As the weather gets better, motorcycle riders get on the roads. There is freedom in riding that a car or another vehicle won’t give you. But, being a motorcycle rider is risky. Motorcycle accidents in Arkansas are often caused by obstacles on the road or unforeseen roadway hazards, speeding, weather conditions, failure of other drivers to see the motorcycle rider, and lack of basic riding skills.
Often motorcycle accidents result in severe injuries and even death. Injury attorneys who work on motorcycle accidents know how harsh it is for these people to recover and fight for their deserved compensation.
Here is what you need to know about motorcycle accidents in Arkansas and what you need to do if you ever get involved in such a crash.
Seek Medical Help as Soon as Possible
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Arkansas, you must seek medical help right away. It does not matter if you feel all right and don’t have visible severe injuries or no injuries at all. You are in shock, and you need to be checked out by a physician. Don’t go to the hospital by yourself; let the ambulance van take you from the crash place to the hospital. Often your injuries may show up weeks after the accident. Untreated injuries from a motorcycle accident can get worse, and even disable you for a while. It is essential to get immediate medical help because your insurers will evaluate this. You would not want to lose your claim because you failed to get treatment on time.
Preserve Evidence
Please don’t move your motorcycle. Take photos if you can, keep your helmet and riding clothes on, no matter how damaged they are. Have a mechanic check your bike, but don’t let them fix anything. For now, you only need the mechanic’s expert opinion about the condition of the motorcycle. Keep your bike in the exact condition until after your lawyer tells you differently.
Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurers
Most insurers do not care whether or not you get compensation for your injuries. They will do their best to limit the amount they should pay you. Never sign a disclaimer or give a recorded statement about your accident. Simply don’t talk to them if you want to avoid their tricks. If they insist you sign something, but you are not sure what it is, call your personal injury attorney.
Take Action
Arkansas law says that the victim or their family should prove that their injuries and damages are the results of the motorcycle accident caused by the other party. Even if you believe the accident did not occur because of you, your insurance company is not going to see this case as you do. You are the one who has to take the first step when it comes to your injuries. Call your personal injury attorney immediately.
Waiting for too Long Before Filing a Lawsuit
For victims who’ve been injured in motorcycle accidents in Arkansas, hiring a personal injury attorney is the next logical step. Arkansas has a very strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You must file your case within three years from the date you were injured. If you fail to do that, you cannot collect any damages for your injury.
This is why a skilled and competent motorcycle accident attorney will dedicate about six months (even longer) looking into a case before they file a lawsuit. Your attorney takes time because they need a proper investigation of your injuries. During this time, your attorney is evaluating if your case has any perspective.
Hire a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Expert in Arkansas
Riding a motorcycle is not the same as driving another vehicle. When evaluating a motorcycle accident, you would need a motorcycle accident expert who understands how bikes function. A law firm that takes motorcycle accident cases knows who they need to hire to help them in the case. A motorcycle expert will study factors that may have lead to the crash.
They will study measure skid marks. It will help them determine your speed and the speed of the other vehicles when the accident happened. Also, they will check damage patterns on your motorcycle and other involved vehicles, the weather conditions, and how it affected the accident.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, stick to the steps mentioned in the upper text. Call your motorcycle accident attorney and tell them your case.
Here at Jason Hatfield, we have extended experience in such cases. Call and schedule your consultation today.