Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The short answer is...it depends. Let’s take a simple example: a car accident. If you just have property damage, it’s minimal, and you’re sure that all the people involved aren’t hurt – you can probably handle this one on your own. Most property damage settlements are fairly straightforward. If you just have a bruised knee, and your doctor says that you’re fine, you also probably don’t need an attorney. If, however, you have injuries with $3,000.00 in medical bills, it’s time to call an attorney. If your case is complicated by multiple parties with potential liability, it’s also time to call an attorney.Insurance adjusters are highly trained to make sure the insurance carrier keeps as much of its money as possible (and that you get as little as possible) for your injury or death claim. "Justice" is not the object of the game they are playing. If you or a friend or family member gets hurt, or worse, get a good lawyer early in the process. You have nothing to lose.

MARITAL PROPERTY IN ARKANSAS

At the time a divorce decree is entered, all marital property is to be distributed one-half to each party, unless the court finds such a division to be inequitable.

In that event, the court is to make some other division that the court deems equitable, taking into consideration several factors:

• the length of the marriage;
• the age, health, and station in life of the parties;
• the occupation of the parties;
• the amount and sources of income;
• all vocational skills;
• the parties’ employability;
• the size of the estate,
• all liabilities,
• the needs of each party
• the opportunity of each for further acquisition of capital assets and income;
• the contribution of each party in acquisition, preservation, or appreciation of marital property, including services as a homemaker;
• the federal income tax consequences of the court's division of property.
  

The definition of marital property excludes property acquired prior to marriage or by gift or by reason of the death of another, including, but not limited to, life insurance proceeds, payments made under a deferred compensation plan, or an individual retirement account, and property acquired by right of survivorship, by a trust distribution, by bequest or inheritance, or by a payable on death or a transfer on death arrangement,

The definition of marital property also excludes the increase in value of property acquired prior to marriage or by gift or by reason of the death of another.

The Attorneys of Gregg, Farris & Bumpers are highly skilled in the area of divorce and marital property distribution and are prepared to immediately help you with these matters. To schedule an appointment, call 24 hours a day - 1-800-364-1826.

CHILD SUPPORT IN ARKANSAS

In determining an appropriate amount of child support, courts are to refer to the family support chart contained in the Administrative Order of the Supreme Court Number 10. The family support chart provides a means of calculating child support based on the payor's net income. Administrative Order Number 10 defines income as any form of payment, periodic or otherwise, due to an individual, regardless of source, including:

• Wages,
• Salaries,
• Commissions,
• Bonuses,
• Workers' compensation,
• Disability,
• Payments pursuant to a pension or retirement program,
• Interest less proper deductions.
  

It is well established that this definition of income is broadly construed, intended to encompass the widest range of potential income sources. The administrative order also states that for self-employed payors, support is to be calculated based on the last two years' federal and state income tax returns and the quarterly estimates for the current year. Administrative Order 10 instructs that the court should also consider the amount the payor is capable of earning or a net worth approach based on property, life-style, etc.

The Offices of Gregg, Farris & Bumpers are prepared to help you with any and all of your child support matters. Call 24 hours a day – 1-800-364-1826.

Uninsured Motorists

Uninsured Motorists, January 2009. Approximately one in six drivers across the United States may be driving uninsured by 2010, according to a recent study from Insurance Research Council (IRC). Although the estimated percentage of uninsured motorists decreased nationally, from 14.9 percent in 2003 to 13.8 percent in 2007, the recent economic downturn is expected to trigger a sharp rise in the uninsured motorist rate.
Unfortunately, when people lose their jobs, or their money gets tight, their automobile liability coverage may lapse, but they may continue to drive uninsured. Now is a good time to review your coverage to include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Modifying Child Custody in Arkansas

Arkansas law is well settled that the primary consideration in child-custody cases is the welfare and best interest of the children; all other considerations are secondary. A judicial award of custody should not be modified unless it is shown that there are changed conditions that demonstrate that a modification of the decree is in the best interest of the child, or when there is a showing of facts affecting the best interest of the child that were either not presented to the chancellor or were not known by the chancellor at the time the original custody order was entered. Generally, courts impose more stringent standards for modifications in custody than they do for initial determinations of custody. The reasons for requiring these more stringent standards for modifications than for initial custody determinations are to promote stability and continuity in the life of the child, and to discourage the repeated litigation of the same issues.

Personal Injury Motorcycles Car Wrecks

Recently an Allstate Insurance Company commercial stated 60% of car wrecks occur within 5 miles of the driver’s home. This shows you that it is important not to go into mental “cruise control” just because you are near your home. Staying alert and ready to respond to a sudden emergency situation is critical to staying safe even as you approach your home.

There have also been many, many studies which show that most car wrecks are caused by drivers who are distracted or not paying attention. Distractions can include driving while using your cell phone, changing the station on your radio or IPOD, or operating your GPS system. Protect the ones you love and keep other drivers safe by limiting you use of these type of devices while driving.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle wreck, call Gregg, Farris & Bumpers for a free consultation. We will answer your legal questions about your personal injury claim and explain the personal injury claims process. Let the personal injury attorneys at Gregg, Farris & Bumpers be your settlement solution to maximize your personal injury recovery.

