Explicitly or implicitly, any U.S. law that’s in place is meant to protect us. Naturally, this includes driving laws. Each state has determined what we should be protected from, and this manifests itself in each area’s unique regulations for motorists.
Unfortunately, drivers break the rules occasionally, which can put you in danger. Being in an accident is deeply traumatic, and if the other driver caused it because he or she broke Arkansas’s driving laws, then you may want to attempt to get compensation for your recovery.
You can do this by filing a successful personal injury claim, which will hopefully give you some peace of mind.
Specific Rules in Arkansas
In Arkansas, every driver needs to obey the following laws.
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Seatbelt law: In Arkansas, every passenger in the front seat that is fifteen and older must wear a seatbelt. Children under five years of age or kids that weigh less than sixty pounds need to be in an appropriate safety seat.
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Drunk driving laws: Any driver who is 21 or older with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08 is considered to be driving drunk. Drivers under 21 aren’t allowed to have a BAC of more than 0.02. Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are an optional penalty, but they are not mandatory for first-time offenders.
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Open container laws: Arkansas doesn’t have an open container law that meets the federal requirements. Drivers are allowed to have an open container of alcohol as long as they don’t drink while in the act of driving. That being said, certain towns may have stricter rules.
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Distracted driving: Texting while driving is prohibited in Arkansas, and novice drivers aren’t allowed to use a cell phone at all while driving. Drivers 18-21 aren’t allowed to use a hand-held device either.
Drunk Driving Scenario in Arkansas
Since it’s illegal to have a BAC over 0.08 while operating a car, a driver with a BAC of 0.11 who hits your car and gives you a neck injury would most likely be at fault. If that’s the case, then consider filing a personal injury claim.
Arkansas isn’t a no-fault state by default, but you have the option of adding no-fault coverage to your plan. This gives you a number of options for filing. You could file through your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company, or by filing a personal injury claim.
Find an Attorney Who Can Help You
Car accidents are commonplace, but that doesn’t make them any less traumatic. A car accident can affect your emotional health, and perhaps most conspicuously, cause a severe injury that you could be nursing for weeks, months, or years.
If someone caused this accident because he was breaking Arkansas’s driving laws, then contact a personal injury attorney.
You should get all the help that you can; filing a claim is overwhelming enough without having to deal with an injury on top of that. An attorney can help you start getting your life back and serve as the ally you need.
