Car accidents are unpredictable—and no one wakes up expecting to be in one. But in Arkansas, where highways like I-49 see their fair share of dangerous weather and heavy traffic, being prepared can make a massive difference in the aftermath of a wreck. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or property damage, having the right car insurance coverage and legal knowledge before you ever get behind the wheel could protect you from financial disaster.
Why Legal Preparation for a Car Wreck Matters in Arkansas
Car Wreck Attorney Tim Watson Jr. Located In Fayetteville, Ar explains the importance of legal preparation before a car accident. There’s an old saying that applies perfectly here: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In the legal world, most lawsuits arise from situations where proper preparation could have prevented the problem—or at least minimized the damage. Car wrecks are no different. Knowing what steps to take before a crash happens can save you thousands of dollars and months of stress.
The Harsh Reality: Many Arkansas Drivers Are Uninsured or Underinsured
In Arkansas, auto insurance is legally required, and every driver must carry at least $25,000 in liability coverage. This basic coverage is meant to pay for the injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident. But just because it’s required doesn’t mean everyone complies.
In fact, studies show that one in five drivers on the road in Arkansas has no auto insurance at all. That means there’s a 20% chance that the person who hits you won’t have any coverage to pay for your injuries, car repairs, or lost wages.
Even if the other driver does have insurance, they may only carry the state minimum of $25,000, which often falls far short of what’s needed after a serious accident.
Imagine This Scenario
You’re involved in a major accident on I-49 during a rainy morning commute. Your car is totaled. You suffer significant injuries and miss work for several months. The other driver is at fault—but they either have no insurance or only the minimum coverage. What now?
Without the right insurance on your own policy, you may be stuck footing the bill for someone else’s mistake.
The Best Way to Prepare: Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Here’s where uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage come into play. These optional add-ons to your auto insurance policy provide protection when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance—or doesn’t have enough.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage steps in when the person who caused the accident has no insurance at all. Your policy will pay for medical bills, lost income, and even pain and suffering that the other driver’s non-existent insurance would have covered.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage helps when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to fully cover your losses. Your insurance policy will cover the remaining balance—up to your policy’s limits.
These coverages are not automatically included in your policy. Arkansas law requires insurance companies to offer them, but drivers can decline. Many people opt out simply because they don’t understand what these coverages are—and that’s a costly mistake.
Isn’t It Expensive to Add UM/UIM to Your Policy?
Surprisingly, no—in most cases, adding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to your policy doesn’t significantly increase your premium. And considering the high number of uninsured drivers on Arkansas roads, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your own protection.
Premiums are usually based on the amount of coverage you choose. Most insurers allow you to match your UM/UIM coverage to your liability limits, and there’s no legal maximum in most cases. So if you carry $100,000 in liability, you can also carry $100,000 in UM/UIM.
Why You Need a Car Wreck Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident in Arkansas
Even if you’re fully insured, dealing with an accident claim isn’t always simple. Insurance companies don’t always play fair, and many accident victims find themselves overwhelmed by paperwork, phone calls, and delays. That’s where working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Arkansas can make a big difference. Calling car wreck lawyer Tim Watson Jr. located in Fayetteville, Ar is a great move no matter where you’re located in the state of Arkansas.
A skilled car wreck lawyer can:
- Deal directly with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Help you understand the full value of your claim
- Ensure you get the compensation you deserve
- Represent you in court if necessary
Need Help After a Car Wreck in Arkansas?
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck or want to make sure you’re legally protected before one ever happens, MGW Law Partners is here to help.
Contact Car Wreck Attorney Tim Watson Jr. Today, Located In Fayetteville, AR
Our experienced legal team serves clients throughout Arkansas, offering guidance, advocacy, and peace of mind when it matters most. Whether you’re recovering from an accident or just want to be proactive, we’re just a phone call or click away.
Call us today 479.765.5354 or schedule a free consultation.
Let us help you protect yourself before—and after—a car wreck.