Riding a motorcycle is freeing. You’re in the open air and feeling it against your body, compared to when you’re in a car and the only way to feel the wind is by rolling down the windows or opening a sunroof. On a motorcycle, you have more freedom and can have fun zipping down the road. However, this can turn to tragedy when another vehicle doesn’t see you and crashes into you and your ride.
That collision could cause you injuries and damages that you could have trouble paying for. When they weren’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay the bills that the other party caused you to incur. Hiring an El Dorado motorcycle accident lawyer from McMath Woods P.A. will help you recover the compensation you deserve so that you can get back on track and focus on healing.
Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists in Arkansas
While all motorcycle laws are important to know before getting on your bike, one of the most vital laws that you need to follow as a motorcyclist are helmet laws in Arkansas. Not only do you need to know the law so that you don’t break it, but since this has to do with the safety of your head, you should follow it to keep yourself safe in the event of an accident.
When you follow the law, this could prevent you from suffering from fatal injuries from a motorcycle accident. If you weren’t the person at fault for the collision, you following this law also shows that you were following the rules when you were hit, which helps you later when you hire a lawyer.
In Arkansas, any rider under 18 years of age is required to wear a helmet when riding on a motorcycle. If there isn’t a windshield on the motorcycle, the rider must wear eyewear to protect their eyes while riding. The only exemption that exists that doesn’t require a motorcyclist under 18 to wear a helmet is if they are riding a three wheeled vehicle with a cab and a windshield.
If you don’t follow this law, not only are you at risk for severe head trauma if you get into an accident, but you can also be fined up to $250. Even though you aren’t legally required, you should still wear a helmet when you are over the age of 18 and riding in El Dorado. You never know when another driver will make a mistake that causes a crash, and a helmet could be the difference between life and death for you.
If you were wearing your helmet when you got into a crash, you could still suffer from other injuries. One of our El Dorado, AR motorcycle accident lawyers will be able to help you recover financially from your injuries so that you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Possible Injuries From a Motorcycle Wreck
Motorcyclists are more exposed while on their ride, which can lead to even more severe injuries compared to a car accident. While motorists in regular vehicles can also suffer from debilitating injuries from a crash, people riding motorcycles are more likely to be struck and killed when they’re in a collision because the force hits their body rather than their vehicle.
If they’re thrown from their ride, they can suffer from even more injuries when they hit the road or another object. When you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you’re probably dealing with piling medical bills from injuries like these:
- Bruises and broken bones. When you’re hit or fall off your motorcycle, you can get bruises, broken bones, and even cuts from the force or sharp edges. These types of injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of force in the collision.
- Burns. There are many hot surfaces on a motorcycle that you can accidentally touch when you’re in a wreck. Parts of the other vehicles can also be hot and burn you when they hit you.
- Road rash. When you fall off your motorcycle and slide across the pavement, you can get road rash when your bare skin is exposed and dragged on the asphalt. While this sounds mild, it can be very serious and rub your skin down to the bone in the worst cases.
- Internal injuries. Other than external injuries, your internal organs can also be damaged in the crash. They can be injured and have internal bleeding that can be life-threatening.
- Traumatic head injuries. Even when you wear a helmet, you can still suffer from head and brain injuries from an accident on a motorcycle.
- Spinal cord injuries. The force of the vehicle can cause serious spinal cord injuries that could leave you paralyzed for the foreseeable future, or even for the rest of your life.
- Amputation. If you get stuck in between a vehicle and an object, or get hit too hard, you could end up losing a limb.
All of these damages could lead to a life-threatening situation. Whether your life is changed forever from a disability, or you can make a full recovery, you still shouldn’t have had to deal with these injuries because you weren’t the one who caused the wreck. Your El Dorado, AR motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover what you’re owed for your injuries.
McMath Woods P.A. Will Guide You Through Your Claim
You shouldn’t have to deal with a legal claim on your own, especially when you weren’t the party responsible for your motorcycle wreck. Whether it was another motorist, the manufacturer, or another party, you shouldn’t have to pay for the damages that you’ve suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence. At McMath Woods P.A., we’re here to ensure you get the help you need.
When you hire one of our El Dorado, AR motorcycle accident lawyers, you can have peace of mind knowing that we have experience representing victims. Reach out to our law firm today so we can get started on your claim. We will guide you every step of the way.
