Do I Need A Fatal Crash Lawyer? A Simple Guide for Arkansas Families.

Do I Need A Fatal Crash Lawyer? After a deadly crash, grieving families often don’t know where to start. Learn why early legal support is critical in Arkansas wrongful death cases—and how it protects your rights and your loved one’s legacy.

WRONGFUL DEATH

Zach Bishop

6/5/20253 min read

Legal staff at the Ludwig Law Firm helps a client understand fatal crash law in bright office
Legal staff at the Ludwig Law Firm helps a client understand fatal crash law in bright office

We Help You Get Started

We’ve worked with Arkansas families facing unimaginable grief, unsure how to start handling legal or financial matters after a fatal crash. Some don't even know how to access the crash report or request medical records. Legal support helps ensure early steps—like preserving dashcam footage or witness statements—aren’t missed.

We Prepare you For The Quick Movement of Insurance Companies

We’ve seen Arkansas insurance companies make quick settlement offers to families within days—sometimes before the funeral. For context, Arkansas is an at-fault state (Arkansas Code § 27-19-501), meaning the insurer of the person responsible in a wrongful death case must pay—but they also try to minimize that payout. Families grieving the loss of a child, spouse, or parent may not understand the long-term consequences of signing paperwork too soon, but having legal representation can shield them from exploitation.

Wrongful Death in Arkansas Requires Legal Steps Through Probate

In Arkansas, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim (Arkansas Code § 16-62-102) —unless one hasn’t been appointed, in which case heirs at law may sue. We’ve seen many families stuck or delayed by not knowing this.

We Help You Identify The Amount You Can Recover In Damages

We’ve worked with Arkansas clients who didn’t know they could recover not just funeral costs, but loss of financial support, companionship, and even loss of parental guidance for minor children. Under Arkansas law, both estate damages (like medical bills) and family damages (like mental anguish) can be claimed. (Ark. Code § 16-62-102). Without legal guidance, these types of damages often go unclaimed.

We Give You Peace Of Mind, So You Can Grieve and Heal Properly

We’ve seen firsthand how Arkansas families are able to rest and heal when someone they trust is handling paperwork, court filings, and negotiations. Legal help doesn’t just secure compensation—it protects dignity and ensures the legacy of the loved one is honored with justice. Our Arkansas wrongful death attorneys serve Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway and cities across the state. Call us today.

📞 Call Ludwig Law Firm at 501-868-7500
📧 Email:[email protected]m
🌐 Visit: www.ludwiglawfirm.com

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. To get legal guidance tailored to your situation, please contact our office directly.

Arkansas wrongful death attorney Kale Ludwig stands ready to defend clients in Little Rock
Arkansas wrongful death attorney Kale Ludwig stands ready to defend clients in Little Rock

Frequently asked questions

Q: When should I hire a fatal crash lawyer in Arkansas?
A: You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after a fatal crash. An experienced lawyer can preserve crucial evidence, communicate with insurers, and begin building a claim while you focus on your family. Early legal action often makes a significant difference in the outcome.
Q: What does a fatal crash lawyer do?
A: A fatal crash lawyer investigates the cause of the collision, gathers witness statements and records, works with experts to establish liability, and pursues full compensation for the family. This includes damages for lost income, funeral costs, and loss of companionship.
Q: Can a lawyer help if the police already investigated the crash?
A: Yes. Even after a police investigation, a private attorney can uncover additional evidence and identify other responsible parties. Civil claims use a different standard of proof than criminal cases, so an attorney can often pursue justice even if no criminal charges are filed.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a fatal crash lawyer?
A: Most wrongful death and fatal accident lawyers in Arkansas, including Ludwig Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront fees — the firm only collects if they recover compensation for you.