Introduction
After a car accident in Arkansas, it is common to feel shaken but physically “okay.” Unfortunately, many crash injuries — especially soft-tissue and spinal trauma — do not show symptoms right away. Waiting too long to get care or legal guidance can seriously damage both your health and your claim.
This guide explains what Arkansas accident victims should do immediately after a crash to protect their body, their finances, and their legal rights.
Step 1: Get Medical Care Even If You Feel Fine
Adrenaline often masks pain after a collision. Whiplash, disc injuries, nerve compression, and concussions frequently appear days later.
If you were involved in a crash:
- Visit urgent care, an ER, or a chiropractor
- Tell them you were in a motor-vehicle collision
- Follow all treatment recommendations
Delays in treatment are one of the main reasons insurance companies deny Arkansas injury claims.
Step 2: Report the Accident
Arkansas law requires crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage to be reported. A police report provides:
- A timeline
- Witness information
- Preliminary fault findings
This document is critical in proving liability.
Step 3: Be Careful With Insurance Companies
The other driver’s insurer may contact you quickly. Their goal is to reduce what they pay.
Do not:
- Give recorded statements
- Guess about fault
- Minimize your pain
- Accept quick settlement offers
These statements are often used to later deny or reduce claims.
Step 4: Understand Arkansas Fault Rules
Arkansas uses modified comparative fault. If you are found 50% or more responsible, you recover nothing. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
This makes evidence, medical documentation, and legal strategy extremely important.
Step 5: Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney
An Arkansas personal injury lawyer can:
- Deal with insurance adjusters
- Gather crash evidence
- Work with your medical providers
- Protect deadlines
- Maximize the value of your claim
Even small mistakes early on can cost thousands later.
If you are also exploring legal help for injuries in Texas, you can learn more about Wolf Law’s injury practice here.
How Medical Care Supports Your Legal Claim
Chiropractors, imaging centers, and physicians do more than help you heal — their records connect your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies rely heavily on medical documentation when evaluating injury claims.
Find out more about how injury claims work here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Arkansas?
Arkansas generally allows three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long, however, makes evidence harder to obtain.
What if I didn’t feel hurt at first?
Delayed symptoms are common. As long as medical providers connect your injuries to the accident, you may still have a valid claim.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
You can notify them of the crash, but you should not give recorded statements or accept settlements before speaking to a lawyer.
Can I still recover money if I was partly at fault?
Yes — as long as you are less than 50% responsible, Arkansas law allows recovery.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Even low-speed crashes can cause serious spinal injuries. Many “minor” cases turn into expensive medical claims.