As a motorcycle driver, you are well aware of the dangers other motorists can present. Unfortunately, taking every safety precaution possible is sometimes not enough and you may find yourself on the losing end of a battle with a car or truck.
Following a motorcycle accident, you and your family may be so overwhelmed with medical appointments, paperwork and the recovery process that you may be willing to settle your claim for compensation for less than what you deserve. Do not trust insurance companies to do the right thing; consult an experienced personal injury attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A.
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Why Should I Consider Hiring a Springdale Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Motorcycle accidents are quite common and happen more than most people think. Even here in Arkansas, they are as common as anywhere else in the US. Any place with an open road is bound to experience its fair share of motorbike crashes.
Statistically-speaking, about 90,000 motorbike accidents happen each year in the U.S. alone. Sadly, a considerable number of these accidents cause serious injuries. It is worth noting that nearly 5,000 Americans die each year due to motorcycle accident-related injuries.
Motorcycle crashes have a higher fatality rate compared to that of car accidents — the reason why is because there is nothing to protect the bike’s rider from the crash impact. As a rider, when you get injured as the result of an accident, make sure that you file a claim against the other party’s insurance company.
Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Fact Sheet Infographic
What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Just like with car accidents, many things may cause a motorbike crash. However, it depends on the kind of vehicle that hit you and where the accident occurred. Some of the most common causes of motorbike accidents in Springdale include:
- A truck or car suddenly shifts lanes and hits the rider
- Someone turns left without notice, cutting off the bike’s rider
- Another driver opens their car door, and a rider hits it as they drive by
- A motorbike rider gets rear-ended by another road user
Like with other states, Arkansas has specific laws that have been put in place to protect motorcycle users. For instance, as a motorcycle user, you’re required by law to wear eye protection and a helmet. You also are not allowed to carry a passenger on the back of your motorbike unless it has a passenger bike. Furthermore, children under eight years of age are not allowed to ride on a motorcycle.
What Injuries are Synonymous with Motorbike Accidents?
Motorcycle-related accidents tend to cause grievous injuries. This is because riders are not protected by over two tons of steel, like in a truck or car. Springdale motorcycle accident lawyer can help you fight to get the appropriate compensation for your injuries. Here is a look at some of the most common injuries experienced after a motorcycle accident:
Broken Bones
It is not that hard to imagine that you will suffer multiple broken bones once you get into a motorbike accident. Things could be worse if you get thrown from the bike or get rolled under it.
Whiplash
Whiplash happens when your neck strains by stretching too far in a single direction. It is worth noting that there is no treatment for the condition. Since it is impossible to prove, your Springdale motorcycle accident lawyers have to rely on medical records to show that you were injured.
Burns
You might suffer road burn if you get thrown off your bike. You could also suffer actual burns should your motorbike catch fire.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
You could end up suffering a severe head blow, which could leave you with traumatic brain injuries, which can be very dangerous. Considering that your brain controls everything you do when it gets injured, it could affect your life.
Lacerations
You might get abrasions and cuts on your face, arms, and legs. These can be quite painful and might require a few stitches. If you have been involved in a motorbike accident, a Springdale motorcycle accident attorney can help fight for you to get the compensation that you deserve. Under normal circumstances, the other party’s insurance will cover all of your medical expenses. However, when that proves difficult, a Springdale motorcycle accident lawyer can help file a suit on your behalf.
What Are the Steps To Take After A Motorbike Accident in Springdale?
Irrespective of the type of accident you get involved in while in Springdale, the vital thing is that you take some steps to ensure that your interests are protected. Not doing so will leave you at risk of losing your right to getting compensation. Here are some steps for you to follow and which, if adhered to, will increase your chances of receiving the compensation that you deserve.
Get Yourself Away from Immediate Danger
Make sure that you’re no longer in the path of danger. When involved in a motorbike crash, chances are you might end up getting thrown off your bike. If you are still physically able, make sure that you remove both your bike and yourself from the traffic flow. You do not want getting hit by another vehicle. However, if you cannot, wait for the first people on the scene to do it for you.
Call 911
Immediately after the crash, the first thing you need to do is to call the police even if you believe your injuries are not that serious. The police will arrange for all people involved to get immediate medical treatment. They will then prepare a report that the Springdale motorcycle accident lawyer you hire will use in court as evidence to prove your case. This report has valuable information that cannot be obtained anywhere else.
Get As Much Personal and Identification Information as Possible
If you are still able, try and get as much information as you possibly can. Remember to get the other driver’s insurance and license information. Do not forget about their contact information too.
Also, make sure that you take pictures of the vehicle involves and of the crash scene. If there are any eyewitnesses, request them to give you their personal contact information. However, keep in mind that they aren’t obliged to do so. If an eyewitness refuses to provide you with their contact information, do not press him or her. Let the police get their data, and they will include it in their report.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Even if you do not think you are hurt, make sure you get checked and treated. Visit the nearest Springdale hospital or emergency room immediately after the accident. This is essential as it will help determine if you are injured. In the event you have suffered injuries, they will provide the medical documentation outlining your injuries.
How Much Are Motorcycle Accident Cases Typically Worth?
It is not easy to give an exact estimate of how much your accident is worth without first speaking to a professional Springdale motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney will review your case then give you an estimate of how much your case might be worth depending on the severity of your injuries and who is at fault.
To get compensated, you will first need to prove that the other driver is at fault. To determine who is at fault, motorcycle accident lawyers from The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A, will hire the necessary specialists to examine your case. Accident attorneys will also review medical records to verify your injuries, and that is why you should ensure that you seek treatment immediately after the crash.
A Springdale motorbike accident attorney will investigate the payment sources available for your case. If the other party has insurance, they can help you claim against their policy. If they were not insured, consider filing a claim against the uninsured motorist’s policy.
Professional Springdale motorcycle accident lawyers will also investigate to see if there are any other potential perpetrators in your case. If the individual who hit you was working when the crash happened, you have the right to claim compensation from the individual’s employer.
Helping Injury Victims Throughout Northwest Arkansas
Springdale, Arkansas, is home to Bikes Blues & BBQ, one of the largest motorcycle events in the country. As hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists travel to the northwest corner of the state for the charity event each September, the roads are even more congested than usual, increasing the risk of accidents.
For more than 20 years, I have been fighting for the rights of accident victims in Northwest Arkansas. After a serious accident, spend your time and energy healing instead of arguing with insurance companies and fighting for your right to medical treatment.
It does not matter where you are in the country — if you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Northwest Arkansas, I will handle all of the legal details of your personal injury claim.
Experience. Dedication. Compassion.
At the Springdale Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., I understand the complicated and painful process you may face in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. Call me today at 479-361-3575 for a free consultation at Springdale or send me your questions online. As an experienced lawyer, I will listen to your story and aggressively pursue your right to compensation.