Most people learned what they know about the law from watching television and movies. Other people spend way too much time on social media and think they understand how a car accident lawsuit works in Arkansas. The truth is that every case is different. No Bentonville car accident lawyer should make any guarantees when it comes to your damages.
For the most part, the more serious your injuries, the more money you can expect to receive. Someone who breaks their neck is going to be entitled to a lot more money than someone who only suffers whiplash. Until you meet with your lawyer, they won’t be able to give you an idea of what your case may be worth. The only way to know for sure is to call and schedule your free, initial consultation as soon as possible.
To Get Damages, Your Car Accident Lawyer in Bentonville Must Prove Two Things
In order to get you any money, your car accident attorney in Arkansas is going to have to do two (2) things. First, they need to prove that the other driver was at fault. Typically, this requires that they demonstrate negligence. To do this, your Bentonville car accident lawyer needs to show the following four (4) things:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached this duty
- You were hurt or suffered a financial injury
- These injuries were caused by the other driver’s breach of duty
If you can prove negligence, you’ll probably be entitled to damages. But before you’re awarded a dime, your attorney must prove that you suffered an actual injury. This can involve a physical injury, a financial injury, or both. Some of the most common types of damages associated with a car accident in Arkansas include the following:
- Reimbursement for medical bills
- Compensation for any future medical treatment you may need
- Money to cover repairs to your vehicle or the cost to replace your vehicle if it was totaled in the crash
- Any lost wages
- Lost future income if you can no longer perform the same kind of work as a result of the car accident
- Pain and suffering
Keep in mind, pain and suffering may make up the lion’s share of your damages. It all depends on how serious your injuries are.
You Aren’t Guaranteed Money for Pain and Suffering
Most Bentonville car accident lawyers are going to demand that their clients receive pain and suffering. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’re automatically entitled to them. These damages are meant to compensate you for any mental or physical anguish caused by the crash. If you’re involved in a very minor accident, you probably won’t be entitled to pain and suffering; if you are awarded these damages, the amount will likely be low.
In order to get you any money for pain and suffering, your Bentonville car accident lawyer has to prove that you did, indeed, suffer pain and suffering. They can do this in a variety of ways, including:
- Have your doctor testify that you suffered a great deal of physical pain as a result of your car accident injuries
- Proof that you can no longer enjoy any sort of social life
- Evidence that you aren’t able to enjoy life with your family
- An affidavit stating that you will need psychological therapy for some time due to your car crash
Depending on the evidence available, your Bentonville car accident attorney may be able to get you a significant amount in pain and suffering.
Call and Schedule Your Free Consultation with an Experienced Bentonville Car Accident Lawyer
Getting into a car accident can be scary. Hiring an experienced Bentonville car accident lawyer shouldn’t be. Even if your accident is minor, you’ll probably still need to deal with medical bills. You need to go to the hospital in order to prove that you were hurt. This costs money – money you shouldn’t have to pay. That’s why it’s a good idea to call and talk to an experienced Bentonville car accident lawyer sooner rather than later.
The car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield offer a free, initial consultation. This gives you a chance to sit down with someone who’s handled dozens of cases just like yours. They know how to negotiate with insurance companies. They also know what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. Call an experienced Bentonville car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your car wreck. The consultation is free, and you don’t have to pay a dime until your case is resolved.