The Scope of Drunk Driving in Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Transportation reports that alcohol-impaired driving continues to account for a significant share of traffic fatalities each year. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show more than 12,400 people were killed nationwide in 2023 because of drunk driving crashes. 

In Arkansas, impaired driving accounts for nearly 30 percent of roadway deaths, showing the prevalence and preventability of these tragedies. Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas commonly see many drunk driving crashes at intersections near nightlife areas and college campuses, major roadways such as I-49 and U.S. 71, rural highways connecting smaller towns, and residential neighborhoods late at night.

What Are Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries in Fayetteville, AR?

Unfortunately, drunk driving crashes often involve high speeds, erratic driving, and delayed braking, leading to catastrophic harm such as:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Victims may struggle with long-term cognitive problems, memory loss, and personality changes.
  • Spinal cord trauma – Injuries to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care.
  • Fractured bones – Broken arms, legs, or ribs are common and often require multiple surgeries to heal.
  • Internal organ damage – Blunt-force trauma can cause life-threatening bleeding and organ failure.
  • Disfiguring lacerations – Cuts from glass or metal may leave permanent scars or require reconstructive procedures.
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What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Drunk Driving Accident?

We help drunk driving accident survivors seek compensation for damages such as:

  • Emergency, ongoing, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and reduced earning potential in the future
  • Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
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Who Can Be Held Liable?

Drunk driving accidents may involve collisions with uninsured or underinsured drivers, multiple vehicles, and rideshare or commercial drivers. Some may even be high-speed rollover crashes. The intoxicated driver is usually the primary party held accountable. However, others may share liability, including:

  • Employers, if the driver was on the job
  • Establishments that over-served alcohol under Arkansas’s dram shop laws
  • Vehicle owners who allowed an impaired driver to use their car

What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?

If you are involved in a drunk driving accident, the actions you take immediately afterward can significantly impact both your health and your case:

  • Contact law enforcement right away to ensure an official accident report is created and the impairment of the driver is documented.
  • Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
  • Gather evidence, including photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible injuries, as well as the names and contact information of witnesses.
  • Notify your insurance carrier promptly, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you have consulted with a drunk driving accident attorney in Fayetteville, AR, from our firm.
  • Reach out to McMath Woods as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your case.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Drunk driving accident cases are rarely straightforward. Insurance companies may attempt to downplay the role of intoxication or shift blame onto the victim. Our skilled Fayetteville drunk driving accident attorneys will gather BAC test results, police reports, and witness testimony to prove liability. At McMath Woods, we ensure victims are not left to fight powerful insurance companies alone.

Attorney Charles Harrison

Why Choose McMath Woods to Handle Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Fayetteville, Arkansas?

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries, leaving victims to deal with overwhelming physical, financial, and emotional burdens through no fault of their own. At McMath Woods, we stand up for individuals injured by impaired drivers in Fayetteville and fight to ensure they are treated fairly throughout the legal process. We understand the complexities of these cases and the serious consequences they carry, and we work to hold negligent drivers fully accountable. Every case is handled directly by one or more of our attorneys, allowing us to provide personalized representation and clear, consistent communication from start to finish. By taking on a limited number of cases, we are able to devote the time, resources, and strategic focus each client deserves.

The strength of our firm is reflected in professional distinctions such as:

  • A/V Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Arkansas Times “Best Lawyers in Arkansas,” including Best Environmental Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers® Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year for Little Rock
  • Top 50 Arkansas Super Lawyers
  • 5 out of 5 rating by government counsel in automobile accident and injury matters

If you were injured in an accident, contact McMath Woods today to schedule a consultation and learn how our experienced drunk driving accident attorneys in Fayetteville, AR, can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

How long do I have to bring a claim?

What if I’m partially at fault for the accident?

What is the legal process like?

How do attorney fees work?

How long do I have to bring a claim?

Arkansas law generally provides three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, including claims arising from drunk driving accidents.

What if I’m partially at fault for the accident?

Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are less than 50% at fault, you may still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What is the legal process like?

After a drunk driving accident, an experienced attorney will investigate the crash, establish liability, and negotiate with insurance companies. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation or trial.

How do attorney fees work?

McMath Woods handles these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe fees if we recover compensation on your behalf.

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