Motorcycle Accident Overview

Fighting for Your Rights in Fayetteville

If you were injured because of someone else’s reckless actions, you may have trouble getting fair compensation from the insurance company. Unfortunately, social stigma against bikers could make the insurance company believe you were the irresponsible party. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Fayetteville, AR, from McMath Woods will not let unfair bias prevent you from getting the justice you deserve. Our firm has protected injured motorcyclists and gotten them fair compensation. We’re prepared to hold the negligent motorist accountable for their actions and help you secure your financial future. When we begin your case, we’re going to investigate to find out what exactly happened. We’ll need to know how the other party acted negligently to show how their reckless actions caused your injuries.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

The Arkansas 2019 Highway Safety Plan reported that Washington County had 6,913 registered motorcycles. There were 83 accidents involving another motor vehicle and 8 involving an impaired operator. Motorcycle accidents can happen at any time when a motorist is negligent. Some drivers may not treat motorcycle riders like other drivers, leading to risky driving behaviors. At McMath Woods, our attorneys handle motorcycle accident cases and know how these incidents often occur.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Distracted driving by other motorists
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Drunk or impaired driving
  • Poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris
  • Lack of awareness
  • Blind spots
  • Mechanical failures or faulty motorcycle maintenance
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Real Client Testimonial

I’m super fortunate that I had Will Bond and Sarah Jewell represent my personal injury case. They really are genuine, compassionate and honest. I’m amazed at how smooth my case went and they are top notch when dealing with insurance companies. I was kept up to date and informed about my case at all times and all calls and texts were returned promptly. No pressure whatsoever, never felt taken advantage of, and I was given realistic expectations. I appreciate their professionalism and integrity. I’m super happy with the outcome of my case. 100% recommend Will Bond and Sarah Jewell. I will absolutely be back if I ever need legal representation again .

S.S.

What Makes Motorcycle Injuries So Dangerous?

Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe because the rider has little to no protection. In contrast, the person in the car has a restraint system, airbags, and the car’s body to absorb the shock. Often, when a motorcyclist is struck, they will fall off their bike and hit the ground. Their body will absorb the shock of the crash, and this can result in terrible injuries like:

Lacerations

Debris from the accident can cause deep, life-threatening lacerations that need immediate medical attention.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury could result in paralysis.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

One of the most dangerous injuries a motorcyclist can get is a traumatic brain injury. A brain injury can result in internal bleeding and swelling, or the skull can fracture, and bone fragments can get into the brain. These injuries quickly become fatal.

Broken Bones

If the rider tries to catch themselves or brace their fall, their leg or arm will likely bear most of the impact, which can break bones.

Burn Injuries

When a biker falls off, their skin may brush against the concrete, gravel, or dirt, and the friction between the two can cause severe burn injuries, also known as road rash. While some burn injuries may only affect the outer layer of the skin, burns that reach beneath the skin can get infected and reach soft tissue and bone underneath.

All the injuries above have the potential to result in catastrophic consequences and cause life-long health complications. If these injuries are preventing you from returning to work or result in permanent disability or chronic pain, a Fayetteville motorcycle accident attorney from our firm will make sure your compensation reflects what you’ve suffered. As our lawyers go over the injuries that happened to you, we’ll be compiling evidence of negligence and how it resulted in your injuries. If you weren’t wearing protective gear, you may wonder if that will affect your claim’s validity. Let’s look at the motorcycle helmet laws in Arkansas.

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Arkansas Motorcycle Helmet Laws

As a citizen of Arkansas, it’s important to know the laws that apply to your state. This way, you’ll know you comply with the motorcycle laws and aren’t risking getting pulled over. In Arkansas, motorcycle helmet laws are age-specific. Every rider under 21 must wear a helmet, and those over that age can choose to wear one. While it isn’t required by law, motorcyclists have a much greater chance of sustaining severe head injuries or losing their lives in an accident if they’re not wearing a helmet.

