Little Rock Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Working Hard to Protect Your Rights
Motorcycle accidents are some of the most traumatic of all auto crashes.
While many accidents result in fatalities, those that don’t often have long-lasting consequences, such as disability or disfigurement.
However, you don’t have to go solo in fighting for the compensation you need.
A Little Rock motorcycle accident attorney at Harris Law Firm, PLLC can help you navigate your claim and advocate for your best interests.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Little Rock, AR
Since motorcycles offer less protection than a conventional vehicle, crashes are often more serious. Broken bones, road rash, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries are some of the most common and devastating injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that may cause such a horrible crash, including:
- Speeding,
- Tailgating,
- Distracted driving,
- Drunk driving,
- Running red lights,
- Low visibility,
- Improper lane changes,
- Poorly maintained roads, and
- Motorcycle defects.
While driver negligence is the number one cause of these accidents, it’s also important to consider the possibility of defects. In these cases, the manufacturer of the bike makes a mistake when designing or constructing the bike.
For many motorcycles, these defects include wobbling at high speeds or brake failure. Our motorcycle accident attorney in Little Rock, AR can help determine if this is the cause of your crash based on the evidence.
Arkansas Helmet Laws
While some states require motorcyclists to wear helmets at all times, Arkansas is not one of them. Under Arkansas Code § 27-20-104, riders over the age of 21 do not need to wear a helmet when riding. However, those under the age of 21 must wear a helmet (along with goggles or a face shield) while riding or operating a motorcycle or moped.
How Not Wearing a Helmet May Affect Your Case
While it may be optional to wear a helmet, it may have an impact on your claim.
This is because Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence law, which means that the court reduces injury awards by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.
For example, if a driver hits you because they don’t check their blind spot, the jury may find you partially at fault for your injuries since you weren’t wearing a helmet.
Here’s how this might affect your settlement or judgment. Let’s say that in the previous example you have $100,000 in damages. The jury determines that you are 15% at fault for your injuries since you didn’t wear head protection. This reduces your total award to $85,000.
It’s important to keep in mind that Arkansas allows you to pursue compensation as long as your fault is less than 50%. However, it also means that you may get significantly less than you need.
This is why it’s essential to discuss your case with a Little Rock motorcycle accident lawyer. They will find all of the evidence needed to show the negligence of the other driver.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Cases
Like many other accident cases, victims of a motorcycle accident have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. This time limit is known as a statute of limitations.
In Arkansas, victims have three years from the date of injury to bring an action. If you try to file a case after this limit expires, the court may refuse to hear it. This is why we urge you to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer in Little Rock immediately following your accident.
Why Choose Our Little Rock Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
At Harris Law Firm, our attorneys have over 35+ years of experience seeking justice for personal injury victims. Unlike larger firms, we don’t hand your case off to a case manager. Instead, we use a personalized approach and give clients the one-on-one attention they need.
We can help with every aspect of your Little Rock motorcycle accident case including:
- Gathering evidence from the scene of the crash,
- Contacting possible witnesses for testimony,
- Obtaining medical documents and accident reports,
- Negotiating with the defense on your behalf, and
- Preparing the case for trial if necessary.
Our success is your success, so we work non-stop to help you move forward after an accident and aggressively fight for your well-being. Best of all, we’re available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about your case.
Injured While Riding? Contact a Little Rock Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Harris Law Firm
Out of all crash types, motorcycle accidents are the most likely to result in severe injuries. If you or a loved one sustains injuries, you need a Little Rock motorcycle accident attorney you can trust. At Harris Law Firm, we won’t back down from the insurance company. We’ll fight for the compensation you need, so you can focus on recovery.
To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (662) 335-4171.