Little Rock Attorney for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
It is against the law to drive while intoxicated in Arkansas, but unfortunately, that doesn’t stop some drivers from getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.
Alcohol can slow down a driver’s reflexes, impair their judgment, and even affect their ability to perceive their surroundings. Because of these effects of alcohol, drunk drivers put everyone on the road in danger. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation from the skilled Little Rock car accident lawyers at Denton & Zachary, PLLC.
Who is Liable For Drunk Driving Accidents in Arkansas?
Several parties could be held liable for injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident. The first is the driver who was operating a vehicle while intoxicated. In personal injury cases, a party is liable if the accident was caused by their negligence. Drunk driving is illegal, so choosing to operate a vehicle while drunk is considered negligence. For this reason, drunk drivers are often held liable when they are involved in accidents that injure others.
The drunk driver isn’t the only party that can be held liable for your injuries. The bar, restaurant, or other type of alcohol vendor that sold the drunk driver alcohol prior to the crash could also be liable. The state’s dram shop laws allow victims to take legal action against a vendor who sold alcoholic beverages to the driver even though the vendor knew or should have known that the driver was intoxicated at the time. The state’s dram shop laws also allow victims to take legal action against a vendor who sold alcoholic beverages to a minor.
For example, if you are injured by a drunk minor who was served alcohol at a local bar, you may be able to take legal action against both the minor and the local bar. This is because the local bar should have known that the minor was underage and therefore not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol.
Let the attorneys at Denton & Zachary, PLLC investigate your case to determine which parties are liable for your injuries.
How Long Will You Have to Take Legal Action After A Drunk Driving Accident in Little Rock?
The state of Arkansas limits the amount of time that victims have to take legal action to recover compensation for their injuries. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Arkansas is three years. This means if you have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you will have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Missing this deadline could affect your ability to recover compensation. If you file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires, the court will most likely decide to dismiss your case. Don’t wait until the deadline is right around the corner to take legal action—contact Denton & Zachary, PLLC as soon as possible after a crash.
What Types of Compensation Are Awarded to Drunk Driving Accident Victims?
Drunk driving accident victims may recover a number of different types of compensation, including:
- Economic Damages: This compensation covers monetary losses suffered by the victim such as medical expenses and lost income.
- Non-Economic Damages: This compensation covers non-monetary losses suffered by the victim such as mental anguish, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: This compensation is awarded in some cases in order to punish the defendant for acting negligently. To recover punitive damages, plaintiffs must show that the defendant chose to drive while intoxicated even though they knew or should have known that doing so could seriously injure someone.
The amount of compensation you are awarded will depend on the severity of your injuries, long-term impact of your injuries, and other factors. No two drunk driving cases are the same, so it’s best to let the personal injury lawyers at Denton & Zachary, PLLC review your case to determine how much compensation you may receive.
Discuss Your Case With Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Today
Were you injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver? If so, discuss your legal options with the experienced drunk driving accident lawyers at Denton & Zachary, PLLC right away. We have helped countless victims hold intoxicated drivers accountable and secure the compensation they deserve. Now, let us help you seek justice. To schedule a free consultation, call our law firm at 501-273-1695 or contact us using the form on this website.