Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Serving Paragould

Injured by an Impaired Driver? Protect Your Right to Bring a Civil Claim

After an alcohol-related collision, you may be facing medical treatment, lost income, vehicle damage, and pressure from insurance companies. From our Jonesboro base, we represent injured people in Paragould and examine the impairment evidence, medical documentation, financial losses, and insurance coverage that may shape a civil personal injury claim.

The impaired driver’s criminal or driver’s-license case is separate from your claim for compensation. You don’t need an arrest or conviction to pursue a civil case, and criminal proceedings don’t replace the need to prove causation, injuries, and losses. Crash reports, photographs, witness information, vehicle damage records, and available impairment evidence should be preserved as soon as possible.

Call (870) 782-4084 for a free case evaluation with our drunk driving accident lawyers serving Paragould. We can review the collision and explain your legal options.

Why Choose Wells & Wells?

  • You will get maximum compensation for your injury.
  • You’ll get a lawyer who has earned multiple awards & accolades.
  • You will pay nothing unless we win.
  • You get a team with 50 years of combined experience.
  • You’ll receive personalized and attentive representation.

Evidence That Can Shape a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

We investigate personal injury claims based on the evidence available in each case. After a suspected drunk driving collision, that may require examining both the crash and the separate investigation into the driver’s possible impairment.

Relevant evidence may include:

  • Crash investigation materials: The collision report, scene photographs, diagrams, citations, and vehicle damage documentation.
  • DUI & DWI Evidence: Officer observations, chemical-test information, admissions, and other records created during the investigation.
  • Witness evidence: Statements from passengers, motorists, pedestrians, or people who observed alcohol consumption before the crash.
  • Injury documentation: Medical records, bills, employment records, and other proof connecting the collision to physical and financial losses.

Losses Connected to the Collision

Depending on the evidence, a claim may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. A fatal collision may support a wrongful death claim, although recoverable losses and eligible claimants depend on Arkansas law and the family’s circumstances.

When an Alcohol Retailer May Be Liable

Arkansas Code section 16-126-104 addresses limited circumstances in which an alcoholic beverage retailer allegedly sold alcohol to a clearly intoxicated person and that sale contributed to an injury. These fact-specific claims may involve surveillance footage, receipts, witness accounts, and other records. The retailer’s conduct, causation, statutory requirements, and available defenses all require careful review.

50 Years of Combined Experience & Flexible Appointments

Serious injuries can make travel difficult. We offer home and hospital appointments for clients who can’t easily visit our Jonesboro office, giving Paragould residents a more accessible way to discuss a potential case.

Our recognitions include Best Lawyers in America, the Mid-South Super Lawyer Edition, Outstanding Lawyers in America, and recognition from the Arkansas Times for personal injury and workers’ compensation work. We’ve also reported a $1,130,000 wrongful death car wreck settlement and an $862,500 settlement for an injured car wreck victim. These results reflect our broader motor vehicle claim experience, but they aren’t identified as drunk driving cases and don’t predict the outcome of another claim.

Car Accident FAQ

Our Jonesboro car accident lawyers are here to answer your accident questions. Don't see an answer to your question? You can always contact the Wells & Wells office to schedule a free and confidential consultation!

  • What if I can't get in contact with the trucking company after my crash?
    If you made sure to collect the trucking company's contact information from the trucker at the time of your accident, but have not been able to get a hold of them, we may be able to help. Our truck accident lawyers are used to dealing with trucking companies and can help get the information you need. Oftentimes trucking companies are located in a different state than the one in which the accident occurred, so having an attorney contact them on your behalf may lead to better results than contacting them yourself.
  • Who is financially responsible in a trucking accident, the driver or the trucking company?

