Little Rock Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A Little Rock motorcycle accident lawyer can help those who have been injured in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accidents are often complex events resulting in severe injuries or even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle fatalities occur more frequently than fatalities in other motor vehicles. Individuals injured in motorcycle accidents, and their families, may be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney.
If you have been injured, or if a loved has been killed, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer at the Johnson Firm today. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at 501-777-7777 or email us at info@johnsonfirm.law.
There is no cost to speak with us. If you choose to pursue a claim, you pay no upfront fees or expenses. Our fees are based solely on the recovery made on your behalf. If there is no recovery, you pay nothing.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Little Rock?
Successful litigation of a serious or fatal motorcycle accident can be a complex process, requiring specialized knowledge, skills and experience. In some cases, more than one party may be held accountable for the injuries sustained by a motorcyclist, including the driver of the vehicle, the manufacturer of the vehicle or parts responsible for the crash, or a mechanic who failed to ensure safe operation of the motorcycle or part.
Motorcycle Accidents
The effects of a motorcycle accident can be devastating. Motorcyclists are often vulnerable to serious and traumatic injuries, potentially altering the lives of those involved and their families. Based on data compiled by the NHTSA from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), there were 4,976 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2015. In addition, an estimated 88,000 motorcyclists were injured during 2015.
While the number of motorcyclists killed in accidents increased by 8 percent from 2014 to 2015, the number of motorcyclists injured decreased by 3 percent during the same time period.
In Arkansas, a total of 71 motorcyclists were killed in accidents involving motor vehicles in 2015. Officials with the Arkansas State Highway Safety Office (ASHO) recognize the significance and potentially detrimental impact motorcycle crashes have on the overall fatality rate across the state.
According to the ASHO, there were a total of 344 motorcycle-involved traffic fatalities in Arkansas from 2010-2014, an average of nearly 70 fatal motorcycle accidents per year and approximately 13 percent of all total traffic fatalities in Arkansas during the 5-year period.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Common injuries caused by a motorcycle accident or crash include:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Road rash
- Abdominal injuries, particularly rib fractures
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Motorcycle Safety
Helmet use can be one of the most important safety measures a rider can take to help prevent serious head injury in a motorcycle accident. The NHTSA estimates that the lives of 1,772 motorcyclists were saved by helmets in 2015, if all motorcyclists had been wearing helmets, an additional 740 lives could have been reportedly saved.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcycle helmet laws vary from state to state. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have what is known as a “universal helmet law” requiring all riders to wear helmets.
In Arkansas, a mandatory motorcycle helmet law was in place until 1997 when the law was repealed and replaced with a law requiring riders under the age of 21 to wear helmets. According to researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the percentage of nonhelmeted motorcycle fatalities significantly increased from nearly 40 percent (1995-1996) to 75 percent (1998-1999). Researchers also noted other impacts of the law’s repeal, including an increase in nonhelmeted crash admissions to emergency departments, head injury severity and hospital length of stay.
Motorcycle Accident Prevention
While helmet use has been known to potentially save the lives of those involved in motorcycle accidents, other preventative measures can be taken to minimize the occurrence of a serious or fatal motorcycle accident.
According to the NHTSA, preventative measures taken by motorcycle riders and passengers include:
- Making sure you are properly licensed
- Practicing riding in a controlled environment or area
- Checking the motorcycle for leaks, as well as other safety features
- Riding responsibly and obeying all traffic signals and speed limits
As a motor vehicle operator, it’s important to be aware of and share the road with other motorists, including motorcyclists. A large number of motorcycle crashes occur because other motorists cannot see the motorcyclist. Likewise, motorcyclists can increase their visibility by applying reflective materials to their motorcycle, using headlights during daytime hours and wearing reflective or bright clothing.
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Who is Responsible in a Motorcycle Accident?
In the case of a motorcycle accident, there may be more than one responsible party in the incident. For example, a negligent driver may have caused the accident, but a defective helmet or defect in a motorcycle part could have caused more serious injuries to occur.
Parties potentially responsible for a motorcycle crash may include:
- Motor vehicle driver
- Motorcycle or part manufacturer
- Repair shop or mechanic responsible for the inspection and maintenance of the motorcycle
- Government entity responsible for roadway maintenance, construction or design
- Safety equipment retailer or manufacturer
- Motorcycle rental company
In order to get a sense of the accident and any injuries sustained, a Little Rock motorcycle accident attorney can work with injured individuals, and their family members, to determine potentially responsible parties.
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Get Help Now.What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
- Get medical attention immediately after you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, if those injuries appear to be minor
- Contact law enforcement and attempt to provide the police with as much information as possible
- Gather information from witnesses, if possible
- Take pictures of the motorcycle and the accident scene, if possible
What Happens After You Hire a Little Rock Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you have been injured, or have lost a loved one, as a result of a serious or fatal motorcycle accident or crash, a motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help guide you through the legal process. Once you have contacted an attorney with Johnson Firm, he or she will ask you questions about the incident and any injuries related to the accident.
There is no obligation to hire an attorney with Johnson Firm. However, if you agree to be represented, you will be asked to sign a fee agreement that details the terms and conditions of the representation as well as the fee to be charged in the event of a recovery on your behalf.
In some instances, an attorney may be able to settle a claim with the insurance company without having to go to court. If a case cannot be settled, it may be necessary to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit on your behalf.
If a lawsuit is filed, you may need to provide additional information and testimony in an out-of-court examination known as a deposition. Should your case go to court, your attorney will appear with you in court or on your behalf to represent you in front of the judge or jury.
Motorcycle Accident Settlements
A legal settlement is an agreement to resolve a claim or lawsuit. In the context of personal injury, including motorcycle accidents, a settlement involves the payment of money to a plaintiff by or on behalf of the defendant. When a settlement occurs, the plaintiff gives up his or her right to sue or maintain a lawsuit against the defendant.
Individuals who are injured in motorcycle accidents must often deal with insurance companies when pursuing a claim for their injuries. In addition to potentially filing a lawsuit on behalf of people who have been injured in a motorcycle accident, a Little Rock motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help negotiate a settlement. Should the responsible party or insurance company offer to settle a case before it goes to trial, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can assist injured parties with such negotiations to help them receive a fair settlement.
While the amount of compensation you recover depends on the facts of the case, it is important to remember that compensation is never guaranteed and the results of another motorcycle accident lawsuit may not indicate the outcome of a similar case.
"A great attorney can save you countless hours dealing with the stress of a negligent situation, such as a motorcycle accident. Attorneys spend the majority of their time dealing with the insurance company and, as a result, can ensure your story gets told."--Sam C.
Rating: 5 ★★★★★
How a Little Rock Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
People who are injured in motorcycle accidents caused by the negligence of another, whether that driver was speeding or is otherwise at fault, may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from an injury
The families of those killed in a fatal motorcycle accident may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
How a Little Rock Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
People who are injured in motorcycle accidents caused by the negligence of another, whether that driver was speeding or is otherwise at fault, may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from an injury
The families of those killed in a fatal motorcycle accident may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
