Law Office of Cliff Collins Estate Planning Lawyer Cabot AR | Searcy Probate Attorney 2026-04-23T16:27:45Z https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1401667/2021/02/cropped-Cliff-Collins-site-icon-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[Does where you walk matter in a pedestrian injury claim?]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47553 2026-04-23T16:27:45Z 2026-04-23T16:27:45Z When the location of the crash may matter If a vehicle hits you, the place where the collision happened can become part of the claim, especially when fault is disputed. Insurance companies will review where you were walking when evaluating fault and responsibility. Where the crash happened can shape what people examine, including:
  • Sidewalk: Questions may arise about why the vehicle left the roadway.
  • Shoulder: Speed, lane control or distracted driving may become important.
  • Roadway: Visibility, traffic conditions or the lack of safe walking space may matter.
  • Intersection: Right-of-way rules may become important.
  • Parking lot: Drivers may fail to watch for people walking near parked cars.
Location can shape how a case is viewed, but it does not automatically decide the outcome. Driver conduct, road design and surrounding conditions can also carry substantial weight.

Rural and suburban roads can create added risks

Many roads in Central Arkansas have limited sidewalks, narrow shoulders or poor lighting, which can create added risks for pedestrians. If you were walking near the road, that may have been the only practical route available. When a crash happens, limited walking space can become an important part of the larger picture. Drivers still must watch the road, control the vehicle and react to visible hazards. In growing communities, road design does not always keep pace with how people live and travel.

How Arkansas may evaluate pedestrian accident cases

State law allows more than one person to share fault for a crash. Courts and insurers will usually consider the full circumstances rather than one issue alone. Pedestrians can share responsibility in some situations, such as stepping into traffic without enough time for a driver to react or walking where visibility is poor. Even then, fault does not always rest on one side. A driver may still carry responsibility for speeding, drifting onto the shoulder or failing to keep a proper lookout.

Looking at the full picture

Walking on a sidewalk, shoulder or roadway does not automatically determine who was at fault. In many cases, the real question is how the collision happened and whether the driver acted with reasonable care under the conditions. Even a small detail can carry weight when people examine the events that led to the collision.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[How long do you have to file a car accident claim in Arkansas?]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47547 2026-01-14T04:55:49Z 2026-01-14T04:55:49Z A car accident can upend your routine in seconds. Medical care, missed work and vehicle repairs often take priority. Even so, Arkansas law sets firm deadlines that control how long you have to seek compensation. Understanding those limits can protect your ability to recover damages.

Arkansas deadlines for car accident claims

Arkansas uses statutes of limitations to define how long you have to file a lawsuit after a crash. These deadlines depend on the type of harm involved and apply to court actions, not insurance negotiations. In most cases, Arkansas Code § 16-56-105 gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to claims involving bodily harm and related losses such as medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering. If the deadline passes, courts usually dismiss the case regardless of its merits.

Reporting requirements and insurance notice

Legal deadlines are not the only timelines that matter. Arkansas law also requires prompt accident reporting in certain situations. You must file an official SR-1 accident report with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration within 30 days if property damage exceeds $1,000 or if anyone is injured or killed. This reporting duty exists separately from any lawsuit deadline. Insurance policies add another layer. Most require notice of a crash as soon as reasonably possible. Missing these contractual deadlines can complicate coverage and give insurers grounds to question a claim.

Why timing affects the strength of a claim

Waiting to act can affect more than compliance with the law. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become hard to locate and medical records may look less connected to the crash. Prompt action can help:
  • Preserve evidence: Photos, vehicle damage and witness accounts are easier to secure early.
  • Support medical causation: Early treatment helps document injury severity.
  • Maintain credibility: Timely reporting shows the crash was taken seriously.
These factors often influence how insurers and courts view a claim.

Considering legal guidance

Because Arkansas deadlines are strict and exceptions are limited, many people choose to speak with an attorney early in the process. A lawyer can help you understand which deadlines apply, how statutes affect your situation and whether any exceptions might be relevant. ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[What if my injury means I can no longer work?]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47545 2025-10-23T13:01:23Z 2025-10-23T13:01:23Z Every day, you contend with traffic to earn a living. The implicit contract is that your body will hold up to the demands of your job. When an accident shatters that assumption, your focus will likely shift from recovering to surviving financially. If your injury means your work life is over or permanently altered, you need to understand the legal path to demand fair compensation for the total loss of your future income stream.

