Arkansas Major Personal Injury Attorney

Car wrecks are an unfortunate reality on Arkansas roads, often leading to serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens for those involved. Awareness of common causes of car wrecks and the challenges of working with insurance companies is crucial for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Car Wrecks in Arkansas

Car wrecks in Arkansas occur for many reasons, but a large number of them are preventable. Distracted driving, such as using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other activities that divert attention from the road, is one of the leading causes. 

Even brief distractions can lead to serious collisions. Speeding and reckless driving are also significant contributors, with excessive speeds and dangerous behaviors like tailgating or improper lane changes increasing both the likelihood and severity of accidents. Additionally, impaired driving—caused by alcohol or drug use—poses a major threat, as it impairs reaction times and judgment, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. 

Arkansas law holds impaired drivers accountable, and victims of these accidents may be entitled to pursue compensation for their losses.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Car Wreck

In Arkansas, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering the damages caused by a car wreck. Arkansas law requires drivers to carry liability insurance (minimum 25/50/25 coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury, and $25,000 in property damage), and an at-fault driver’s insurer is on the hook up to those limits. Victims also have the option of using their own coverage (like MedPay or UM/UIM coverage) if applicable, but fundamentally Arkansas places liability on the party who caused the injury.

An injured plaintiff can still recover damages if they are partly at fault, as long as their share of fault is less than 50%. However, any award they receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a plaintiff was 20% at fault for an accident, their damages are reduced by 20%. A $10,000 judgment would be cut to $8,000 in that scenario.

However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing liability or the extent of your damages. Working with a legal advocate who understands Arkansas’s at-fault system can help you navigate these challenges and secure fair compensation.

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their primary goal is to settle claims for as little as possible. By thoroughly documenting your injuries, gathering evidence, and presenting a compelling case, we can effectively advocate for your full and fair compensation. Whether it’s medical expenses, lost wages, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering, every aspect of your claim is handled with precision to achieve the best possible outcome.

Car wrecks can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Gates Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the challenges of recovering physically, emotionally, and financially after an accident. Contact us today at (501) 779-8091 for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.

Truck and 18-wheeler collisions are among the most devastating types of accidents on Arkansas roads. These cases often involve severe injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex

Truck accident cases are more complex than standard car accident claims because they involve unique legal, logistical, and regulatory factors.

The following elements highlight why these cases require a deeper level of attention:

• Federal Regulations: Trucking companies and drivers are subject to strict rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), such as limits on hours of service, vehicle maintenance requirements, and cargo-loading standards. Violations of these regulations can significantly impact liability.
• Multiple Parties Involved: Unlike typical car accidents, liability in truck accidents may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or even manufacturers of defective truck parts. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation of all involved parties.
• Extensive Evidence: Truck accident cases often involve unique evidence, such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box records, maintenance logs, and driver training records. Preserving and analyzing this evidence is crucial to building a strong case.
• Severe Damages: Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, leading to higher financial stakes and more extensive compensation claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.

Truck accident cases underscore the importance of pursuing a detailed investigation to hold all liable parties accountable and secure fair compensation for victims.

Common Causes of Truck and 18-Wheeler Collisions

Truck and 18-wheeler collisions often result from preventable issues tied to negligence by drivers, trucking companies, or other parties. Driver fatigue is a common problem, as truck drivers frequently face grueling schedules that impair their reaction times and decision-making abilities. When federal limits on driving hours are ignored, the risk of fatigue-related accidents increases, often with devastating consequences, especially at high speeds. Another major cause is improperly loaded or overloaded cargo, which can destabilize a truck or make it harder to control and stop.

Shifting loads or excessive weight can create serious hazards, and trucking companies are responsible for following proper cargo-loading procedures. In addition, neglected maintenance and equipment failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, are leading contributors to catastrophic truck accidents.

Regular maintenance and inspections are critical, and when these are overlooked, trucking companies may be held liable. Maintenance logs and inspection records often play a vital role in determining responsibility in these cases.

Injuries From Truck Accidents: The Devastating Impact

Truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries due to the immense force involved in these collisions.

