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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?

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 Fayetteville drunk driving accident attorney 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.

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Trusting McMath Woods With Your Case

Since 1953, McMath Woods has been one of Arkansas’s most respected voices for injury victims. Our attorneys have deep local ties and a proven history of success in high-stakes litigation. Families rely on us because we combine compassion with relentless trial advocacy, ensuring their stories are heard and justice is pursued.

Recognized as one of Arkansas’s top law firms, our mission is to seek justice for those harmed by negligent or impaired drivers. Every client receives direct attention from our attorneys, and many cases are handled by multiple lawyers to apply the full expertise of our firm. By taking on a limited number of cases, we focus our energy on each client, treating them with the dedication and care we would give our own families.

Reach out to McMath Woods today and let our drunk driving accident attorneys in Fayetteville, AR, guide you through the legal process while fighting 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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