Cottrell Law Office

Wes Cottrell has over 32 years of experience helping the injured in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. He primarily helps those with personal injury issues due to the negligence of others, as well as those injured at work or who can't work and need social security disability benefits. Wes works closely with his clients in a partnership, combining his legal expertise with his clients' goals and knowledge of their personal circumstances to achieve the best result possible.

The Cottrell Law Office has over 32 years experience helping the injured in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas. We primarily helps those with personal injury issues due to the negligence of others, as well as those injured at work or can't work and are in need of social security disability benefits.

The Cottrell Law Office will handle your case and deal directly on your behalf with the other party's insurance company. Our firm has developed a reputation for being among the best at what we do - getting results for our clients. Our goal is to make the legal process as painless as possible and get you justice through compensation for your injuries.

Car accidents and other personal injury cases generally require proving that the at-fault party was negligent.

Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-64-122(c), "fault" includes any "act, omission, conduct, risk assumed, breach of warranty, or breach of any legal duty which is a proximate cause of any damages sustained by any party."

Notably, however, Arkansas follows comparative fault rules, which govern situations where more than one party is at fault for the accident.

Thus, if an injury victim is found to be even partially at fault, their damages will be reduced in proportion to their share of liability.

Comparative negligence rules can be a complicated topic. Thus, if you have questions about whether and to what extent these rules may apply to you, speak with a qualified legal professional to discuss the facts of your case in more detail.

Arkansas Car Accident Statute of Limitations

Importantly, injury victims do not have unlimited time to file their claims.

Rather, Arkansas law imposes a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury actions, meaning that in most cases, you must file your claim within three years of the date of the accident. Because time is of the essence, it's crucial that you seek assistance as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

What to Know About Hiring an Arkansas Car Accident Lawyer

Many people aren't sure whether they should hire an attorney for their car accident case.

If you're not sure whether working with a lawyer is the right decision for you, below are a few things to keep in mind before moving forward.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident lawyer can assist with nearly every facet of your car accident claim. For example, an attorney can help you:

Assess the strength of your case and determine the best course of action for your legal claims;

Gather evidence that can be used to help prove the defendant's fault;

Locate and prepare potential eyewitnesses who may be able to testify on your behalf;

Negotiate with opposing parties, their insurers, and legal counsel in an effort to reach a favorable settlement; and

Prepare for and take your case to trial when a fair and reasonable settlement is not feasible.

In short, an Arkansas car accident attorney can take some of the weight off of your shoulders so you can get back to focusing on recovering from your injuries.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Car Accident?

The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer will vary from firm to firm. For example, some firms will charge an hourly rate for any services provided throughout the course of your case.

In such situations, the total cost of the lawyer's services will depend on the total time required to settle the matter or litigate it to a conclusion.

Conversely, some firms will work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer will receive a percentage of your total settlement or judgment, and you don't pay anything unless and until you get your compensation.

Before selecting a firm to handle your car accident case, be sure to consult with an attorney to discuss what their fee arrangement will look like.

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