Mena, AR Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a motorcycle is a great way to experience Mena’s tranquility. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are exposed to other drivers’ negligence no matter where they ride.
If another driver hits you on your motorcycle, our lawyers can make them pay through a lawsuit. Most drivers do not see riders until just before the crash. Others switch lanes before checking for approaching motorcycles. Some accidents only involve the motorcycle rider, but it is not their fault. When an accident involves a single rider, we can investigate to determine the true cause of the crash, like a defective motorcycle part or dangerous road condition. However, you can collect evidence from the scene before meeting with our team. If you remember to take photos and report the accident to the police, we can include that evidence in your case.
Call us today at (479) 316-0438 to receive your free case assessment with our motorcycle accident lawyers.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Typically Happen in Mena, AR
Defendants’ insurance companies and attorneys love to pretend that carefree or reckless riders cause most motorcycle accidents. In truth, most accidents are caused by negligent drivers, who might not even notice a motorcyclist before crashing into them. Other motorcycle accidents are considered “single-vehicle” crashes, only involving the rider, but that does not mean someone else is not to blame for it. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can determine how you were hurt and who to sue for damages. The following are the most common ways motorcycle riders are negligently injured in Mena:
Failure to Notice Riders
Motorcycles are already more challenging to spot on the road because they are smaller than most other vehicles on the road. But with more and more drivers distracted by their phones, many accidents happen because drivers fail to notice a motorcycle before the collision. Other drivers are speeding and do not have time to notice a rider before it is too late. This often results in catastrophic and sometimes fatal T-bone accidents, either with the driver pulling out in front of the rider or crashing into the side of the ill-protected motorcycle.
Drivers do not even have to be moving to injure riders without noticing them. For instance, if a driver parks in downtown Mena and does not check the road before getting out, they can open their door in front of an oncoming rider.
Illegal Lane Changes
Another common reason for motorcycle riders’ injuries is drivers illegally changing lanes. As mentioned above, this can happen when the driver does not notice the rider. Many other times, drivers do not bother to check their blind spots or mirrors before swerving into a motorcycle’s lane. They can be held liable even if they did not hit you but cut you off and caused you to have a “single-vehicle” accident. If they were ticketed for the offense, we can use it as evidence of their negligence.
Motorcycle Defects
Other “single-vehicle” accidents turn out to be the result of a defect in the bike or a part on it. However, you might be able to point to a specific reason for the crash, such as your brakes failing before the crash or some other deviation from your motorcycle’s normal operation. While determining the cause and who is responsible is challenging in these cases, we can gather evidence to see who worked on the bike or part in question.
In some cases, the motorcycle has a design flaw that renders all of that model defective. Other times, manufacturers negligently assemble motorcycles. Perhaps they used substandard materials in your brake system. It could also be that an autobody shop or independent mechanic negligently repaired your motorcycle, like fitting on the wrong brake pads.
While Arkansas does not require annual motorcycle inspections, getting your motorcycle regularly checked is a good idea. This will allow you to catch a potentially deadly hazard before it harms you.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk driving is a problem almost everywhere, including Mena. For motorcycle riders, drunk drivers can be deadly. Depending on their alcohol levels, drivers will have significantly slower reaction times. They might not even know they hit a motorcycle until they are in the back of a police cruiser. If the driver who hit you was arrested for DUI, we can typically pursue “punitive” damages, which can greatly increase the total compensation you recover.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions, such as debris, potholes, and defective guardrails, can cause some “single-vehicle” motorcycle accidents. In most cases, some entity is responsible for the condition that injured you. However, it is often a government agency, like state and local road cleaning departments. Our attorneys can help you overcome the additional challenges you will face when suing a government agency, like shorter filing times and notice requirements.
What You Should Do Following a Motorcycle Accident in Mena, AR
The moments just following a motorcycle accident are crucial. While you will likely be reeling after a crash, you can do several things to help your case if you remain calm and your injuries allow you to move about the scene.
First and foremost, call 911 right after the crash. The police will be dispatched to investigate the crash, and paramedics can provide on-the-scene care. The police will speak to you, the other driver, and any eyewitnesses around about the accident. The information they collect will then be detailed in an accident report, which our team can help you obtain after it is complete and available. Police reports are vital to a legal claim, as insurance companies want them as proof of the accident and can show liability if the other driver was cited for it.
Photos can also be used as evidence, so be sure to take some with your phone. If you recorded your ride with a helmet cam, like a GoPro, we can include that footage in your claim.
Reach Out to Our Mena, AR Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Support Today
For a free case review with our motorcycle accident attorneys, contact us at (479) 316-0438.