Rogers Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

One of the great things about driving a motorcycle is that you can maneuver roads and highways without being stuck in a cumbersome vehicle. You save money on gas and can fit into tight spaces. And, once you’re on the road, you can enjoy the wind on your face and the big, open sky. The problem is, people who ride motorcycles are at greater risk of suffering serious injuries if they get into a crash. A motorcycle rider doesn’t stand a chance against a large car or SUV. The only thing that protects you is your helmet. That’s why it’s a good idea to call a skilled Rogers motorcycle accident lawyer if you get into any sort of motorcycle crash.

Motorcycle riders tend to suffer more serious injuries than other accident victims. You may be ejected from your bike and thrown across the highway. This can cause unique injuries that you don’t have to worry about if you drive a car or truck.

So, if you do get into a motorcycle wreck, you’re going to need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Rogers, Arkansas. They can help you get the compensation you deserve. Let them deal with the insurance company while you focus on getting better.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Motorcycle accidents happen more often than you may think. And, they’re just as common in Arkansas as anywhere else in the country. Anywhere that has an open road is going to experience their share of motorcycle crashes.

Every year, there are almost 90,000 motorcycle accidents in the U.S. Almost all of these cause pretty serious injuries. Unfortunately, close to 5,000 die every year in this country due to motorcycle accidents.

The fatality rate for motorcycle crashes is a lot higher than it is for car accidents. This is because there’s nothing to protect a motorcycle rider from the impact of a crash. And when riders get hurt, they need to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company.

Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Fact Sheet

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Just like car accidents, there are all kinds of things that can cause a motorcycle accident. It depends on where the accident took place. It also depends on what kind of vehicle hits you. Some of the more common causes of motorcycle crashes in Rogers, Arkansas include:

Someone turns left and cuts off the motorcycle drivers
A car or truck shifts lanes and ends up hitting the rider
Your motorcycle gets rear-ended by another motorist
Someone opens their car door and hits your bike as you drive by

Like other states, Arkansas has laws specifically written to protect motorcycle riders. For

example, you have to wear a helmet and eye protection. You also aren’t allowed to have a passenger on the back of your bike unless you have a passenger seat. And, children under 8 years old aren’t allowed to ride on a motorcycle at all

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents tend to cause very serious injuries. This is because you’re not protected by two tons of steel like you are in a car or truck. Your Rogers motorcycle accident attorney will fight to get you compensation for your injuries.

Some of the more common injuries caused by motorcycle crashes include:

Whiplash – When your neck gets stretched too far in one direction, you can end up with whiplash. There is no treatment for whiplash. And, since it’s impossible to prove, your attorney will have to rely on your doctor’s medical records to prove you were injured.

Broken Bones – It’s not hard to imagine that you’ll suffer multiple broken bones if you get into a motorcycle crash. This will be even worse if you get rolled under your bike or thrown from the motorcycle.

Traumatic Brain Injuries – When you suffer a serious blow to the head, you can end up with a traumatic brain injury. These injuries are very dangerous. Your brain controls everything you do. When your brain is injured, it can affect your entire life.

Burns – You may suffer road burn if you’re thrown from your bike. You can also suffer actual burns if your bike catches on fire.
Lacerations – You may get cuts and abrasions on your arms, legs and face. These can be very painful and may require stitches.

Your Rogers motorcycle accident lawyer will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Ideally, the other driver’s insurance will cover your medical expenses. However, if this isn’t the case, your attorney can file suit on your behalf.

What Should I Do After My Motorcycle Accident in Rogers?

No matter what type of accident you get into in Rogers, you need to take certain steps to protect your interest. If you don’t do this, you risk losing your right to compensation. If you follow these steps, you’ll have the best chances at receiving the legal compensation you deserve.

Remove yourself from any immediate danger

You need to make sure you’re not in the path of danger. When you get into a motorcycle crash, you may end up getting thrown off your bike. You want to make sure you remove yourself and your bike from the flow of traffic.

The last thing you want to do is get hit by another car or SUV. If you’re physically able to move your bike, you should do it. However, if you’re too hurt to do this, wait for the police to arrive on the scene.

Call 911 – You need to call the police, even if you think your injuries are minor. The cops will arrange for everyone to get immediate medical treatment. They’ll also conduct a thorough investigation to see what caused the crash. The police will prepare a report that your Rogers motorcycle accident can use in court to prove your case. There is valuable information in this report that you won’t be able to get any other way.

Get as much information as possible – If you’re able to do it, try to get as much information as you can. Ask the other driver for their license and insurance information. Try to get contact information as well.

