1. McMath Woods P.A.
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation
Practice Areas: Motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, product liability, premises liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injury
Background: Founded over 70 years ago by former Arkansas Governor Sid McMath and Henry Woods. Both founders were admitted to the Inner Circle of Advocates, recognizing them among the top 100 plaintiffs’ lawyers in the U.S. Six attorneys named to Best Lawyers of America list in 2022. Attorneys include Carter C. Stein (past president of Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association 2021-2022) and Sarah C. Jewell (partner since 2023, leads Fayetteville office).
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas (main office) with additional office in Fayetteville
Contact: (501) 530-4320 | https://www.mcmathlaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
2. Miller & Mallett P.A.
Focus Area: Personal Injury Litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability
Background: Founded by Peter Miller in 1986. Jessica Mallett has served as Managing Partner since 2018 and was elected President of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association for 2025. Recognized as Top Ten Attorney in Client Satisfaction and National Lawyer of Distinction. Additional attorneys include Paige Edgin (Bowen School of Law graduate, 2012) and Elijah Virden (William H. Bowen School of Law graduate).
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Contact: https://www.millerandmallett.com/
Consultation: Free consultation; contingency fee basis (no fee unless case is won)
3. Dodds, Kidd & Ryan
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Catastrophic Injury Claims
Practice Areas: Motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, defective medical devices, pharmaceutical litigation, workplace injuries, wrongful death, construction accidents
Background: More than 90 years of combined legal experience among firm attorneys. Trial lawyers with demonstrated courtroom experience and reputation with insurance companies. Have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured clients. Licensed in both State of Arkansas and Federal Court.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Contact: (877) 885-8839 | https://www.dkrfirm.com/
Consultation: Free case consultation available
4. The Brad Hendricks Law Firm
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Civil Litigation
Practice Areas: Automobile accidents, commercial truck accidents, medical malpractice, birth trauma, defective products, slip and fall injuries, Social Security disability, personal bankruptcy
Background: Over a quarter century of practice in Arkansas. Collective attorney experience exceeding 275 years. Six convenient office locations across Arkansas: Little Rock, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Conway, Texarkana, and Fort Smith. Focus on individualized attention and thorough case handling.
Location: Multiple Arkansas locations including Little Rock (main office)
Contact: https://www.bradhendricks.com/
Consultation: Free consultations offered; no pressure or obligation
5. Collins, Collins & Ray
Focus Area: Serious Personal Injury and Trial Litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Background: Offices in Little Rock, Mountain Home, and Texarkana. Trial lawyers who prepare each case for trial rather than settlement. Focus on handling only serious cases with high stakes. Attorney Brian W. Ray handles personal injury cases across Arkansas. Representation available throughout the state.
Location: 101 SE 11th Ave, Little Rock, Arkansas (with offices in Mountain Home and Texarkana)
Contact: (501) 603-9911 | https://ccrlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Personal Injury Laws in Arkansas
Statute of Limitations
Arkansas law provides a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits under Ark. Code § 16-56-105. The filing deadline generally begins on the date of injury. Special deadlines apply in certain circumstances:
Medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years from the date of malpractice under Ark. Code § 16-114-203. Exceptions exist for foreign objects left in patients that could not be reasonably discovered during the standard limitation period.
Wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within three years from the date of death under Ark. Code § 16-62-102.
Product liability claims have a three-year deadline from the date the product caused injury or death under Ark. Code § 16-116-203.
Intentional torts (assault, battery, false imprisonment) have a shorter one-year limitation period under Ark. Code § 16-56-104.
For minors under 21 years old at the time of injury, the statute is tolled until they reach age 21, after which they have three years to file.
Negligence Rules
Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar under Ark. Code § 16-64-122. Key principles:
- Injured parties can recover damages if found less than 50% at fault for the accident
- Recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party
- If found 50% or more at fault, the injured party cannot recover any compensation
- Example: If damages total $100,000 and the injured party is 30% at fault, recovery is limited to $70,000
Damage Caps
The Arkansas Constitution under Article 5, Section 32 prohibits caps on most personal injury damages, including compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The sole exception involves punitive damages, which are capped under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-55-208 at:
- $250,000, or
- Three times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater
- Maximum cap of $1 million
If the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant intentionally caused harm, no punitive damage cap applies.
Auto Insurance Requirements
Arkansas is an at-fault (tort) state, meaning the driver who causes an accident bears financial responsibility for resulting damages.
Minimum liability coverage requirements under Ark. Code § 27-22-104:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury (all persons)
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Arkansas has an add-on no-fault system where drivers may optionally purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP provides up to $10,000 in coverage regardless of fault, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits.
Insurance companies must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage, though these can be declined by policyholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I am partially at fault for my car accident in Little Rock?
Arkansas uses modified comparative negligence, which means you can still recover compensation if you bear some responsibility for the accident, as long as your fault does not reach 50% or more. Your recovery amount decreases proportionally to your fault percentage. For instance, if you are determined to be 20% responsible and your damages total $50,000, you would receive $40,000. However, if investigators determine you were 50% or more responsible, Arkansas law bars you from recovering any compensation from the other parties involved.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in Arkansas?
Arkansas provides a three-year window from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under state statute. While three years may seem like sufficient time, evidence can degrade, witnesses may become harder to locate, and insurance companies may dispute claims more aggressively as time passes. Medical malpractice claims have a shorter two-year deadline. Missing these deadlines typically results in permanent dismissal of your right to seek compensation through the courts.
What compensation can I recover in an Arkansas personal injury case?
Arkansas permits recovery of both economic and non-economic damages without statutory caps on compensatory amounts. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available, though these are subject to statutory limits.
Do I need an attorney if the insurance company has already made me a settlement offer?
Insurance companies typically make initial settlement offers quickly, often before the full extent of injuries becomes clear. These early offers frequently do not account for ongoing medical treatment, future complications, or the true impact on your quality of life. An attorney can evaluate whether the offer adequately compensates your losses, negotiate for better terms, and advise whether litigation might produce a more favorable outcome. Accepting a settlement generally requires releasing all future claims related to the accident.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Little Rock?
Seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries seem minor, as some conditions develop symptoms over time. Report the accident to police to create an official record. Document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Exchange insurance information with other drivers and collect contact details from witnesses. Report the accident to your insurance company as required by your policy. Avoid providing recorded statements or signing documents from the other driver’s insurance company before consulting with an attorney about your legal rights and options.