• Catastrophic Injuries and Long-Term Disabilities: Victims of truck accidents frequently suffer severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, leaving victims with significant financial and emotional burdens.
• Wrongful Death Claims in Fatal Truck Accidents: Tragically, many truck accidents lead to fatalities. Families who lose loved ones in these collisions may pursue wrongful death claims to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional pain. Arkansas law provides legal pathways for families to hold negligent parties accountable for their loss.

Trucking companies and drivers must adhere to strict safety standards. When they fail to do so, holding them accountable requires thorough investigation and legal action.

Truck and 18-wheeler collisions can leave victims and their families facing immense challenges, from catastrophic injuries to financial hardships. At Gates Law Firm, PLLC, we can hold negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable by investigating every detail of your case. From utilizing federal regulation violations to black box data, we can develop a tailored strategy to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Arkansas, contact Gates Law Firm, PLLC today for a free consultation. Let us help you rebuild your life and secure the recovery you need.

Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. Arkansas law provides clear pathways for holding these parties accountable when their products harm consumers.

Defects in products typically fall into three categories:

• Manufacturing Defects: These occur when a product is improperly assembled or manufactured. Even if the design is safe, errors during production can make the product dangerous. For example, a car with a faulty brake system due to manufacturing errors may cause a serious accident.
  Design Defects: Design defects exist when a product is inherently unsafe, even when manufactured correctly. These flaws are present in the product’s blueprint and affect every unit produced. For instance, a poorly designed child car seat that fails to protect during a collision is an example of a design defect.
• Failure to Warn: Some products have inherent risks that consumers need to be warned about. A failure to include adequate instructions, warnings, or labels about potential dangers can lead to injuries, making manufacturers or sellers liable. An example could be a medication that does not list potential side effects.

Common Types of Product Liability Cases

Product liability cases often involve a wide range of defective products that pose serious risks to consumers. Dangerous consumer products, such as electronics, appliances, or toys, can cause harm if they are not properly tested or have hidden defects. For example, an electronic device prone to overheating could lead to fires, injuries, or property damage. 

Defective automotive components, like airbags, brakes, or tires, are another common source of product liability claims, as these parts are essential for vehicle safety. A malfunctioning airbag that fails to deploy during a collision, for instance, can result in catastrophic injuries. 

Similarly, hazardous medical devices and pharmaceuticals, including surgical implants or prescription drugs, can lead to severe complications if they fail to meet safety standards. A faulty pacemaker or a medication with undisclosed side effects can cause life-threatening injuries, making these cases particularly serious.

Defective products can leave victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional distress. At Gates Law Firm, PLLC, our Arkansas major personal injury attorney uses a comprehensive legal strategy to hold negligent manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible for the harm their products cause. With a thorough approach to gathering evidence and building a strong case, we work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, contact Gates Law Firm, PLLC today for a free consultation. Let us fight for justice on your behalf so you can focus on moving forward.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe and life-altering injuries a person can suffer. These injuries can affect every aspect of a victim’s life, from their physical health to their emotional well-being and financial stability. Understanding what TBIs are, how they occur, and their impact is essential for victims and their families to pursue justice and compensation under Arkansas law.

Common Causes of TBIs

Traumatic brain injuries can result from various incidents, many of which involve negligence or preventable situations. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Car and Truck Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of TBIs in Arkansas. The force of impact during a crash can result in the brain striking the inside of the skull, leading to significant damage. Victims may suffer TBIs even in low-speed accidents, depending on the circumstances.
• Falls and Workplace Accidents: Slip-and-fall incidents, construction site accidents, and unsafe working conditions often lead to head injuries. Falls from heights or onto hard surfaces can cause severe trauma to the brain.
• Defective Products: Faulty safety equipment, such as helmets or airbags, can fail to protect users and lead to TBIs during accidents. Arkansas product liability laws hold manufacturers accountable for defective products that contribute to such injuries.