You should also take pictures of the scene and the vehicles involved. If there are any eye witnesses, ask for their contact information. They may not be willing to provide this. If that’s the case, don’t press them. Let the cops get their information and they’ll include it in the police report.

Seek immediate medical treatment – Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, you need to get medical treatment. Go to the hospital immediately after your motorcycle accident in Rogers. They can do the necessary tests to see if you’re injured. They’ll also provide you with medical documentation of your injuries,

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Arkansas

Your Rogers motorcycle accident lawyer knows the statistics for motorcycle crashes in Arkansas. For the year 2011, there were over 1,400 motorcycle, moped and ATV crashes in Arkansas.

The good news is that many of these accidents didn’t result in serious bodily injuries. However, more motorcycle accident victims die than they do in other sorts of accidents. A lot of these deaths were preventable. About 72% of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved riders who weren’t wearing their helmet.

The number of motorcycle accidents have been increasing since 2000. Some years have seen as many as 2,000 crashes. This is why law enforcement has made so many efforts at increasing motorcycle rider awareness.

How Much is My Case Worth?

It’s impossible to say exactly how much your accident is worth without speaking to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Rogers. They can review your case and give you an idea of what your case may be worth.

In order to recover anything, you need to prove the other driver was at fault. Your attorney will hire the necessary experts to examine your case and determine fault. They’ll also rely on your medical records to prove your injuries. This is why it’s so important that you seek medical treatment immediately after your crash.

Your Rogers motorcycle accident lawyer will look to see what sources of payment exist in your case. If the other driver had insurance, they’ll help you file a claim against their policy. If they weren’t insured, you can file a claim against your uninsured motorist’s policy.

Your lawyer will also check to see if there are other potential defendants in your case. If the person who hit you was on the clock at the time of the crash, you may have a claim against their employer.

We Handle a Variety of Personal Injury Cases in Rogers, Arkansas

While we have experienced motorcycle accident lawyers on staff, we also handle a variety of personal injury cases. If you’ve been hurt because of the actions of a third party, you need a seasoned injury attorney by your side.

Some of the injury cases we handle include:

Car Accidents – If you get injured in a Rogers AR car accident, we can help get you the damages you deserve. This could include accidents caused by distracted driving, speeding, or any other sort of violation. We can help you file your claim against the other driver’s insurance and, if need be, file suit on your behalf.
Truck Accidents – These accidents tend to be very serious. The size of a tractor trailer is just too much for a passenger car to handle. Your Rogers truck accident lawyer may have to file suit against both the driver and his employer. They’ll make sure all possible defendant are named in your claim.
Nursing Home Abuse – If your loved one has been injured at the hands of a fellow resident or nursing home employee, you need help. Your loved ones deserve to be treated with car and respect. If someone is injuring your mom or dad, you need to call a nursing home abuse attorney.
Workers Compensation – If you suffer a work-related injury, you should be entitled to workers comp benefits. This includes both your medical care and replacement wages. As long as your injuries took place while on the clock, you should be eligible for benefits. Contact our Rogers workers comp attorneys for more info.
Wrongful Death – If your loved one died as a result of an accident, you may have a claim for wrongful death. Most of these cases involve negligence. Your wrongful death lawyers will have to prove that the defendant breached their duty of care. If so, you may be entitled to damages.

No matter what type of injury you suffer in Rogers, our team of experienced Rogers personal injury lawyers can help. They’ll work hard to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. You need to focus on recovering from your injuries. Let our lawyer handle the legal side of things.

Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you’re going to need to focus on recovering from your injuries. The last thing you need to do is deal with lawyers and insurance companies. You also don’t want the insurance company taking advantage of you.

Call and schedule your free initial consultation with the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A. today. Let us handle the legal side of things while you focus on getting well. The consultation is free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.

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Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyer

Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyers

We pursue fair compensation on behalf of accident victims throughout Sebastian County

Suffering a serious injury can throw your life into a tailspin. You may suddenly find yourself in the hospital, missing weeks of work, and wondering what your future will look like. When will doctors say you can go home? When will you be able to return to work? Will there be any additional follow-up medical treatment you’ll need to pursue? How are you going to pay for all of this? These are common questions anyone would ask themselves if they were in your position. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we are a compassionate team of Fort Smith personal injury lawyers who are here to help accident victims on their road to recovery. Our lawyers will take the time to sit down with you and listen to your story because we believe the more we know about your case, the better we can help.

We handle a variety of Fort Smith personal injury cases

For more than 20 years, the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield has provided exceptional representation to Fort Smith accident victims and their families. We believe that by holding people accountable for the harms caused by their negligent actions, we are not only helping clients, we are also helping make Arkansas a safer place.

Accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable injury in Arkansas and across the United States. At the Law Offices of Jason M. Hatfield, we proudly represent clients who suffered injuries related to any of the following accidents.

Car Accidents

Motor vehicles are necessary in today’s society; however, our reliance on them creates a situation where many drivers overlook the dangers these vehicles present. Motorists owe a duty of care to the others on the road. This means that a driver who negligently causes a car accident that injures another motorist, passenger, bicyclist or pedestrian can be held liable for the injured party’s damages. In most cases, these Fort Smith car accident lawsuits are filed against the at-fault driver, and that driver’s insurance company has a duty to assign that negligent driver an insurance defense lawyer to defend the case under the insurance policy. A knowledgeable Fort Smith car accident lawyer can help accident victims effectively prepare their claims.

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Over 500 people are killed in fatal Arkansas car accidents and another 2,000 seriously injured each year. Roughly 20 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in the state involve a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.

Truck Accidents

Arkansas truck accidents make up only a small percentage of the total number of traffic accidents in the state. However, they comprise a much larger portion of those accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

About one in six fatal Arkansas motor vehicle accidents involves a large truck like a semi-truck.

Most truck drivers understand the dangers of driving a huge vehicle and take the necessary precautions. However, unfortunately, that is not always the case. Truck drivers are under tremendous time pressure to travel as many miles as they can each day, which increases the chances of distracted driving or drowsy driving accidents. If you or a loved one were involved in a Fort Smith truck accident, speaking with an attorney is an excellent first step to gaining a greater understanding of how to hold a negligent truck driver accountable for their actions.

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Motorcycle Accidents

While many people think motorcycle accidents usually involve a single vehicle, that is not the case.

Motorcycles are involved in about ten percent of all fatal and non-fatal traffic accidents in Arkansas.

Many people are under the false impression that most motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents. However, that is not the case; more than half of all Arkansas motorcycle accidents involved at least one other vehicle.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of protection motorcycles offer to riders, injuries in these accidents tend to be severe. Even if you are wearing a helmet, you can still suffer life-changing injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, severe burns and more. Fort Smith motorcycle accident victims should reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to help them prepare their claim.

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Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls are among the most common causes of injury among older adults; however, every age group is at risk. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their property safe for invited guests. The extent of a property owner’s duty varies, depending on the type of location they own and the nature of your visit. However, typically, a landowner must warn guests of known hazards that could threaten their safety. And when it comes to business, they have a heightened duty to conduct routine inspections to discover potential hazards that could be dangerous for customers. Fort Smith slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including:

Grocery stores
Shopping malls
Department stores
Public buildings
Hospitals and doctor’s offices
Parking lots and parking garages

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8 Stages of the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process in Arkansas

Sustaining an injury after a severe accident can be a very stressful experience. Most people considering a personal injury lawsuit have little to no experience with the process. Going through the personal injury process with an expert attorney can make the process less intimidating & more manageable. The Arkansas personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. have outlined the eight stages of how the personal injury process works in the state.

Damages in a Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawsuit

Those who successfully bring a Fort Smith personal injury lawsuit can recover financial compensation for their injuries. While every case is unique, and it’s impossible to pinpoint what a damages award will look like without an in-depth case analysis, Arkansas law generally allows accident victims to recover for their economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages pay you back for the money you were forced to spend (or could not make) because of the accident. For example, medical bills, lost wages, decreased earning capacity and property damage are all types of economic damages. Proving economic damages is generally pretty straightforward, as you can present objective evidence of the amount of damages. For instance, we can present the court with your total medical bills to prove the cost of your medical treatment.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are a little more complicated. These damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological effect the accident had on your life. For example, the following are all types of non-economic damages:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of familial relationships

Arkansas Personal Injury Guide Infographic

If you have been injured by someone’s negligence, whether from a car crash or a construction site accident, you may be able to receive economic recovery to help you move forward with your life. Here is a quick guide to Arkansas personal injury law to help answer questions you may have.

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Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

What are common injuries for a personal injury case?

The most common personal injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Whiplash
Amputations
Crush injuries
Back injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Fractures
Internal organ damage
Broken bones
Deep disfiguring cuts
Burns
Nerve damage
Paralysis
Scarring
Penetrating wounds from flying objects
Airbag injuries, including broken nose and/or jaw
Dislocations

Personal injuries are very common and each year across the nation, roughly 39 million Americans need medical treatment for a wide range of such injuries. Of great concern is the fact that medical errors and accidental injuries are the third leading cause of death.

What documents do I need for a personal injury lawsuit?

