Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Little Rock

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Little Rock, Arkansas?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Little Rock Police Department is (501) 371-4829.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Little Rock, Arkansas?

  Victims can obtain a copy of their accident reports at the Little Rock Police Department's Records Division, located at 615 W Markham St. Online requests for these reports can also be made at https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/.

• How common are motorcycle accident fatalities in Little Rock?

  From 2019 to 2021, there has been a 51% increase in motorcycle fatalities in Arkansas, with the majority of these occurring in Pulaski County, where Little Rock is located. In fact, Arkansas’ motorcycle fatality rate is 11 deaths for every 10,000 accidents, which is higher than the nationwide rate of 6.7 in 10,000.

• What are the common causes of motorcycle accident fatalities in Little Rock?

  One of the most common causes of motorcycle accident fatalities in Little Rock is drunk driving, accounting for 28% of cases these recent years. Other factors that contribute to fatal motorcycle accidents are the failure to yield the right-of-way, distracted driving, reckless driving, and speeding. However, even low-speed accidents may prove fatal to motorcycle riders.

• Which intersections in Little Rock are the most dangerous for motorcycle riders?

  Motorcycle accidents in Little Rock most commonly occur in the intersections of Asher Ave and S. University Ave, Shackleford and I-430 with 179, and Chicot Road and Baseline Road. The intersections of Cantrell Road and I-430, S. Arch Street and W. Roosevelt Road, and Pebble Beach Drive and Rahling Road also report frequent motorcycle accidents.

• Can unhelmeted motorcycle accident victims in Little Rock still pursue legal action?

  Yes. Motorcycle riders and passengers in Little Rock aged 21 and older are not required to wear protective helmets, per the Arkansas Code § 27-20-104. However, minors are required to wear protective headgear and glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields. Additionally, in cases involving head injuries or facial fractures, the court may find unhelmeted motorcycle accident victims partially at fault.

• What types of damages can motorcycle accident victims in Little Rock collect?

  Motorcycle accident victims in Little Rock can recover economic and non-economic damages, which include medical treatment, lost wages, loss of earning potential, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering. The court may also award punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence. Claimants may consult with a Little Rock motorcycle accident attorney in order to determine what damages they can expect.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.