Little Rock Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
Skilled Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Assisting Little Rock, AR Residents
A fatal car accident may have a significant, long-lasting effect on the loved ones left behind. Families dealing with grief and loss also have the burden of the costs associated with the crash, as well as those associated with day-to-day life. When a loved one is killed by a driver’s negligence, the responsible party should be held accountable for their actions. Little Rock car accident attorney Paul Pfeifer and the Pfeifer Law Firm represent families in pursuing legal action to seek compensation for losses resulting from a loved one’s death. A Little Rock fatal car accident lawyer knows that the aftermath of a fatal accident is a painful time for a family. We are dedicated to ensuring that clients can recover emotionally from their loss, while we focus on the necessary legal proceedings.
Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Arkansas
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 472 fatal car accidents took place in Arkansas in 2015, leading to 531 deaths. Collisions may be caused by careless drivers engaging in a variety of negligent acts, including:
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Drivers distracted by texting or other cell phone activity;
- Young, inexperienced drivers;
- Road hazards; or
- Speeding drivers.
Dangerous drivers should be held responsible for the harm and losses that they cause in a fatal car accident. Many times, families are not sure how to proceed following a crash. According to our Little Rock fatal car accident lawyer, it is important to collect as much information about a collision as possible, including police reports, witness statements, and other records that may be used as evidence in a subsequent lawsuit if necessary. Consulting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can offer guidance is important during such an emotional and challenging time.
What Are The Laws Around Catastrophic Accidents
Pursuant to Arkansas law, an appointed personal representative of a deceased individual’s estate must bring a wrongful death claim before the court. This is based on the allegation that a defendant negligently caused a victim’s death by breaching a duty of care owed to that person, resulting in damages. For example, all motorists owe others a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent driver would behave in a similar situation.
In Arkansas, wrongful death claims are separated into two sub-categories, consisting of an estate claim and a family claim. Estate claims are filed to recover compensation on behalf of the victim, which consists of losses based on their death. Damages awarded in these claims include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills sustained prior to the victim’s death, and loss of wages. The family claim is pursued by the surviving relatives for the damages that they have suffered, including loss of financial support, household services, and loss of care or comfort.
Contact A Little Rock Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
In Arkansas, wrongful death claims must be filed within three years from the date of a victim’s death. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash, Little Rock car accident lawyer Paul Pfeifer can help you determine your next legal steps. He represents residents of Jonesboro, West Memphis, Conway, Hot Springs, Malvern, Batesville, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Benton, Bryant, Fort Smith, Forrest City, Fayetteville, and Hamburg, as well as other areas of Saline, Pulaski, Miller, Crittenden, Craighead, Faulkner, Garland, Hot Spring, Independence, Jefferson, Sebastian, Washington, Ashley, and Baxter Counties. Call us at (501) 374-4440 or contact us online to set up a free consultation if you need a distracted driving accident attorney or guidance with another type of car crash claim.