For your personal injury attorney to help you build a case seeking compensation for your injuries, several pieces of evidence would be helpful. Those documents include:

Police reports
Statements made by witnesses
Survivor/client statement – this is a crucial document that outlines, in the survivor’s words what happened and how it affects their life.
Medical documents, including E.R. Records, doctor treatment notes, rehabilitation reports, and autopsy reports.
Any reports dealing with past safety concerns of a vehicle and/or past safety violations.
Pictures and/or video of the accident scene and injuries.
Any private investigation reports available (can be obtained through discovery).
The service history of the vehicle involved in the crash.
The 911 call transcript.
Any audio recordings available captured on a smartphone.
Relevant W2 forms that indicate lost wages
All receipts of medical expenses related to the accident, vehicle rental, payments to others to transport you.
Keep all your files relating to the crash together and keep a digital and physical copy. Use a spreadsheet to indicate what you have and what you still need to obtain.

Your attorney may have other documents they could use to build your case. They ask for those when they discuss your case with you when you find out your legal rights, and determine if you want to proceed with a personal injury claim.

What to do after an injury in an accident?

If you have been hurt in an accident, there are some things that you need to do immediately, if possible. You want to protect your rights while seeking compensation for your injuries from an insurance company. Here are things you need to do as quickly as possible:

Call the police and make sure you get the accident report.
If possible, get the contact information of other witnesses.
Get medical help immediately or as soon as possible. Do not wait.
Describe all of your injuries no matter how small or big they are, as the doctor documents them for the medical record. These records are helpful for your personal injury attorney while seeking compensation for your injuries.
No matter what tests are ordered, get all of them done as instructed. Ask for x-rays, scans, or an MRI if the injuries are serious. Get the results of those tests for your attorney.
Do not provide “any” statement whatsoever to any insurance company, including your own. While you can notify them of the accident, do not provide any other details until you have retained a car accident attorney.
If you do not have an experienced car accident attorney, make sure you hire one as soon as you can.
Keep personal records of all your injuries, how you feel, your experiences, what medical treatment you obtained, what the outcome was, and keep receipts for all expenses related to the accident.
No matter how you feel, follow through on ALL doctor, therapist, and therapy appointments. Always show up and do what you were instructed to do, and do not skip any appointments.
Throughout this process of recovering from injuries in a car accident, dealing with insurance companies and your attorney, have patience. The process to recover compensation for your injuries can be a long one.

What's a type of personal injury case?

Personal injury cases can happen at any time and anywhere. The most common types of personal injury cases include:

Nursing home abuse, neglect
Traumatic brain injuries
Birth injuries
Aviation, boating accidents
Spinal cord injuries
Medical malpractice
Wrongful death claims
Slip and fall accidents
Car accident claims
Medical malpractice
Wrongful death claims
Dog bites
Defamation claims, as personal injury cases do not always involve physical injuries
Assault
Accidents in the workplace
Premises liability claims
Product liability claims
Construction injuries

Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

While almost every accident victim can point to some type of damage they suffered due to the accident, identifying the full extent of your damages is critical to your full recovery. You only get one chance to bring a case, so you want to make sure you get it right. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., represents injured workers from all over Northwest Arkansas including Fort Smith, Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Berryville and Harrison.

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Fort Smith Wrongful Death Cases

Preventable accidents claim thousands of lives in Arkansas every year. Whether a loved one is lost after a motor vehicle accident, workplace accident or any other type of accident, the result is tragic. While many accident victims can physically recover from their injuries, sadly, many do not. Families who have lost a loved one in a preventable accident can pursue a Fort Smith wrongful death case against the at-fault party.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

A wrongful death claim is a type of personal injury case except that, instead of being brought by the accident victim, it is brought by their surviving family members. Wrongful death claims can be filed after any type of accident. The following family members can file a wrongful death claim:

Spouses
Children
Parents
Siblings
The personal representative of the accident victim’s estate

What damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit?

The damages available through a wrongful death claim are similar to those in a personal injury claim and include:

Medical bills and expenses
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Lost benefits (such as health insurance premiums)
Compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering
Compensation for your own mental anguish

Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

If you or a loved one was recently involved in a Fort Smith accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. In the aftermath of a fatal accident, families may be looking for answers that are hard to come by. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, our compassionate wrongful death lawyers can help you understand your options so you can make the decision that is best for your family. For more than two decades, attorney Hatfield and his dedicated team have served Fort Smith and the surrounding communities. As skilled negotiators, we can often resolve our clients’ cases without the need for a trial; however, we are also aggressive litigators and will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement offer. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a Fort Smith, personal injury lawyer, give us a call today at 479-361-3575. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.

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Rogers Motorcycle Accident Lawyer