When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Many people who have been in a car accident do not know what to do after their car accident occurs. They do not know who they can turn to and who they can trust to help them. Many people do not even think about getting a car accident lawyer, let alone think about all of the trouble a car accident lawyer can save them.
Most injured people settle with insurance companies because it is a quick way to settle their immediate debts and problems, but they do not usually think about the medical follow ups of the bills that could later incur from their car accident. They could face additional medical bills, lost wages and lost work time, along with a number of other stressful factors. Hiring a car accident lawyer can eliminate many of those worries if not all of them.
If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident contact Gregg, Farris & Bumpers, personal injury attorneys and get the fair compensation you deserve.

Personal Injury Victims

Let’s face it - A car wreck can be a very scary and unnerving experience. It is critical that personal injury victims take the proper steps following a motor vehicle accident to gather and preserve evidence to enable them to obtain the maximum compensation they deserve. The following is a checklist for Arkansas personal injury victims:
The Accident Scene:
• Call the police
• Exchange information with the other driver, such as: name, address, telephone number, driver's license number, tag number, and insurance information.
• Gather the names and contact information for any witnesses
• If possible photograph the vehicles and scene of the accident
Following the Accident:
• If injured, seek immediate medical attention
• Notify your insurance carrier
• Photograph your vehicle
• Photograph any injuries
• Keep a log of your medical treatment to help document your daily recovery and pain and suffering
• Keep a log of all out of pocket expenses such as co-pays, prescriptions, and lost wages
• Keep all bills, receipts and documents associated with your vehicle's damage and repair
• Obtain a copy of the accident report
Other Key Points:
• Never admit fault to the other driver or police officer immediately after the accident
• Diligently follow through with all medical treatment and care.
• Do not speak with anyone from the other driver's insurance company or their attorney.
You can be sure that the insurance company will have lawyers and investigators’ working for them. That is why you need the experienced car accident lawyers at Gregg, Farris & Bumpers working for you. We handle car wreck cases all over the State of Arkansas and we are within easy driving distance from personal injury victims residing in Cleburne County, Stone County, Sharp County, Jackson County, and of course, Independence County since we are located in Batesville

Personal Injury Car Wrecks

On a daily basis in every city across the country, people risk life and limb without thinking twice about it. They hop into the car, crank up the music, turn on the cell phone, and cruise off down the road without a care. But, that casual errand or the usual daily commute can become a catastrophe in the blink of an eye if you are involved in an accident. For most people, that is the only time they consider what to do after a car accident. Hopefully, you won’t be involved in a car accident, but the odds are not in your favor.

If you or your family member suffers personal injury in an automobile accident, do not settle with an insurance company. Get your own expert and call the personal injury lawyers, Gregg, Farris & Bumpers.

Motorcycle Deaths in Arkansas

Two riders on a motorcycle were killed in a three vehicle crash shortly after noon Sunday, May 17, 2009 on Highway 63 in Fulton County, Arkansas, about 10.5 miles south of Mammoth Spring, according to Arkansas State Police Cpl. Kenneth Foley, as reported by the Batesville Guard & Record.

With today’s economy and gas prices, more and more motorcycles are on the road.
Motorcycle deaths in Arkansas increased 300 percent from 1997 to 2007. According to government statistics, there were 19 deadly motorcycle accidents in Arkansas in 1997 and the number increased to 76 in 2007. In fact, one in every nine car fatalities involves motorcycle riders.

As might be expected, these riders have little or no protection. At Gregg, Farris & Bumpers, we have been successful representing personal injury motorcycle victims. If you or a family member is injured in a motorcycle accident, call Gregg, Farris & Bumpers.

Did You Know?

An average of 42,000 people die as a result of car accidents and collisions each year in the United States alone.

Approximately 115 people die each day in the US as a result of car accidents. This amounts to 1 death per every 13 minutes.

Alcohol use is a factor in 2 out of every 5 car accidents.

In 2007, 13,811 passengers of vehicles and motorcycles died as a result of crashes.

In 2007, 26,801 drivers of vehicles and motorcycles diet as a result of crashes.

At Gregg, Farris & Bumpers, as personal injury attorneys, many of our clients are injured by drunk drivers. We believe these cases have a greater value than ordinary car wreck cases. They are very similar to accidents involving big trucks such as 18-wheelers in that jurors are not sympathetic to such defendants.

OUR EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN

The true settlement value of any case can only be reached by a careful and thorough accumulation of all information by experienced attorneys familiar with the litigation process.

There is no magic formula for determining the value of a case. The maximum settlement value of your case can only be achieved if the insurance company responsible is apprehensive about the consequences of their failure to settle. These are consequences only experienced trial attorneys can provide.

THE GREGG, FARRIS & BUMPERS METHOD

Protection of our client's best interest in the litigation process through aggressive and ethical representation.

Attacking litigation techniques as opposed to reacting to insurance company pressures.

