Drunk Driving Accidents

Jonesboro Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Helping DUI Accident Victims in Arkansas Seek Justice

Have you or a loved one been injured in a DUI accident in Arkansas? Motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol put all other drivers—as well as pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the road—at risk of serious injury. Yet, people continue to get behind the wheel after imbibing, leading to devastating consequences. In the years between 2003 and 2012, 1,769 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver in Arkansas according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Wells & Wells is a personal injury firm with a proven track record in motor vehicle accident claims. Our Jonesboro drunk driving accident attorneys will fight to obtain the just compensation you are owed if you have been injured in a DUI accident in Arkansas. We will investigate your accident, collect relevant evidence, and file a claim that will help you win a settlement that will cover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and your other accident-related costs. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay any attorney fees or legal costs unless we win compensation on your behalf.

Call (870) 782-4084 or contact us online to learn more during a free, no-risk consultation. 

Arkansas Drunk Driving Laws

In Arkansas, the legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08%. If a driver is caught operating a vehicle with a BAC at this level or higher, the person is considered to be driving while intoxicated. For drivers under 21, the BAC limit is 0.02%.

Arkansas law against drunk driving is very strict and carries tough penalties. It is one of many states that has a law known as “implied consent,” meaning that simply operating a motor vehicle anywhere in the state implies acquiescence to any test for alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances. This means that if a motorist refuses to consent to a breath, blood, or urine test, their driving privileges can be suspended.

Arkansas Code Section 16-126-104 states that a vendor who knowingly sells alcohol to a patron who is clearly intoxicated (or under 21) can also be held liable for any injuries caused by the drunk person. Known as a “dram shop law,” this can be used to file a lawsuit against a bar or other venue that served a clearly intoxicated person who caused a car accident after leaving the premises.

Why Choose Wells & Wells?

  • You will get maximum compensation for your injury.
  • You’ll get a lawyer who has earned multiple awards & accolades.
  • You will pay nothing unless we win.
  • You get a team with 50 years of combined experience.
  • You’ll receive personalized and attentive representation.

What to Do When You Get Hit by a Drunk Driver

If you have been hit by a drunk driver in Arkansas, you may become involved in both a criminal and a civil case against the at-fault driver. It is important to collect as much evidence after your crash as possible, if you can, to protect your claim.

If you have been hit by a drunk driver in Arkansas, you should:

  • Seek medical attention: If you are seriously injured, head to a hospital right away—you can take care of the rest later. Otherwise, wait until after completing the steps below to see a doctor. Even if you don’t feel in pain or have any visible injuries, it is always best to get looked at in case you have suffered internal injuries. Medical records will back up your insurance and personal injury claims as well.
  • File a police report: Call the police to the scene and ask for a copy of the accident report for your own records.
  • Document the crash: Take pictures or video of the crash scene, write down everything you can remember about how the crash occurred while your memory is fresh, and exchange contact information with all involved drivers as well as any witnesses.
  • Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance carrier of your accident; however, don’t sign anything or give a written statement until after consulting with a lawyer. Also, never talk to the drunk driver’s insurance company because they will try to build a case against you by using anything you say to discredit you.
  • Contact an attorney: Set up a free consultation with a local drunk driving accident lawyer to get advice on what to do next. Even if you don’t plan to take legal action, this free advice can keep you from making mistakes that will hurt your chances of receiving just compensation.

If you have been involved in a drunk driver hit and run, do as much of the above as possible as well as write down as many details as you can remember about the car that hit you, such as the make, model, and color, as well as any details that may identify the driver (if you saw them), like their hair color, age, or gender. The police and/or your lawyer may be able to help you locate the liable party and press charges.

Car Accident FAQ

Our Jonesboro car accident lawyers are here to answer your accident questions. Don't see an answer to your question? You can always contact the Wells & Wells office to schedule a free and confidential consultation!

  • What if I can't get in contact with the trucking company after my crash?
    If you made sure to collect the trucking company's contact information from the trucker at the time of your accident, but have not been able to get a hold of them, we may be able to help. Our truck accident lawyers are used to dealing with trucking companies and can help get the information you need. Oftentimes trucking companies are located in a different state than the one in which the accident occurred, so having an attorney contact them on your behalf may lead to better results than contacting them yourself.
  • Who is financially responsible in a trucking accident, the driver or the trucking company?

    The answer to this question depends on the situation and can be fairly complicated. Is the driver an employee or an independent contractor? Typically, a company cannot be held financially responsible for the actions of an independent contractor. To learn more about the "respondeat superior" theory and how this may influence your case, contact our truck accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

  • Why are trucks more likely to cause injuries in an accident than passenger cars?
    The primary difference between a trucking accident and a passenger car accident is the huge difference in weight. Because of the sheer difference in size, trucks typically cause more destruction in an accident than a typical passenger vehicle does. Trucks also can often be hauling hazardous or flammable material, which makes them more dangerous in an accident.
  • How long do I have to file my auto accident lawsuit in Arkansas?

    According to Arkansas Code Annotated section 16-56-105, motorists have up to 3 years following the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.

  • Are drivers required to carry car insurance in Arkansas?

    Yes, they are. At a minimum, all motorists are required to carry liability insurance in the amount of $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in a single accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in a single accident, and $25,000 for property damage in a single accident.

  • When am I required to report a car accident in Arkansas?

    Arkansas Code § 27-53-202 requires motorists to report a car crash any time that someone is injured or killed, or the damage to any property appears to be in excess of $1,000. All accidents should be reported to the Arkansas Office of Driver Services. While a police officer will typically make the report for you if one does not fill out the report at the scene you are still responsible to submit proper documentation.

  • What Damages Can be Recovered After a Car Accident?

    Although every case is different, car accident claims commonly pursue compensation for the following damages:

    • Pain and suffering
    • Lost wages
    • Loss of earning capacity
    • Medical expenses
    • Costs of rehabilitation
  • When Should You Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?

    If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an auto accident that was caused by another party's negligence, we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our car accident attorneys in Jonesboro today for the assistance that you deserve! You may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation for the injuries that you have suffered.

Why Hiring a Jonesboro DUI Accident Lawyer is Crucial

A drunk driving accident lawyer at Wells & Wells can help you receive compensation for your accident-related expenses as well as pain and suffering if you have been hit by a drunk driver. We can handle your insurance claim against a drunk driver as well as help you file a lawsuit and take the responsible party to court, if necessary. The victim of a DUI accident should never be made to suffer more than they have already; let us help make your recovery easier by taking care of the legal aspects of your claim on your behalf.

Ready for Justice? Schedule Your Free Consultation at (870) 782-4084 Now.

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    "Amazing Job"

    I was referred to Philip Wells by a friend after I was in a car accident. He did an amazing job and was very helpful. I didn't have to worry about anything.

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    We won, big time. The whole staff is top notch, dedicated and work hard to get you the best settlement possible. Special shout out to Brook!

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    Phillip and his team did an outstanding job handling my MVA case. My schedule made it difficult for me to see them during business hours and they were more than happy to communicate our my work schedule! The whole process was pain-free!
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