Bentonville, Arkansas has a lot to offer motorcyclists. Throughout most of the year, local and visiting riders travel on the open roads of the Ozarks and take in the beautiful scenery and public hospitality. Many accommodations even come with motorcycle washing stations for those who come every October to participate in Bikes Blues & BBQ, the world’s largest charity motorcycle rally, in nearby Rogers.
Unfortunately, the scenic roads in and around Bentonville are not always safe. In Arkansas, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of serious injury. Any collision may result in catastrophic injuries and even death, but motorcyclists tend to be the most at risk.
At the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, our Bentonville motorcycle accident lawyers understand how devastating a crash can be. When you’re struggling to recover, the last thing you feel like doing is fighting with insurers for the money you need to recover. We will help you protect your rights as an accident victim, which includes the right to a full and fair settlement. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Bentonville, AR
In the past five years, Arkansas has had a 23% increase in motorcycle deaths, with a 51% increase from 2019 to 2021 alone. According to data from the Department of Public Safety provided by Arkansas State Police, 85 people died in motorcycle accidents in the state in 2021. In 2020 the total was 79, up from 56 fatalities in 2019.
In spite of the stereotype that motorcyclists are reckless thrillseekers, the majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by motorists. There are many ways in which a driver can be negligent or careless, including:
- Failure to check blind spots when changing lanes
- Turning errors
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving (road rage)
- Following too closely
Any of these actions or omissions can cause accidents like the following:
- Open Car Door Accidents: In Bentonville, street parking can be difficult. A driver’s responsibility to other vehicles, however, does not end once they find a parking spot. When the door of a car is opened right in front of a rider, they often have no time to react. A dooring accident poses a high risk of injury due to the initial impact and nearby traffic.
- Rear-End Collisions: When the rider is thrown forward into the road, contact with the pavement causes severe injuries. Furthermore, the bike may slide out from under them, causing them to roll over the hood and windshield of the vehicle.
- Head-On Collisions: In a head-on collision with another vehicle, the motorcyclist is the most likely to suffer serious injuries. Even if the accident involves relatively low speeds, the motorcyclist is still at risk of being thrown through the windshield or over the roof of the other vehicle.
- Intersection Accidents: Motorcycles are smaller than cars, so intersections can be especially hazardous for riders. When turning left, a driver is more likely to misjudge distance or fail to see a motorcycle traveling straight.
- Accidents Due to Dangerous Roads: Accidents can occur when roads are negligently maintained. Potential dangers include potholes, debris, missing or faded road striping, and missing guardrails
- Motorcycle Defects: Motorcycle riders have a right to expect that their bike will work properly. Sadly, manufacturers, suppliers, and others may endanger riders’ lives by cutting corners. A defective vehicle component could fail at the worst possible time, causing an accident.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
A motorcycle crash, no matter how minor, can cause serious injuries to the rider. The following are some of the most common injuries suffered by motorcyclists in collisions:
- Road rash
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputations
State law in Arkansas requires all motorcyclists and passengers under 21 to wear a helmet. However, helmets and other safety gear can only do so much to protect you. Even riders who wear one and ride responsibly can suffer serious injuries in a crash. These injuries may result in death in some cases.
Compensation in a Bentonville, AR Motorcycle Accident Claim
When you file a personal injury claim, the amount you may be able to receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and their anticipated impact on your life. When you work with an accident lawyer at the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we will seek the maximum compensation possible, which may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages, both past and future
- Diminished or lost earning ability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
Our attorneys can build a wrongful death claim on your behalf if the worst happens and a family member dies in a motorcycle accident. With the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, you will receive compassionate support from the moment we file your injury or wrongful death claim to the time when you get the compensation you are entitled to.
FAQs
Q: Who Pays My Bills After a Bentonville Motorcycle Accident?
In Arkansas, all private passenger vehicles must have first-party insurance coverage that provides medical and hospital benefits, income replacement, and accidental death benefits in the event of an accident. This coverage applies to occupants of the insured vehicle as well as those struck and injured by its driver.
If you are struck by a careless motorist while riding along the Ozark Loop, you are entitled to recover from their liability policy, which includes bodily injuries, loss of wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage. You may also be entitled to recover from their personal injury protection policy or first-party medical payments coverage.
Q: What Should I Do If I’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Bentonville, AR?
Due to the serious nature of most motorcycle crashes, you may need to be transported by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. You should seek medical care even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously hurt: not only do some injuries, such as traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding, get worse if they are not diagnosed and treated quickly, but if you pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, your medical records will be a key part of building your case.
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you can take additional steps to strengthen your claim:
- Exchange insurance information with the driver
- Take photos of your injuries and damaged bike, or have someone else take them if necessary
- Get the contact information for any witnesses
- Request that the police send you a copy of their accident report
You should also hire a Bentonville motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you’ve received medical confirmation of your injuries. Insurance companies make low payouts to protect their bottom lines, and it is common for adjusters to present themselves as allies but then use your words against you. A lawyer, on the other hand, is in the business of protecting your rights and advocating on your behalf.
Q: How Do I Choose the Right Accident Lawyer?
When choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer, there are a few things to consider. They include experience, a track record of good results, and positive client reviews. You should also be treated with respect and kindness by the team in your initial interactions and in your subsequent meetings with the firm’s motorcycle accident lawyers.
At the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we have been serving clients in Bentonville, Arkansas, and throughout the state for many years. Since then, we have obtained significant financial compensation for injured clients – many of whom refer us to friends and family who need an experienced advocate during a difficult time.
Get a Free Consultation From a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Bentonville, AR
As experienced injury lawyers, we know that the immediate aftermath of an accident can be a difficult time for the victims and their loved ones. Our firm has represented many Bentonville motorcycle accident lawyers over the years. We have an impressive record of obtaining just settlements for our clients and promise to aggressively represent your interests through proficient and assertive legal representation. For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation, please call (479) 202-0027 or use our contact form.