Motorcyclists are required to wear eye protection, which protects their eyes from wind and road debris and helps them maintain visibility while riding. Additional laws include passenger restrictions. In Arkansas, a child must be eight years old and up to be a passenger. If someone under 21 is caught riding a motorcycle without a helmet, they could face sanctions. They could be fined between $10 and $50, have points added to their license, and be jailed for up to 30 days.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Fayetteville?

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, the first step is to call emergency services. They’ll send first responders who can assess your health and transport you to a hospital if necessary. Police will also make a crash report, which could benefit your claim later. They’re a third party and will report the facts of what they see. Police may also speak to eyewitnesses who saw your accident. These details will help prove the other party acted negligently.

Before you begin your legal journey, you must see a doctor for an evaluation. They’ll assess your injuries and start treatment so your body can begin to heal. If you don’t get to a doctor, your injuries could worsen and cause more problems than the original wounds. It’s best to see a physician as soon as possible so you can recover.

You should contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Fayetteville, AR, after seeing a doctor and beginning your treatment plan. The medical costs you’re facing could be extensive, and you should be able to get the care you need without worrying about when you can return to work or how you’ll keep up with other financial responsibilities. Our attorneys are here for you. We’ll help facilitate communication with the insurance company, so you don’t need to deal with harassing insurance adjusters. In an obligation-free consultation, we’ll review your case’s facts and put you on the path to recovery.

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What Compensation Can I Receive After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, understanding your potential claim and its compensation value is crucial. At McMath Woods, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims pursue the financial recovery they deserve. Compensation can cover a range of damages depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident.

Possible types of compensation include:

  • Medical expenses, including hospital bills, ongoing care, and future treatment
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
  • Property damage to your motorcycle and personal belongings
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Attorney Sarah C. Jewell

Why Choose the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at McMath Woods in Fayetteville, AR?

Motorcycle accidents often lead to devastating injuries, and riders are frequently left facing serious physical, financial, and emotional challenges through no fault of their own. At McMath Woods, we advocate for injured motorcyclists in Fayetteville who deserve to be treated fairly after a crash. We recognize the unique risks riders face on the road and push back against the unfair bias that can arise in motorcycle accident claims. Each case is personally handled by one or more attorneys at our firm, allowing us to provide hands-on representation and consistent, responsive communication throughout the process. By limiting the number of cases we take on, we ensure that every client receives the attention, resources, and strategic focus their claim requires.

The strength of our firm is reflected in professional distinctions such as:

  • A/V Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Arkansas Times “Best Lawyers in Arkansas,” including Best Environmental Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers® Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year for Little Rock
  • Top 50 Arkansas Super Lawyers
  • 5 out of 5 rating by government counsel in automobile accident and injury matters

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact McMath Woods today to schedule a consultation and find out how our experienced attorneys can stand up for you and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Motorcycle Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Little Rock?

If I wasn’t wearing a helmet, could I still recover damages?

What happens if the other driver is uninsured?

When will my case be resolved?

What can a motorcycle accident lawyer do for me?

Will my case have to go to trial?

How much do motorcycle accident lawyers cost?

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Little Rock?

In Arkansas, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle accident injury claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and ensure your claim is filed on time.

If I wasn’t wearing a helmet, could I still recover damages?

Yes. Not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar recovery. Liability and the other driver’s negligence are key factors, and you may still be entitled to compensation.

What happens if the other driver is uninsured?

You may be able to pursue compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help you explore all available options.

When will my case be resolved?

The timeline varies based on injury severity, case complexity, and whether liability is disputed. Some cases resolve pre-litigation, while others may require litigation and take longer.

What can a motorcycle accident lawyer do for me?

A lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue litigation if necessary to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.

Will my case have to go to trial?

Not necessarily. Many motorcycle accident cases settle before trial. If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your attorney can take the case to court to protect your rights.

How much do motorcycle accident lawyers cost?

At McMath Woods, cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and legal fees are only paid if compensation is recovered.

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