Fayetteville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you’re going to need help. You’ll have to deal with the other driver’s insurance company. If your claim is denied, you’ll need to file an appeal. The best way to do this is to have an experienced Fayetteville motorcycle accident lawyer handle it for you.
Motorcycle accidents are some of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. They cause very serious injuries for everyone involved, but especially for the motorcycle rider. This is because there’s nothing there to protect them other than a plastic helmet.
Because the injuries are so serious, you may have a significant claim for damages. Your attorney will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. You should call and schedule your free initial consultation right away.
The last thing you need to do is worry about insurance companies and lawyers. Let your Fayetteville injury lawyer handle the legal side of things. You need to focus on recovering from your injuries.
Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Fact Sheet
Am I Responsible for My Expenses if I Get into a Motorcycle Crash in Fayetteville, AR?
Most states follow a “no-fault” insurance system. In those states, you can file your insurance claim regardless of fault. So, if you weren’t at fault but the other driver is uninsured, you can still file a claim against your own policy. This isn’t the case in Arkansas.
Arkansas follows an “at-fault” insurance system. In Arkansas, the person who was at fault for the accident is the one held liable. The motorist who caused the accident is the one held liable for any damages that are caused by the crash.
If you get into a motorcycle accident and the other driver was at fault, you will have to file a claim against their insurance policy. Hopefully, your claim will be approved and you’ll get your check in a week or so.
If your claim is denied, your Fayetteville motorcycle accident attorney will have to appeal your claim. They’ll reach out to the insurance adjuster and try to negotiate a settlement. If this isn’t possible, they’ll have no choice but to file a lawsuit against the other driver.
You will run into problems if the other driver has no insurance. If this is the case, you may be able to file a claim against your own uninsured motorist’s policy. If you don’t have one, you could run into issues. You can still file suit against the driver, but it’s very hard to collect on a personal injury judgment against an individual.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you get into a motorcycle accident in Arkansas, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to call 911. You need to make sure you get the medical attention you need. Motorcycle accident victims tend to suffer very serious injuries. You may need an ambulance.
You also need to make sure the police come to the scene. They will check to make sure everyone’s okay. They’ll also investigate the scene and try to figure out what happened. They’ll prepare a police report that has very valuable information in it.
The police report has information your Fayetteville motorcycle accident attorney will need to prove your case. Some of this information includes:
- Description of the accident scene and road conditions
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Pictures of the victims, the cars and the scene
- Statements made by the drivers involved
- License and insurance information for all parties involved
- Notes about any tickets or citations issues
While your attorney may be able to get some of this information later on, it won’t be easy. Even if they can get their hands on this stuff, it’ll be expensive and time consuming.
The police will also check to see if either of the drivers were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If they were, the cops will arrest them and charge them with DUI. If the other driver was charged with DUI, it can be used to help prove fault.
If the other driver tries to convince you to not call the police, be careful. There’s never a good reason to not call 911. You need the police to do their job and investigate the accident scene. Some of the reasons the other driver may not want you to call the cops include:
- They don’t have a valid license
- They don’t have insurance
- They’re drunk or under the influence of drugs
- They’re driving a stolen vehicle
- They have active warrants
None of these are good reasons. Not calling the police can only hurt your case.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fayetteville, Arkansas?
People who own motorcycles love to take them out on the open road. They get to feel the wind in their hair. The problem is, a lot of other drivers don’t like motorcycles. They think they drive too fast and weave in and out of traffic.
While this may be true for some riders, it doesn’t mean they deserve to get into an accident. Car and truck drivers need to keep an eye out for motorcycles. The main reason given by drivers who crash into motorcycles is that they “didn’t see them.”
However, this isn’t the only reason for motorcycle accidents. There are a lot of reasons why people get into motorcycle accidents. Some of the most common causes are:
- Traffic Violations –All drivers have a duty to be careful while behind the wheel. They have to follow all traffic laws and use common sense. When people break the law and don’t do what they’re supposed to do, people get hurt. Some of these violations may include careless driving, reckless driving or failure to yield.
- Distracted Driving – One of the most common causes for all motor vehicle accidents is distracted driving. Taking your eyes off the road for just 2-3 seconds is like driving across an entire football field with your eyes closed.
- Speeding – There’s no excuse for speeding. When a car is going well above the posted speed limit, they are more likely to get into a crash. And, because of the speeds involved, the impact can be devastating.
- Intoxicated Driving- Some of the more dangerous accidents involve drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Just a couple of beers can affect a driver’s reaction time and coordination.
While these are some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents, the fact is, motorcycles are small than other vehicles. They are harder to see. When they do get hit by a car or truck, the rider is going to get hurt pretty bad.
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Occurs in Arkansas?