How TBIs Impact Victims and Their Families

The impact of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) goes far beyond the initial diagnosis, often affecting every part of a victim’s life and placing immense emotional and financial strain on their loved ones. Many TBI victims face cognitive and emotional challenges, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety, and mood swings. These struggles can disrupt their ability to work, maintain relationships, or regain a sense of normalcy. 

Additionally, severe TBIs can lead to physical disabilities, including the loss of mobility, coordination, or motor skills. Victims may require assistive devices, ongoing physical therapy, or long-term care to manage these limitations, creating a lasting impact on their quality of life and independence.

For families, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can bring significant emotional and financial strain. Caring for a loved one with a TBI is often emotionally exhausting and financially overwhelming, as families face rising medical bills, lost income, and the need to make major lifestyle adjustments to support the victim’s recovery. Additionally, the changes in a loved one’s personality, cognitive abilities, or physical independence can lead to a profound sense of loss. Families often struggle with the emotional toll of adapting to a new reality, mourning the companionship and connection they once shared.

Traumatic brain injuries can leave victims and their families facing lifelong challenges, but you don’t have to face this journey alone. At Gates Law Firm, PLLC, we advocate for TBI victims across Arkansas. From identifying the cause of the injury to pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering, we can help you secure the justice and financial recovery you need.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, contact Gates Law Firm, PLLC today for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your future and rebuild your life with the support and guidance you deserve.

After suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence, pursuing compensation is a critical step toward recovering financially and emotionally. Arkansas personal injury law allows victims to recover various types of damages, each designed to address specific aspects of the harm suffered. Understanding the categories of compensation available can help you assess the full scope of your claim and work toward securing the justice you deserve.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible, measurable losses that directly result from the injury. These damages are intended to reimburse victims for the financial impact of the accident.

• Medical Expenses: This includes all past, current, and future medical costs related to your injury. Hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and even long-term care needs fall under this category. Arkansas law allows victims to recover compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred due to the accident.
• Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If your injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to recover compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injury reduces your ability to earn income in the future, Arkansas law provides for damages related to diminished earning capacity.
• Property Damage: In personal injury cases involving car accidents or other property loss, victims can recover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property. For example, vehicle repair costs can be included in your claim if your car was damaged in a collision.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of an injury. These damages are less tangible than economic damages but are just as important to fully compensate victims for their suffering.

• Pain and Suffering: Arkansas personal injury law allows victims to recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. This category accounts for the severity of the injury, the duration of recovery, and the impact on your daily life.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury prevents you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed or significantly diminishes your quality of life, you may be entitled to damages for loss of enjoyment of life. This could include hobbies, social activities, or family time you can no longer participate in due to the injury.
• Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: Serious injuries often lead to emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for emotional distress addresses the psychological impact of the accident and its aftermath.

Recovering full and fair compensation after a personal injury is essential to rebuilding your life. The financial, physical, and emotional toll of an accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Gates Law Firm, PLLC, we work diligently to help personal injury victims in Arkansas secure the compensation they need to move forward. From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, we carefully evaluate every aspect of your case to pursue the maximum recovery possible.

Contact Gates Law Firm, PLLC today for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery and future.

In Arkansas, individuals who have suffered a personal injury generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim seeking compensation. This timeframe applies to incidents such as car accidents, slip-and-falls, injuries resulting in wrongful death, or other situations caused by negligence. While this three-year window provides an opportunity to seek justice, it’s important to act promptly, as waiting too long may result in the loss of your legal rights.

There are, however, certain exceptions that can modify this standard timeframe:

• For medical malpractice cases, claims must typically be filed within two years from the date of the negligent act, which may not be the date that the injury is discovered (like a misdiagnosing cancer).
• If the injured party is a minor under the age of 21, the statute of limitations is paused until their 21st birthday, allowing them until the age of 24 to file a lawsuit.
• Additionally, under the discovery rule, if an injury is not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin when the injury is discovered or should reasonably have been discovered.

Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing the compensation and accountability you deserve. To protect your rights and ensure your case is handled within the appropriate timeframe, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can provide guidance and help you manage the complex aspects of the legal process with care and professionalism.