Jonesboro Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Every year, motorcycle accidents caused Arkansas residents to become severely injured. Some motorcycle accidents even result in death. Despite the Arkansas Highway Safety Office’s efforts to encourage motorcycle safety, Arkansas has high motorcycle fatality rates. In 2018, 66 motorcyclists died in fatal motorcycle accidents in Arkansas. In 1999, Arkansas repealed its helmet law, and as a result, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents tripled. In 2018, 68% of the motorcyclists who died were not wearing a helmet at the time of the motorcycle accident.

Injured in a Jonesboro Motorcycle Accident? Attorney Bryce Cook Can Help

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Arkansas, you may be entitled to compensation. Under Arkansas law, at-fault drivers are financially responsible for the injuries caused by their negligence. You are probably concerned about how to pay your mounting medical bills while trying to recover from your motorcycle accident. Personal injury attorney, Bryce Cook, is here to investigate your case and help advocate on your behalf.  Contact him today to schedule your free initial consultation. 

Causes of Jonesboro Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents in Arkansas are caused by drivers who don’t see motorists. When passenger vehicle drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists, the likelihood of a motorcycle accident increases significantly. According to data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 75% of motorcycle accidents involve a passenger vehicle, not another motorcycle. 

Nearly half of the motorcycle fatalities were caused by collisions with other passenger vehicles in 2015. That year, 41% of motorcycle fatalities occurred when a passenger vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcyclist. Motorcyclists can cause accidents too. In some cases, motorcyclists will try to ride between traffic lanes, increasing the likelihood of an accident. 

Tailgating is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Tailgating occurs when a driver underestimates the amount of space they need to come to a complete stop. When passenger vehicles tailgate a motorcycle, they are more likely to run over the motorcycle driver, causing serious injuries.

As with other types of motor vehicle accidents, distracted driving causes numerous motorcycle accidents every year. Motorcycle and passenger drivers can quickly become distracted by their cell phones, radios, or vehicle passengers. When passing your drivers are distracted, it’s even more difficult for them to spot motorcyclists in time to prevent an accident. Many passenger drivers are unaware of how difficult it is to spot motorcyclists on the road, making distracted driving particularly dangerous. Taking the time to look down and read a text message for a few seconds can cause a driver to collide with a motorcyclist.

Common Injuries

A motorcyclist can decrease the risk of being severely injured by wearing a helmet. As mentioned above, Arkansas does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets. As a result, many Arkansas motorcyclists involved in accidents suffer traumatic brain damage or other types of head injuries. Even motorcyclists who wear the best protective gear are at risk of becoming injured in a motorcycle accident. Though some motorcyclists can walk away from an accident with only minor bruises and scrapes, others suffer catastrophic injuries, including:

  • Muscle, joint, or tissue damage
  • Broken bones
  • Road rash
  • Severe burns
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries that result in partial or complete paralysis

What to Do After an Arkansas Motorcycle Accident

Being involved in a motorcycle accident is overwhelming. One of the most important things you can do is stay calm. Even though your body will probably be in shock and your mind may struggle with what just happened, remaining calm will help you safely navigate the situation. In many cases, motorcycle accident victims experienced a surge of adrenaline soon after the accident, making them feel fine when they aren’t.

The first thing you should do is evaluate your injuries. Try to determine how serious your injuries are and whether it’s safe for you to move or not. If you hit your head, rolled several times, or landed on your back or neck, you may have experienced a spinal cord injury. In this case, you should stay as still as possible and avoid moving until emergency medical personnel arrive.

If you’re able to do so safely, move off of the road and call 911 to request that a police officer arrive at the scene and file a report. Be sure to talk to any witnesses who saw the accident and gather their contact information. Take pictures of the accident scene, including your injuries, your motorcycle, the area where the accident happened, and the other vehicle or vehicles involved. If the paramedics suggest that you go to the emergency room, you should follow their advice and undergo a complete medical evaluation.

Recovering Compensation After a Jonesboro Motorcycle Accident

In Arkansas, victims of motorcycle accidents are entitled to economic and non-economic damages. The person responsible for causing the accident must compensate the victim for medical costs, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by the accident. Likewise, the at-fault driver’s insurance company has a responsibility to pay compensation to the injured victim. Unfortunately, insurance companies are known for offering the lowest settlement amounts possible or denying the claim outright. Attorney Bryce Cook will help you negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the most compensation possible.

Contact Our Jonesboro Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today 

Motorcycle accidents are complicated and you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. Attorney Bryce Cook knows how to gather evidence and analyze critical data to determine who is at fault for your motorcycle accident. He and his team will work tenaciously to ensure you obtain the most compensation possible. Contact the Law Offices of Bryce Cook today to schedule your initial consultation.