Lost wages vs. lost earning capacity

By law, there is a difference between the money you already lost and the money you will lose in the future. Lost wages cover the income you missed from the date of the accident until the time of the settlement or trial. This is generally easy to calculate using pay stubs. Lost earning capacity is much more significant. It represents the loss of your ability to earn income for the rest of your life because of your permanent injury. This is typically the financial bedrock of a truly disabling injury claim.

Your rights after a disabling injury

Workers' compensation benefits generally apply when injuries occur on the job, but the "coming and going rule" usually excludes injuries that happen during your standard commute or personal time. In these cases, personal injury claims become essential to secure your financial future. These settlements are separate and often much larger claims against the negligent party who caused your injury. Another financial lifeline is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This federal program provides monthly benefits to qualified individuals who cannot work due to a disability expected to last at least one year.

Pursuing a personal injury claim

If your injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, personal injury claims may provide compensation for:
  • Lost wages (both past and future)
  • Medical expenses (current and ongoing)
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Disability accommodations
Arkansas follows a "modified comparative fault" rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for your accident as long as you were less than 50% at fault. If a jury finds you were 10% at fault, for example, they reduce your total award by 10%.

True value of your claim

Insurance companies often calculate settlement offers based on immediate costs, not long-term impacts. This approach will likely fail to consider your career trajectory, potential promotions and retirement benefits. A proper valuation must account for inflation, rising medical costs and your specific career path. Courts recognize these factors when determining fair compensation for permanently disabled individuals.

Securing your financial future

The answer to "Can I get compensation?" is absolutely "Yes." But the true question is, "Will I get enough?" Valuing a lifetime of missed opportunities means every piece of documentation and every legal argument matters. When filing a personal injury claim, your focus should remain on your health. Experienced professionals can step in and shoulder the substantial burden of proving the full, devastating and permanent nature of your loss of earning power.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[What to do when a car crash injury costs more than expected]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47541 2025-08-01T09:10:00Z 2025-08-01T09:10:00Z The real cost of a car crash injury Arkansas is an at-fault state. This means the driver who caused the crash must pay for the damages through their insurance. But if your injury is serious, their policy may not cover all your losses. In Arkansas, fault is shared under a modified comparative fault rule. If you are partly to blame for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. However, if your share of fault reaches 50% or higher, you are not allowed to recover any damages.

You may be able to claim more than you think

Crash-related costs often go beyond what people expect. You may be able to recover compensation for:
  • Medical bills, including emergency care, follow-ups and therapy
  • Lost wages or missed work due to the injury
  • Reduced income if you cannot return to your usual job
  • Ongoing pain or lasting physical limits
  • Emotional stress, anxiety, or trauma
  • Damage to your vehicle
If these costs go beyond the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue more. This may be necessary if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement or your losses are significant.

Act quickly to protect your rights

Arkansas sets strict deadlines for filing injury claims. Taking action early gives your attorney time to gather evidence, assess fault and build a strong case. Waiting too long could weaken your claim or prevent you from recovering anything. If your crash injury is costing more than expected, an experienced Arkansas attorney can help you fight for the compensation you need to move forward.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[How can pedestrians protect themselves from crashes?]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47538 2025-05-02T14:41:42Z 2025-05-02T14:41:42Z thousands of people die in preventable pedestrian collisions, while tens of thousands of people sustain significant injuries. Many of these collisions occur because of poor choices made by motorists, but there are ways for pedestrians to reduce their risk of collisions. How can pedestrians prioritize their safety when walking on public roads?

Prioritize visibility

Obviously, those who walk from home to work can't wear neon clothing every day. However, there are ways that people can make themselves more noticeable to drivers without wearing fluorescent colors. Crossing at marked locations when the light gives the pedestrian the right of way is one of the best ways to ensure that drivers notice pedestrians as they approach an intersection. Trying to walk on lighted roads during transitional times of the day or after the sun sets can also help reduce the risk of a preventable crash.

Be careful in parking lots

Parking lots force people to share their space with numerous vehicles. Pedestrians may be at risk of drivers failing to notice them, especially if those drivers are under the influence or distracted while driving. Pedestrians in parking lots may want to look carefully before crossing behind or even in front of a parked running vehicle, as the driver may start moving with little warning.

