Fort Smith, AR Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents are some of the most devastating accidents on the road. In 2013, there was a total of 1,411 motorcycle accidents in Arkansas. Out of all these accidents a large majority, 1,043 accidents, were considered non-fatal. However, there was a total of 72 fatal motorcycle accidents that resulted in a tragic 74 fatalities. However, despite the danger or riding a motorcycle, thousands of people choose to ride these vehicles on Fort Smith roads

While motorcycle accidents had dramatically decreased in 2012 from 2011. While the number of overall motorcycle accidents was still down from 2008 when there was a total of 1,1913 motorcycle accidents, 2013 saw the number of accidents increase to 20111 levels.

If you have suffered a serious injury in a motorcycle accident, Arkansas personal injury attorney Ken Kieklak can provide aggressive and strategic representation. If your loved one has unfortunately been killed in a motorcycle accident we can also provide experienced representation.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Smith

Nearly half of all motorcycle driver deaths involve just the motorcycle and no other vehicle. This proportion has remained largely unchanged over time. Speeding and alcohol use contribute to many of these fatal single-vehicle crashes. In 2014, 45 percent of the 1,680 motorcycle drivers killed in single-vehicle crashes were speeding, and 43 percent had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.08 percent or higher.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, In 2014, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled, and almost five times more likely to be injured. Some of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding
• Alcohol
• Road Conditions
• Taking a corner too fast
• Car changes lane into motorcycle driver

In 2014, 42 percent of two-vehicle fatal motorcycle crashes involved a vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing or overtaking the vehicle.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle injuries tend to be substantially different than other motor vehicle injuries. This is partially due to the unique design of a motorcycle. Drivers and passengers alike are exposed to their environments. Whereas, in a standard vehicle, the driver is afforded substantial protection by their windshield, roof, and safety features. Some of the most common motorcycle injuries include:

• Head Injuries including traumatic brain injuries – The brain is the center of the nervous system in the body, and regulates all of your internal processes that are essential for life. Any significant damage to this organ can result in catastrophic injuries and even death. Head injuries are particularly common in motorcycle accidents because the driver and passenger are not protected by any roof, as they would be if they were in a car or other enclosed vehicle. Arkansas currently only requires a partial helmet law. This means that drivers and passengers who are under the age of 20 are required to wear a helmet, however, over the age of 20, there are no requirements.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention nearly twenty-five percent of all motorcycle accidents resulted in the riders sustaining some form of head or neck injury.

• Road rash – Road rash is another injury that can be attributed to the driver and passenger being exposed to their environment. These injuries are the result of the driver or passenger making contact with the road surface. However, while many may assume that these injuries would be minor, road rash injuries can be quite significant. A road rash may extend to the deepest layers of the skin resulting in permanent nerve damage. In addition, road rash injury sites are prone to infection and should be cleaned by a medical professional.

• Leg injuries – According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the most common injury stemming from a motorcycle are those to the driver and passenger’s feet and legs. These accidents are so common amongst motorcycle accidents because the driver and the passenger are exposed to not only the outside elements but also to the motorcycle itself. If a motorcycle falls on its riders it can result in severe burns from the engine and exhaust systems as well as crushing injuries from the sheer weight of the motorcycle.

• Bone fractures – It only takes a split second for an accident to happen on the road. Bone fractures are regular injuries in a motorcycle accident. While broken bones in the legs and feet are very common, fractures and breaks in the wrist, arms, and ribs are also very common in a motorcycle accident.

Unfortunately, the foregoing are but a few of the more common injuries a motorcyclist can sustain. If you have been in a motorcycle accident – even one that initially seems to be minor – seek medical attention to rule out any serious underlying injuries.

Contact a Fort Smith, Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Personal injury attorney Ken Kieklak fights for Arkansans who are injured due to the recklessness or negligence of others. If you have suffered a serious motorcycle injury contact our law offices by calling (479) 316-0438 or contact us online.