    The answer to this question depends on the situation and can be fairly complicated. Is the driver an employee or an independent contractor? Typically, a company cannot be held financially responsible for the actions of an independent contractor. To learn more about the "respondeat superior" theory and how this may influence your case, contact our truck accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

  • Why are trucks more likely to cause injuries in an accident than passenger cars?
    The primary difference between a trucking accident and a passenger car accident is the huge difference in weight. Because of the sheer difference in size, trucks typically cause more destruction in an accident than a typical passenger vehicle does. Trucks also can often be hauling hazardous or flammable material, which makes them more dangerous in an accident.
  • How long do I have to file my auto accident lawsuit in Arkansas?

    According to Arkansas Code Annotated section 16-56-105, motorists have up to 3 years following the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.

  • Are drivers required to carry car insurance in Arkansas?

    Yes, they are. At a minimum, all motorists are required to carry liability insurance in the amount of $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in a single accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in a single accident, and $25,000 for property damage in a single accident.

  • When am I required to report a car accident in Arkansas?

    Arkansas Code § 27-53-202 requires motorists to report a car crash any time that someone is injured or killed, or the damage to any property appears to be in excess of $1,000. All accidents should be reported to the Arkansas Office of Driver Services. While a police officer will typically make the report for you if one does not fill out the report at the scene you are still responsible to submit proper documentation.

  • What Damages Can be Recovered After a Car Accident?

    Although every case is different, car accident claims commonly pursue compensation for the following damages:

    • Pain and suffering
    • Lost wages
    • Loss of earning capacity
    • Medical expenses
    • Costs of rehabilitation
  • When Should You Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?

    If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an auto accident that was caused by another party's negligence, we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our car accident attorneys in Jonesboro today for the assistance that you deserve! You may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation for the injuries that you have suffered.

How We Handle a Civil Claim After a Drunk Driving Crash

We begin by determining how the collision occurred, identifying available evidence, and reviewing the resulting injuries and losses. We then explain the client’s options and pursue the claim through insurance negotiations or litigation when necessary.

A civil claim may involve several stages:

  • Initial evaluation: We review the collision, potentially responsible parties, insurance information, injuries, and immediate evidence concerns.
  • Investigation: We gather available crash materials, witness statements, medical documentation, and information related to possible impairment.
  • Claim preparation: We document liability and losses before presenting the claim to the appropriate insurers or other parties.
  • Negotiation or litigation: We pursue a resolution through negotiations or file a lawsuit when the circumstances call for litigation.

Arkansas Filing Deadlines & Other Legal Issues

Arkansas Code section 16-56-105 generally provides a three-year filing period for personal injury claims. Exceptions and different deadlines may apply, so the crash date isn’t the only factor to consider. Waiting can also make photographs, video, witness recollections, and other evidence harder to obtain.

Chemical Testing & Comparative Responsibility

Arkansas law requires chemical testing after certain motor vehicle crashes involving a death, a reasonable belief that death may result, or serious physical injury. Whether testing occurred and how the results may be used depend on the circumstances. Comparative responsibility may also affect the claim if the parties dispute how fault should be allocated.

Civil Jurisdiction in Greene County

Negligence cases arising from collisions in Greene County may proceed through the civil division of Greene County Circuit Court. A civil case is generally separate from any related criminal prosecution, even when both proceedings arise from the same crash.

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    "Amazing Job"

    I was referred to Philip Wells by a friend after I was in a car accident. He did an amazing job and was very helpful. I didn't have to worry about anything.

    - Pam D.
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    Is representing me in an automobile accident, super professional, very pleasant staff, never waited to have concerns addressed, regardless of final outcome if the need should arise again I will use their services again with no hesitation.

    - Allan P.
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    I came to Wells & Wells when I was needing legal help with my injuries from a vehicle accident. Throughout the process they were genuinely concerned about me mentally and physically. Total professionalism and they got the job done.

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    We won, big time. The whole staff is top notch, dedicated and work hard to get you the best settlement possible. Special shout out to Brook!

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    Phillip Wells was the most kind Man. He figured out my problem. I would recomend him to anyone. Awesome Attorney!!

    - Lisa H.
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    Phillip and his team did an outstanding job handling my MVA case. My schedule made it difficult for me to see them during business hours and they were more than happy to communicate our my work schedule! The whole process was pain-free!
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