Keeping you the client informed at all times of your case's progress.

OUR OFFICES

Our offices are open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. We are prepared to help you, your family, and your friends with all of your legal issues, which include but are not limited to Family Law, Criminal Law, Juvenile Crime, Guardianships, DHS, Social Security, Personal Injury, Automobile Accidents, Business, Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate, Elder Law, and Real Property Matters.

Call 24 hours a day at 1-800-364-1826

DIVORCE AND CHILD CUSTODY

For most couples children are the sole issue of their divorce. However, most parents fail to gain custody of their children because they don't know how to properly prepare for a divorce or make foolish decisions during their separation.

If you are planning to divorce or have recently separated, it is paramount for you to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can guide you through the divorce process and prevent you from making decisions that are not in you or your child's best interests.

OUR REPRESENTATION PROVIDES THESE BENEFITS FOR YOU

No attorney's fees or costs on personal injury cases due unless we recover for you.

Arranging with all health care providers for the postponement of collection efforts until recovery.
Investigating all possible sources of recovery.

Compilation of comprehensive settlement brochures, including itemized medical expenses, letters from physicians, medical reports, medical records, and wage loss information to maximize recoveries. Settlement brochures can include video tapes or photographs to effectively illustrate injuries.

Over fifty years combined experience in the evaluation and trial of personal injury claims enabling you the client to achieve maximum recovery.

LOCATION

262 E. Boswell Street · Batesville, AR 72501

OUR GOALS

Fair Settlement To Keep You Out of Court

Get Your Medical Bills Paid Immediately

Promptly Provide Answers to All Your Questions

Follow Through By Filing Lawsuits on Those Cases Where a Fair Settlement Is Not Offered

OUR SERVICES

We know what it is like to go through this complicated process, so we do our very best to help you get what you deserve. For accident cases, there is no fee until we collect for you. Flexible fees on all other cases.

We Can Help With:
Auto & Trucking Accidents
Medical
Negligence
Birth Injuries
Death Cases
Railroad / Boating / Aircraft
Accidents
Motorcycle / Bicycle Accidents
Construction Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents
Burn Injuries
Nursing Home Abuse
Defective
Products
Explosion
Social Security Disability
Family Law
Divorce
Custody
Adoption (Foreign & Domestic)
Guardianships
Criminal
Law
Business & Corporate Law
Estates & Trusts
Commercial
Litigation

Call 24 hours a day

1-800-364-1826

FULLER BUMPERS

Practice Areas:
Divorce; Custody; Criminal Law; Social Security Disability; Personal Injury; Juvenile Crime; Guardianships; DHS Matters; Wills & Estate Planning; Elder Law; Child Support; Small Claims

Education:
University of Arkansas, J.D. 2006; University of Arkansas – Little Rock, B.A., 2003

Admitted:
2006, Arkansas.

Memberships:
Independence County; Arkansas Bar Association

Born:
Memphis, TN; Nov. 20, 1974

Biography:
Attorney Ad Litem 16th Judicial District
Arkansas Public Defender’s Office (Attorney, 2007-2009)

PHILLIP FARRIS

Practice Areas:
Accidents; Automobile Accidents & Injuries; Medical Malpractice; Truck Accidents; Wrongful Death; Automobile Negligence; Plaintiff’s Personal Injury; Social Security Disability

Education:
University of Arkansas, J.D., 1974; Hendrix College, B.A., 1970

Admitted:
1974, Arkansas; U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit; Supreme Court of the United States of America

Memberships:
Independence County (President, 1976); Arkansas and American Bar Associations; Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association

Born:
Fort Smith, AR; June 13, 1948

Biography:
Phi Alpha Delta (Justice,1974); Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, 3rd Judicial District, 1975-1978; President, UALP Law School Association, 1988-1989; Fellow and Former Board Member, Arkansas Bar Foundation

Reported Cases:
Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services v. Ahlborn, 126 S. Ct. 1752 (5/1/2006); Dodson v. J.C. Penney Company, Inc., 336 F.3d 696 (8th Cir. 2003)

JOHN GREGG

Practice Areas:
Banking Law; Secured Lending; Commercial Real Estate Foreclosure; Commercial Real Estate Litigation; Creditors Rights; Commercial Insurance Defense; Civil Litigation; Probate

Education:
University of Arkansas, J.D., 1970; Hendrix College, B.A., 1967

Admitted:
1970, Arkansas; U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit; 1990, South Carolina

Memberships:
Independence County (President, 1976-1977); Arkansas (Member: Professional Ethics and Grievance Committee, 1975-1976; House of Delegates, 1976-1979); South Carolina and American Bar associations

Born:
Norfolk, VA; Jan. 22, 1945

Biography:
Phi Alpha Delta (Member, 1968-1970; Managing Editor, 1969-1970); Arkansas Law Review (Member, 1982-1984 and 1985-1987; President, 1986); Chamber Board, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce; Special Chief Justice Arkansas Supreme Court, 1990; Judge, Independence County District 2001-2004; Fellow and Former Board Member, Arkansas Bar Foundation