Motorcycle accidents may be more common than you think. The Traffic Crash Statistics Report which is provided by the Arkansas State Police reported the following statistics for 2011:
- 1,441 total crashes
- 1,227 crashes with an injury
- 74 fatal crashes (with 75 fatalities)
Motorcycle accidents are a lot more dangerous than regular car accidents. Almost all motorcycle crashes end up in serious injuries. And, more than 5% of these accidents end up being fatal.
The numbers for car accidents are much different. For example, for every 2,415 car accidents in Arkansas, only about 350 caused a serious injury. Only about 14% of all car accidents lead to an injury as compared to 85% of motorcycle crashes.
The statistics for more recent years were very similar. In 2003, the accident rates were at the same levels as they were in 2011. There were still just as many crashes and just as many fatalities. The one statistic that stands out is that most of the fatal injuries were victims who weren’t wearing their helmet at the time of the crash.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents tend to cause very serious injuries. This is because the motorcycle rider is at a serious disadvantage. The only thing standing between you and the other car is your helmet.
- Some of the most common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents are:
Severe Skin Abrasion (“Road Rash”) - Neck Injuries (“Whiplash”)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Permanent Paralysis
- Severe Burns
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Multiple Broken Bones
- Facial Disfigurement
- Extensive Scarring
- Damage to Internal Organs
- Severe Internal Bleeding
- Chronic Pain
- Persistent Infections
Some of these injuries are not only painful. They can be life altering. If your injuries are serious enough, you may not be able to work ever again. Injuries such as spinal cord injuries or neck injuries can even leave you paralyzed.
Call and have an experienced Fayetteville motorcycle accident lawyer review your case. They’ll fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Is Motorcycle Insurance Required?
All drivers in Arkansas are required to carry insurance. This includes motorcycle riders. You’re required to carry enough insurance to cover any injuries you may cause should you get into an accident. You have to maintain at least the minimum amounts required in Arkansas. However, you may choose to carry additional insurance to prevent any personal liability.
In Arkansas, you’re required to maintain at least $25,000 of liability coverage for bodily injury. This limit is per person, not per accident. You’re also required to maintain at least $50,000 in coverage per accident. This way, if more than one person is hurt in a crash, they’ll both be entitled to coverage for their injuries. You also have to carry at least $25,000 for property damage. You’re also required to keep uninsured and underinsured motorist’s coverage.
How Much is My Case Worth?
Nobody can say for sure what your case may be worth before reviewing it. How much your claim is worth depends on a lot of things, including:
- Your physical injuries
- Whether you suffered property damages
- How much pain and suffering you experienced as a result of your injuries
Your Fayetteville motorcycle accident lawyer in Arkansas may have to rely on expert witnesses and medical experts to prove your injuries. They’ll do whatever it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Your experienced motorcycle accident attorney understands what it takes to prove your case. They have decades of experience handling cases just like yours.
Other Fayetteville Injury Cases We Handle
We have experienced injury lawyers at our firm that can help no matter what kind of accident you’re involved in. They’ll work hard to get you compensation for your injuries. They’ll deal with the insurance company and try to get your claim paid. If this doesn’t work, they’ll file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Some of the injury cases we handle include:
- Car Accidents – If you get injured in a Fayetteville car accident, we can help get you the damages you deserve. This could include accidents caused by distracted driving, speeding, or any other sort of violation. We can help you file your claim against the other driver’s insurance and, if need be, file suit on your behalf.
- Truck Accidents – These accidents tend to be very serious. The size of a tractor trailer is just too much for a passenger car to handle. Your Fayetteville truck accident lawyer may have to file suit against both the driver and his employer. They’ll make sure all possible defendant are named in your claim.
- Nursing Home Abuse – If your loved one has been injured at the hands of a fellow resident or nursing home employee, you need help. Your loved ones deserve to be treated with car and respect. If someone is injuring your mom or dad, you need to call a nursing home abuse lawyer in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
- Workers Compensation – If you suffer a work-related injury, you should be entitled to workers comp benefits in Fayetteville. This includes both your medical care and replacement wages. As long as your injuries took place while on the clock, you should be eligible for benefits.
- Wrongful Death – If your loved one died as a result of an accident, you may have a claim for wrongful death. Most of these cases involve negligence. Your wrongful death lawyer will have to prove that the defendant breached their duty of care. If so, you may be entitled to damages.
Contact our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you’re going to need to focus on recovering from your injuries. The last thing you need to do is deal with lawyers and insurance companies. You also don’t want the insurance company taking advantage of you.
Call and schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced Fayetteville motorcycle accident lawyer. Let Attorney Jason M. Hatfield and his staff handle the legal side of things while you focus on getting well. The consultation is free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.