks or cross streets to help emergency responders find you quickly.
The responding police officer will create an official accident report, which becomes important documentation for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings. This report will include the officer’s assessment of what happened, statements from involved parties, and any citations issued. Be honest with the officer about what occurred, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about causes.
Document Everything Thoroughly
Take extensive photographs of the accident scene from multiple angles, including all vehicles involved, the surrounding area, street signs, and any relevant road conditions. Little Rock’s weather can change quickly, and road conditions like wet pavement or construction zones may have contributed to the accident. Photograph your vehicle’s damage, the other driver’s vehicle, and any property damage, such as damaged guardrails or signs.
Capture images of any visible injuries you or your passengers have sustained, as these can serve as important evidence later. Take pictures of the other driver’s licence, insurance card, and registration. Also, photograph the licence plates of all vehicles involved, as well as any skid marks or debris on the roadway.
Gathering Essential Information
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Collect comprehensive information from all other drivers involved in the accident. This includes their full name, contact information, driver’s licence number, insurance company and policy number, and vehicle information such as model, year, and VIN. If the driver is not the vehicle’s owner, also get the owner’s information and their relationship to the driver.
Provide the same information to the other parties involved. Be polite and cooperative during this exchange, but avoid discussing who was at fault or making statements about what caused the accident. Stick to factual information about the collision itself and let the insurance companies and authorities determine fault based on their investigations.
Identify and Interview Witnesses
Look for witnesses who saw the accident occur and ask for their contact information. Independent witnesses can provide testimony about what happened, especially if there are disputes about fault later. Get their names, phone numbers, and a brief statement about what they observed. Many people are willing to help but may leave the scene quickly, so approach witnesses as soon as it’s safe to do so.
If possible, ask witnesses to wait until police arrive so they can provide their statements directly to the investigating officer. Their accounts will be included in the official police report, giving them more weight in insurance and legal proceedings.
Medical Attention and Documentation
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, you should still see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries like whiplash, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the accident. Little Rock has several excellent medical facilities, including Baptist Health Medical Centre and UAMS Medical Centre, where you can receive proper evaluation and treatment.
Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation related to your treatment. This includes emergency room visits, follow-up appointments with your doctor, physical therapy sessions, and any prescriptions you receive. These records serve as proof of your injuries and the ongoing impact the accident has had on your life.
Follow All Treatment Recommendations
Attend all medical appointments and follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan exactly as prescribed. Missing appointments or failing to follow treatment recommendations can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries weren’t as serious as you claim. Keep detailed records of how your injuries affect your daily activities, work performance, and overall quality of life.
If you need ongoing treatment such as physical therapy or chiropractic care, make sure to document your progress and any setbacks you experience. This information helps establish the full extent of your damages and the long-term impact of the accident on your life.
Important Considerations After the Accident
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
Arkansas follows a traditional fault-based insurance system, which means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. However, your own insurance coverage may also come into play depending on your policy. Review your coverage limits and understand what protection you have, including liability coverage, collision coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but be careful about giving recorded statements or signing documents without fully understanding their implications. Insurance adjusters work for their company’s interests, not yours, and may try to minimise your claim or get you to accept a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages.
Dealing with Property Damage
Many people don’t realise that many car accident lawyers can also help with property damage claims related to your vehicle. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, legal professionals can handle negotiations with insurance companies about vehicle repairs or replacement. They understand how to properly value your vehicle and can ensure you receive fair compensation for your property damage.
Don’t accept the insurance company’s initial offer for your vehicle damage. These offers are often lower than what you’re actually entitled to receive. A thorough evaluation should also consider the diminished value if your vehicle has been significantly damaged.
Financial Protection During Recovery
You shouldn’t have to pay medical bills out of pocket while waiting for your case to resolve. There are several options available to help manage your medical expenses during your recovery period. Your Little Rock car accident attorney can help you understand these options and work with healthcare providers to ensure you receive necessary treatment without immediate financial hardship.
Additionally, if you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not just the time you’ve already missed from work, but also future earning capacity if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
Need Help After Your Little Rock Car Accident?
Following these steps after a car accident can help protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages. However, dealing with insurance companies, medical providers, and legal requirements while recovering from injuries can be overwhelming.
As a personal injury law firm in Arkansas, Shamieh Law can help you navigate every aspect of your car accident case. Our team understands the challenges you’re facing and is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today by calling 501-361-1334.