Little Rock Hit & Run Accident Lawyers
Helping accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve after a driver hits their car and then leaves the scene
There’s no justification for a hit-and-run accident. Drivers who know that they caused an accident have a moral and a legal duty to stop. At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we understand the unique challenges in finding hit-and-run drivers and holding them accountable. We also understand how to help you obtain compensation if the hit-and-run driver can’t be found – through your own UM/UIM policy.
Our Little Rock hit-and-run accident lawyers are ready to help you show how your accident happened and why you should receive compensation for your financial and personal damage. Call us today for accomplished representation. We’ve helped many accident victims obtain strong recoveries.
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How can we help?
- Why do hit-and-run accidents occur?
- Why do drivers flee instead of providing help and contact information?
- What should I do after a hit-and-run accident in Little Rock?
- What laws govern hit-and-run driving in Arkansas?
- How do you hold hit-and-run drivers accountable in Little Rock?
- Can you help me receive compensation if the hit-and-run driver can’t be found?
- What injuries do hit-and-run accidents cause?
- What’s the value of a hit-and-run accident in Little Rock, Arkansas?
- Do you have a Little Rock hit-and-run accident lawyer near me?
Why do hit-and-run accidents occur?
Most hit-and-run accidents involve rear-end collisions. Rear-end accidents happen because the driver in the rear is speeding, driving while distracted, driving while intoxicated, or driving while tired. Hit-and-run accidents may involve other types of collisions, such as head-on crashes, broadsides, intersection accidents, and other accidents.
The main reason that most hit-and-run accidents involve rear-end accidents is that, often, in the other types of accidents, the driver who caused the accident is severely injured and/or their car is not drivable, which means they can’t drive away.
What should I do after a hit-and-run accident in Little Rock?
Your injuries/health dictate how you respond. If you or someone you’re with needs immediate medical care, then you should contact the police, who can help arrange for immediate medical transport to a nearby emergency room or burn center.
Our lawyers recommend that, to the extent you’re physically and emotionally able, you:
- Contact the police. In the event of an accident, it’s your duty to call the police. The police can:
- Help ensure you receive emergency medical care
- Clear the accident site so no further accidents happen, and so traffic can proceed
- Obtain all necessary information. This includes the names, phone numbers, and contact information for each driver, passenger, and witness who remains at the accident site. Necessary information also includes the driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information for each driver.
- Conduct an initial investigation. This includes making an initial determination about who may be responsible.
- Investigate the whereabouts of the hit-and-run driver and their vehicle. The police can ask everyone at the site, including any witnesses, to say what they know about the hit-and-run driver or their vehicle. This may include the make, model, color, and design of the vehicle. It will also likely include any information about the driver, such as their sex, age, and other identifying characteristics.
- File any citations or criminal charges. The police may file speeding tickets, DUI charges, or other traffic/criminal charges.
- Observe and note anything you can about the driver and the car. You can make notes by pencil and paper or any electronic device you have.
- Try to determine if anyone witnessed the accident or the hit-and-run driver.
- Try to determine if there are surveillance cameras nearby.
What laws govern hit-and-run driving in Arkansas?
Arkansas Code Ann. §§ 27-53-101 through 27-53-105 provides the specific requirements to report and provide assistance after an accident with a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, or any other vehicle), a pedestrian, or a bicycle rider.
- Section 101. This section defines a “physical injury” and a “serious physical injury.” Drivers involved in an accident that causes physical injury or serious physical injury must comply with section 103. The driver must stay at the accident site (when it’s safe to do so).
Drivers may face felony charges for violating this section.
- Section 102. Generally, a driver who is involved in an accident where there is only property damage must comply with section 103. There are additional duties to remove vehicles from the roadway, if it’s safe to do so, and the car is drivable.
In Arkansas, there are also possible criminal penalties for hit-and-run drivers. While leaving the scene of an accident with only property damage is typically a misdemeanor, if injury, death, or significant property damage is involved, charges may rise to a felony.
- Section 103. Generally, if a driver is involved in an accident where someone suffers injury or death, the driver must provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number. On request, they should also exhibit their driver’s license or CDL (commercial driver’s license). They should also provide assistance, including arranging for medical transport if necessary. The responsible driver must remain at the scene if the police are called.
Drivers who violate any of these sections may also face related charges, such as driving under the influence.
Section 104 explains what to do if a driver strikes an unattended car, such as a parked car. Section 105 explains the duties if a driver damages fixtures or other property near a highway.
How do you hold hit-and-run drivers accountable in Little Rock?
We work with the police, investigators, eyewitnesses, and anyone else who may have information that can identify the hit-and-run driver. We file a claim with the driver’s insurance company if we find the driver. Otherwise, as we discuss below, we file a claim through your UM/UIM carriers.
We also work with the police, investigators, and others to show how the accident happened and that the hit-and-run driver was responsible because they were speeding, driving while distracted, were drunk, or for other reasons.
Our lawyers work with your medical providers, employers, and car mechanics/appraisers to determine your damages.
Our Little Rock hit-and-run lawyers negotiate just settlements with the insurance carriers. We argue your case before a judge and jury if there is no settlement of your case.
We’ve helped many accident victims obtain strong verdicts and settlements.
Can you help me receive compensation if the hit-and-run driver can’t be found?
Yes. You can file a claim through your UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured) insurance policy. Most drivers who purchase liability insurance (all drivers must buy minimum insurance) also purchase UM/UIM insurance. As long as we can verify that your accident is due to a hit-and-run driver, then we can file a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim with your UM/UIM carrier.
We’re prepared to explain who else can use your UM/UIM policy if someone drives your car with your permission or someone in your household is hurt while walking or riding their bicycle. Generally, named drivers on your insurance policy and any family members who live in your household can file a UM/UIM claim when a hit-and-run driver causes an accident.
What injuries do hit-and-run accidents cause?
Our lawyers work with your doctors to verify your injuries, understand all the medical care you will need, and determine how your injuries are affecting everything you do. We handle all types of serious injuries due to rear-end accidents or any other type of accident caused by a hit-and-run driver.
These injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Fractures/broken bones
- Nerve, ligament, tendon, and muscle damage
- Organ damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
- Other serious injuries
- Death
What’s the value of a hit-and-run accident in Little Rock, Arkansas?
At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we fight to maximize your physical and emotional health and your finances. We demand compensation for all the damages so far and all the damages that you’ll have in the future. These damages include:
- Your medical bills of every type
- Your lost income and benefits, including long-term disability compensation
- Your daily pain and suffering of every type
- The damage to your vehicle
- The inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- The loss of consortium (enjoyment and comfort of your spouse)
- Loss of bodily function
If we can locate the hit-and-run driver, we may file punitive damages because leaving the scene of an accident is unconscionable (and shows a malice or reckless disregard for others).
If your loved one died because of a hit-and-run driver, we file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family members.
Do you have a Little Rock hit-and-run accident lawyer near me?
Yes. Our Little Rock office is located at 15 N McKinley. Suite #250-J. Our office is just a 5-minute walk from the Little Rock Zoo by the Park Plaza Mall. We also consult with patients by phone and through online video (such as Zoom and FaceTime). We can meet clients who are unable to travel at their home or a nearby healthcare facility when necessary.
We’re here to fight to hold the hit-and-run driver liable through his insurance or through your own UM/UIM insurance.
Get help from our respected Little Rock hit-and-run accident lawyers today
We understand how angry you are. It’s bad enough that your life is changed because someone put their needs before your safety. It’s outrageous when they fail to take responsibility for their actions. At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we have nearly 40 years of experience fighting for accident victims and families. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
