Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
As a motorcycle rider, you are aware of the dangers that other motorists can present. Unfortunately, even if you take every possible safety precaution, inattention or negligence by drivers of other vehicles can cause an accident. Call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. at (479) 888-5098 for experienced and compassionate legal assistance with your motorcycle accident claim.
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Riding a motorcycle through the Ozarks or down a quiet Arkansas backroad is one of life's real pleasures. But when a careless driver fails to see you, the result can be devastating.
Motorcycle riders face injuries that car occupants rarely experience, and insurance companies often treat riders unfairly from the start. Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, with medical appointments and paperwork, and you may be willing to settle your claim for compensation for less than what you deserve.
At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we fight for injured Arkansas riders and know how to counter the bias that motorcyclists face after a crash. Here is what you need to know about your rights.
Do not trust insurance companies to do the right thing; consult an experienced personal injury attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A.
Can the Arkansas helmet law affect my case?
Arkansas Code Annotated Section 27-20-104 requires helmets for operators and passengers of motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles who are under 21 years old. The same statute also requires all operators and passengers — regardless of age — to wear protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield. Riders 21 and older can legally ride without a helmet.
This surprises a lot of people. Many states require helmets for all riders, but Arkansas leaves that choice to adult riders.
Here is the problem. Insurance companies know that jurors sometimes blame helmetless riders for their own injuries, even when the crash was not their fault. If you were not wearing a helmet and suffered a head injury, the other driver's insurer may argue that your damages should be reduced.
Arkansas comparative fault law, found in Arkansas Code Annotated Section 16-64-122, could allow this argument to reduce your compensation if you were partly at fault. Whether or not wearing a helmet counts as fault for causing the crash itself is a separate question from fault for the severity of your injuries, and this distinction matters in court.
We know how to push back on unfair helmet arguments. Your choice to skip a helmet, if you were 21 or older, was legal. Insurance companies should not get to use a legal choice to avoid paying what they owe.
If you were riding within the law, the driver who hit you is still responsible for causing the crash. We build your case around who caused the collision, not around the argument insurers want to make instead.
Common types of motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents in arkansas:
Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to sudden, unexpected moves from other vehicles. A truck suddenly shifts lanes, or a car turns left without notice, cutting off the bike and causing an accident. This happens so often that it has a name among crash investigators, the "look but did not see" phenomenon. Drivers scan for cars and trucks out of habit, and a motorcycle's smaller profile slips past their attention.
Left turn crashes
Left turn crashes are the most common type of motorcycle accident in Arkansas. A driver turning left across traffic often misjudges a motorcycle's speed or does not see it at all.
Lane changes
Lane changes cause similar problems. A driver checking mirrors for other cars may miss a motorcycle riding in a blind spot. The result is a sideswipe collision that can throw a rider from the bike.
Rear-end collisions
Rear end collisions happen too, often at stoplights or in slow traffic. A distracted driver looking at a phone does not register a stopped motorcycle in time to brake.
Dooring crashes
Like bicyclists, motorcycle riders can be susceptible to dooring accidents. This happens when another driver opens their car door, and a rider hits it as they drive by.
Driver inattention is a root cause of accidents.
Each of these crash types shares one thing in common: driver inattention. The driver had a duty to watch for motorcycles and failed to meet it.
Arkansas law prohibits careless and prohibited driving under Arkansas Code Annotated Section 27-51-104, which makes it unlawful for any person to drive or operate a vehicle in such a careless manner as to evidence a failure to keep a proper lookout for other traffic or to maintain proper control of the vehicle. Failing to see a motorcycle that was there to be seen can amount to negligence.
We investigate every crash to show exactly how the other driver failed in their duty. Traffic camera footage, witness statements, and phone records can all help prove distraction or inattention caused your crash.
Common motorcycle accident injuries
Motorcycles offer no metal frame, airbags, or seatbelts to absorb crash forces. This means riders often suffer more severe injuries than occupants in a car involved in a similar collision. Because motorcycle injuries often require extensive medical treatment, your compensation needs to account for future costs, not just current bills. A rushed settlement rarely covers what you will need years down the road.
Road rash happens when a rider slides across pavement after being thrown from the bike. This can cause deep tissue damage and permanent scarring, even at moderate speeds.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries remain a serious risk, especially for riders without helmets or in high speed crashes. Even helmeted riders can suffer concussions or worse.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common too, particularly in the legs, arms, and collarbone. Some riders face multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy to regain mobility after an accident involving multiple broken bones.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can permanently change a rider's life, sometimes resulting in partial or full paralysis. These cases require careful calculation of long term medical costs and lost future income.
Insurance companies often treat motorcycle riders unfairly
Some insurance adjusters assume motorcyclists are reckless before they even review the facts of a crash. This bias can affect how quickly they offer a fair settlement, or whether they offer one at all.