Avoid distraction and impairment

When pedestrians are partially at fault for collisions, it is often because they engage in some of the same behaviors that drivers should avoid. Walking home from a bar or party can be dangerous, as people under the influence may stumble or may fail to properly monitor their surroundings. Similarly, distracted walking caused by mobile games, text messages or social media can be quite dangerous. People looking down at their phones might step out into traffic and end up hit by an oncoming vehicle. When a pedestrian crash occurs and it is clearly the fault of a motorist, the injured pedestrian can potentially request compensation for the expenses incurred because of the wreck. Establishing fault and quantifying the damages caused by the crash are both important steps for those seeking justice after pedestrian collisions. People who prioritize safety on the streets can limit their risk of getting hurt and increase their chances of making an effective compensation claim in the event that a crash occurs despite their best efforts.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[How trucking companies can work to prevent semi-truck wrecks]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47535 2025-01-29T19:18:35Z 2025-01-29T19:18:35Z one in 10 commercial vehicle collisions occur because of an issue with the vehicle. In such cases, the transportation company that employs the driver and owns the fleet vehicle involved in the class could be liable for the incident. In many cases, transportation companies are in a position to prevent those collisions. How can trucking companies reduce the likelihood or severity of collisions between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles?

Through assertive maintenance practices

When transportation companies are assertive about keeping their fleet vehicles in good condition, they don't fail at critical moments. Many crashes occur because of tire blowouts or brake failures. Ensuring that trucks receive regular inspections and repairs as necessary to keep them in ideal operating condition.

Through investing in appropriate guards

Federal safety rules require the installation of rear underride guards. However, the law does not require the most effective devices. Many transportation companies simply install the cheapest guards they can to remain compliant with the law instead of prioritizing safety by investing in stronger, wider rear underride guards. They may also choose not to install side underride guards, which can prevent fatal collisions.

Through clear client contracts

Sometimes, the issue with the semi-truck does not relate to a lack of guards or maintenance but rather an improperly loaded trailer. Transportation companies may need to include language in their contracts with clients. The driver needs to know if a load may contain liquids or other unstable items. Ensuring that clients carefully load trailers to balance the weight can also be important for the prevention of rollovers and similar collisions. Connecting the circumstances of a semi-truck crash to inappropriate transportation company practices can help people seek compensation for their losses. In scenarios where a transportation company contributed to the causes of a wreck, the parties affected by the crash may want to explore their options, which may include a personal injury lawsuit in addition to an insurance claim.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[How can people cover the costs of a drunk driving crash?]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47533 2024-11-05T23:04:51Z 2024-11-05T23:04:51Z With an insurance claim A surprising number of people mistakenly believe that insurance doesn't cover incidents involving criminal activity. Thankfully, liability insurance coverage can help pay for the cost of a drunk driving crash. Unfortunately, people who are irresponsible enough to drive while drunk may also let their policies lapse or may carry the lowest amount of coverage they legally can. Their insurance may not be enough to compensate the people affected by the collision.

With a civil lawsuit

Those hurt in a drunk driving crash can file a personal injury lawsuit based on the wrongful actions of the drunk motorist. Those who have lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Such lawsuits can result in an award compensating people for the totality of their medical expenses, lost wages and other economic consequences of the drunk driving crash. The impaired motorist may not have enough property or income to compensate the people they hurt. It is sometimes appropriate to look into a third-party lawsuit. For example, if the drunk driver left a bar before causing the crash, the bartender's decision to serve a visibly drunk person could make the business liable for the crash. Similarly, establishments that serve alcohol to minors could be liable after a crash occurs. Employers may have vicarious liability in scenarios where their employees cause harm to others through negligence or misconduct while on the clock. Even if the drunk driver was in their own vehicle, if they were on the job when the crash occurred, their employer might have a degree of liability. Reviewing the circumstances of a motor vehicle collision with a skilled legal team can help people evaluate their options. Taking legal action can potentially be a smart move for those dealing with major losses after someone else drove drunk and caused harm as a result.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[What happens after a crash caused by a driver without insurance?]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47516 2024-07-29T00:42:39Z 2024-07-29T00:42:39Z Uninsured drivers are a common hazard When compared with many other states, Arkansas is about average when it comes to the number of uninsured motorists. It is not in the worst states in the country or among the states with the lowest number of uninsured drivers. Data from 2022 insurance claims indicates that around one in six drivers in Arkansas may not have proper insurance at any given time. According to an analysis of claims filed in 2022, approximately 15.1% of motorists don't have the mandatory insurance to drive.

