How Car Accident Settlements Work—and How Ludwig Law Fights to Maximize Yours

Car accidents can change your life in an instant. Medical bills pile up. You’re missing work. Your car is wrecked. And while you’re trying to heal, insurance companies are already working to protect their bottom line. At Ludwig Law, we help you level the playing field.

This post breaks down how car accident settlements work in Arkansas—and how our attorneys help you recover what you're truly owed.

Step 1: The Claim Starts with an Investigation

After a crash, an insurance adjuster will investigate the accident. They’ll look at police reports, damage photos, medical records, and witness statements to assess fault. But keep in mind: insurance companies are not neutral. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible.

That’s why it’s critical to get a lawyer involved early. Our team at Ludwig Law works to gather black box data, dashcam footage, surveillance video, and expert opinions to strengthen your claim from the beginning.

Step 2: Calculating the Full Value of Your Losses

Too often, accident victims accept lowball offers without realizing what their claim is worth. A fair settlement should include:

• Medical bills (past and future)

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Vehicle repair or replacement

• Out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., transportation, medical equipment)

We work closely with medical providers, economists, and vocational experts to document the true impact of your injuries.

Step 3: Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Once we build a comprehensive demand package, we negotiate with the insurance company. If they try to undervalue your case, we’re ready to push back.

According to a 2017 study by the Insurance Research Council, accident victims who hired attorneys received 3.5 times more in settlements than those who handled their own cases. That’s because we understand policy limits, liability disputes, and negotiation tactics.

Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit—If Needed

Not all cases settle quickly. If the insurer won’t be reasonable, we may file a personal injury lawsuit to keep the pressure on.

In Arkansas, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105). Our team handles every step of litigation—from discovery and depositions to expert testimony and trial preparation—while keeping you informed.

Why Clients Trust Ludwig Law

At Ludwig Law, we’ve recovered over $150 million for accident victims across Arkansas, Missouri, and Colorado. We know how to challenge delay tactics, uncover hidden policy details, and protect your rights when it matters most.

We also treat our clients with compassion. You’re not just a case file. You’re someone going through one of the hardest chapters of your life.

If You’ve Been Injured, Don’t Wait

The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to preserve key evidence. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, call Ludwig Law Firm today at 501-838-4043 or visit ludwiglawfirm.com for a free consultation.