Motorcycles are excellent means of transportation favored by millions of people around the country. However, they also have several drawbacks. Due to their compact size and lack of safety features, motorcycle riders are often at risk of suffering severe, life-altering injuries. Logically, as an injured victim, you would like to fight for your compensation and move on with your life. This begs the question of how long your motorcycle lawsuit will take. Our Fayetteville, AR motorcycle accident attorney Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, invites you to keep reading as we answer this question.
How Long Will My Motorcycle Accident Claim Take in Arkansas?
After a motorcycle accident in Arkansas, you may wonder how long will it take to fight for compensation to cover your losses. A general rule of thumb in motorcycle lawsuits – and any other vehicular accident – is that there are no set time tables. Every motorcycle accident is unique, often involving multiple defendants, elements, and scenarios to consider. Determining an exact time period in which a motorcycle claim can or should be resolved is impossible. Providing you with an exact resolution date and outcome is unethical and should never be done. However, your I-40 Arkansas motorcycle accident attorney can provide you with an approximation based on previous cases’ experience.
Additionally, there may be different circumstances that may impact how long your lawsuit can last. For instance, the extent of your injuries and your ability to file a personal injury claim, how long it would take you to hire an attorney, gather all necessary evidence, and other elements can impact the length of your case. All of these variables can influence your case and the time it takes to conclude it. A critical caveat to consider when filing a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident is to act quickly. The more time you take to hire your Arkansas personal injury attorney, the more time it can take to solve your case. Thus, it is always in your best interest to immediately hire an experienced Fayetteville, AR personal injury lawyer after your motorcycle crash in Arkansas.
How Long Do I Have to File My Motorcycle Accident Claim in Arkansas?
The statute of limitations is a legal time frame in which all plaintiffs – or claimants – must submit their claims with the court. The law has established this limitation to ensure you act promptly while the evidence and testimonies are still fresh and to prevent a defendant from being liable perpetually.
Under Arkansas law, you have up to three years from the moment of your accident to file your claim. This may seem like a long time to act, but in reality, it is not. As we mentioned, every motorcycle accident is unique. Depending on your specific circumstances, it could take significant time to find witnesses, collect evidence, and prepare for court. The longer you wait to act upon your claim, the more time it will take to solve it.
The biggest downside to not acting and filing your lawsuit within the statute of limitations is its definitive effect. If you fail to file your claim within three years from the moment of your motorcycle accident, the court may refuse to hear your case. Under these circumstances, you may be left without a remedy for your losses. For this and many other reasons, you should contact an experienced Fort Smith, AR motorcycle accident attorney who can help you avoid this mistake and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Arkansas?
One critical matter to understand is that everything you do after your motorcycle accident in Arkansas matters. Every decision you make following your crash can significantly impact your case outcome – including how much time it can take to resolve. Therefore, it is always an excellent idea to understand what you should do in the event of a motorcycle crash.
The first thing to consider after your bike accident is your safety. If you are physically able, move away from the crash site and find a safe spot. Once you are safe, make sure to call for emergency medical assistance. This is a critical step to follow after your crash. Calling for emergency medical treatment can help you in two ways. First, it allows you to take care of any apparent or underlying injuries that may result from your accident. Second, the medical report prepared by your healthcare provider can help you support your claim later.
You should report your accident to the police. Reporting your accident can also help you support your claim. The police officer assigned to your case will perform an investigation. After they have assessed the crash site and have talked to witnesses, they will write a report. The police motorcycle accident report can be useful to show the court the extent of your crash.
Collecting information from the crash site, the involved parties, and witnesses is not a task reserved for the police. You should try to gather as much information possible from all parties involved. This includes asking for the liable party’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Having all of this information can help you through your claim.
Finally, make sure you call an experienced Benton County motorcycle accident attorney. It is normal for people involved in an accident to make comments about what happened. It is essential to refrain from making any comments that may be interpreted against you. With your attorney’s assistance, you can make sure to avoid any pitfalls that may hurt your case.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney Offering Free Consultations in Arkansas
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident in Arkansas, we can help. For decades, our Fayetteville personal injury attorneys have helped many clients fight for their compensation. Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, understands how challenging and overwhelming dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be. We will dedicate all of our efforts to fighting and defending your rights as a plaintiff. We will work tirelessly and aggressively to get the compensation you deserve. To learn more about our legal services in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (479) 316-0438.