A lawsuit may be necessary

Uninsured drivers don't just put themselves at risk of an extra ticket. They also have to accept the financial liability that results when they cause a collision. A motorist without insurance coverage or with low insurance coverage may face a lawsuit if they injure another person or cause a fatal collision. A lawsuit can result in a judgment awarding the affected party compensation for the full financial impact of the collision. Occasionally, there may also be third parties with a degree of liability. Perhaps the driver was on the clock at work while driving. Maybe the crash occurred because of a defective part in their vehicle. In scenarios where a lawsuit is necessary to cover collision expenses, looking at secondary options for compensation can be a smart decision. The only other option available is to pursue a claim against uninsured motorist coverage. However, filing a claim against a personal insurance policy inevitably leads to higher policy premiums in the future. Those who aren't at fault for a car crash shouldn't have to pay their own expenses or absorb higher insurance costs either. Reviewing lawsuit options with a skilled legal team can be beneficial for those involved in a crash caused by someone without insurance.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[How a simple traffic maneuver increases the risk of a wreck]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47514 2024-04-29T16:55:10Z 2024-04-29T16:55:10Z Left-hand turns are surprisingly dangerous People approaching an intersection can head straight through or they can turn. Right-hand turns are often quite quick, as people do not necessarily need to wait for the traffic light to turn. However, left-hand turns often require waiting for a special signal to illuminate or a lengthy break in traffic. Drivers often turn with a sense of urgency when they must go left, and with good reason. According to an analysis of federal collision data, approximately 61% of all crashes at intersections involve someone turning left. Many crashes on high-speed rural roads also involve left-hand turns. The risk is so significant that major delivery companies plan driver routes with the intent of eliminating left-hand turns whenever possible. Municipalities have also taken to installing roundabouts at particularly busy and dangerous intersections to eliminate the need to turn left. Drivers can potentially account for this known traffic hazard by rerouting so that they can make multiple right turns instead of one left turn. They may also want to plan a trip that requires a left-hand turn for a time when they know traffic levels are usually lower. Motorists who understand how different choices contribute to their chances of a motor vehicle collision can make more safety-conscious decisions in traffic. Learning about the factors that help cause crashes can lead to better risk management for those who drive frequently.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Cliff Collins <![CDATA[Why should you stay out of a semitruck’s blind spots?]]> https://www.cliffcollinslaw.com/?p=47509 2024-02-01T01:27:46Z 2024-02-01T01:27:46Z No Zones." Due to the size and height of a semitruck, these blind spots are much larger than in passenger vehicles, and a car can easily disappear from a trucker's view if it's in these zones. You must be aware of these areas to avoid being in a position where the trucker can’t see you.

Avoiding the front and rear blind spots

The area directly in front of a semitruck is a significant blind spot. Due to the height of a truck's cab, the trucker can’t see a car that's too close to the front bumper. Maintaining a safe distance ahead of a semitruck ensures the trucker can see your vehicle and reduces the risk of a collision, especially in sudden traffic stops or slowdowns. Similarly, the area directly behind a semitruck is also problematic. Tailgating a semitruck puts you in a blind spot where the trucker can't see you. This position increases the risk of a rear-end collision and limits your view of the road ahead.

Navigating the side blind spots

The side blind spots of a semitruck are extensive, particularly on the right side. The right-side blind spot can extend several lanes wide, making it dangerous for vehicles to linger alongside a semitruck. Drivers must pass semitrucks quickly and safely, ensuring they don't stay in these blind spots longer than necessary. The left side also has a blind spot, but it's typically smaller than the right. Still, drivers should exercise caution when passing on the left and ensure they can see a trucker in their truck’s side mirror before attempting to pass. If you can't see the trucker, it’s likely they can't see you either. Crashes with semitrucks can cause significant injuries. Seeking compensation for your harm is important if you’re in this position and the crash was either not your fault or was only partially your fault. Arkansas law has strict time limits, so be sure to work with a legal representative to help you file a case swiftly.]]>