Riders sometimes face lowball settlement offers designed to close a claim quickly. These offers rarely account for future medical needs or long-term pain and suffering.
Arkansas requires drivers to carry liability insurance under Arkansas Code Annotated § 27-22-104, with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, as verified by the official statute text. These limits often fall short of covering serious motorcycle injuries.
If you carry underinsured motorist coverage, it can help cover the gap when the at-fault driver's policy is not enough. Reviewing every available policy is a critical step in any motorcycle injury claim.
You do not have to accept an insurance company's first offer or their assumptions about your riding. We push back against bias and build a case based on facts, not stereotypes.
Do I have enough insurance coverage for my motorcycle?
A standard car insurance policy will generally not automatically cover a motorcycle you own, even if both vehicles are registered to you. Motorcycles typically require a separate insurance policy, though some insurers may offer a motorcycle endorsement that can be added to your existing auto policy for an additional premium.
Minimum Legal Coverage Amounts
Arkansas Code Annotated Section 27-22-104 sets the same minimum liability limits for motorcycles as it does for cars, $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. These limits apply to the at-fault driver's policy, whether that driver was in a car or on a bike.
Given how severe motorcycle injuries tend to be, these minimum limits often run out fast. A single surgery or hospital stay can easily exceed $25,000. This is where your own policy matters. Underinsured motorist coverage steps in when the at-fault driver's insurance is not enough to cover your damages. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if the other driver has no insurance.
Additional Coverage Options
Medical payments coverage, sometimes called MedPay, can help cover your medical bills right away, regardless of who caused the crash. This coverage pays out quickly and does not require a fault determination first. Some riders also carry optional coverage for custom parts, safety gear, and accessories. A crash can destroy a helmet, jacket, or aftermarket exhaust system that a standard policy will not replace.
We review every policy connected to your accident, yours and the other driver's, to find every dollar of coverage available to you. Do not assume the at-fault driver's insurance is your only option. Your own policy may hold the key to a full recovery.
Arkansas gives you three years to file a motorcycle injury claim
Arkansas Code Annotated Section 16-56-105 sets a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This deadline applies to motorcycle accident claims just as it applies to car accident claims.
Miss this three-year window, and Arkansas courts will likely dismiss your case, no matter how serious your injuries were.
Building a strong motorcycle injury case takes time. Evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness memory fades quickly after a crash. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more evidence we can preserve for your case.
Claims against government entities carry shorter notice deadlines. If a poorly maintained road or a government vehicle contributed to your crash, you may need to act within months, not years.
Do not assume you have plenty of time to decide whether to pursue a claim. Insurance companies use delay to their advantage, hoping riders give up or accept low settlements out of frustration.
Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. as soon as possible after your accident. We will explain your deadline clearly and start building your case right away.
What to do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Arkansas
Your safety comes first. Move off the roadway if you can do so without further injury, and call 911 right away. Arkansas law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Officers who respond will create a police report that becomes valuable evidence for your claim.
Get medical attention even if you feel okay.
Take photos if you are physically able.
Get contact information from any witnesses.
Avoid talking about fault at the scene, even casually.
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster.
Keep every document related to your crash.
Why is it important to take these steps after an accident?
Adrenaline can hide pain from broken bones or internal injuries for hours after a crash. A documented hospital or urgent care visit also links your injuries directly to the accident.
When documenting the scene, capture the vehicles, the road, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Photos of your damaged gear, like a cracked helmet, can also support your claim. Witness accounts of what happened can carry real weight if the other driver later disputes fault.
Keep every document related to your crash. Save medical bills, repair estimates, and any letters from insurance companies in one place.
You may not think you're admitting fault, but a simple "I'm sorry" can be twisted into an admission later, even if you did nothing wrong.
Call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. as soon as you can after your accident. We can start protecting your rights from the very first call, and your consultation costs you nothing.
Proving fault in an Arkansas car accident case
Arkansas law allows victims of accidents to recover damages when they can prove that the other party was negligent and damages are awarded based on fault.
In Arkansas, damages are awarded based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved in the accident. This is the Modified Comparative Fault Rule. This rule states that if the victim of a vehicle accident is partly responsible for the accident, the compensation they may receive will be reduced by their level of fault.
If the victim was 25% at fault for the accident, the reimbursement they are awarded will be decreased by that amount. However, if you are found to be 50 percent or more responsible for the accident then you will be unable to recover compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney. Contact our office for your free consultation. We will discuss the specifics of your case and quickly take action to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experience. Dedication. Compassion.
30 years of legal experience in helping personal injury victims
A motorcycle accident can be traumatizing, and we understand the struggles you can face during your recovery. At the Springdale Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., I understand the complicated and painful process you may face in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
Call us today at (479) 888-5098 to schedule your free consultation. If you are unable to come to our office due to your injuries, we will come to you. Contact us today to get the best Springdale car accident lawyer fighting for you.