Our Conway Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help You After a Crash

Our Conway Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Share What You Need to Know After a Crash

It took just an instant for your peaceful motorcycle ride through Conway to transform into horrific pain and uncertainty. In the moments after your accident and in the days to come, you are going to have a lot of questions about how the accident happened, what to do next, and your legal rights and possible recovery.

Our Conway motorcycle accident lawyers are here to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps. We invite you to learn more in this article and to contact us for a consultation about your unique situation.

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Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Conway motorcycle accidents in Conway come in various forms, each with its own set of dangers and potential outcomes. For example, you may be hurt in a:

• Rear-end collision. Motorcyclists are vulnerable to severe injuries when struck from behind, as they lack the protective frame of a car. Distracted driving or following too closely are common causes of rear-end collisions involving motorcycles.
• Left-turn accidents. Left-turn accidents occur when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often due to misjudging the motorcycle's speed or failing to yield the right-of-way. These accidents can result in devastating consequences for the motorcyclist, who may have little time to react.
• T-bone crashes. T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact collisions, happen when a vehicle strikes a motorcycle from the side at a perpendicular angle. Intersections are common locations for these accidents, which can cause severe injuries to the motorcyclist, such as broken bones and internal organ damage.
• Head-on collisions. Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of motorcycle accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents can occur when a vehicle crosses the centerline or enters the wrong lane, leaving the motorcyclist with little chance to avoid the collision.
• Dooring accidents. Dooring accidents happen when a parked vehicle's occupant opens their door directly in the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcyclists may have little time to react, leading to serious injuries as they collide with the door or are thrown from their bike while attempting to avoid it.

It may be too late to avoid injuries from these types of motorcycle accidents, but it’s not too late to understand what caused them and take the necessary steps to protect your rights.

What Causes Conway Motorcycle Crashes

Knowing the cause of your motorcycle accident is essential for determining who was at fault and holding the responsible party accountable for your injuries and damages.  Common causes of Conway motorcycle crashes include:

• Distracted driving. Smartphones, in-car entertainment systems, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, changing music, and other distractions can cause motorcycle crashes.
• Drowsy driving. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and decreased awareness, making them more likely to overlook motorcyclists on the road. 
• Speeding. Excessive speed reduces reaction times and increases the force of impact in a collision. 
• Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs coordination and judgment and can cause catastrophic crashes.
• Road hazards. Potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces that may be minor nuisances for cars can be significant hazards for motorcyclists. These obstacles can cause a rider to lose control of their vehicle, leading to serious accidents.
• Weather conditions. Inclement weather, such as rain, fog, or strong winds, can make riding a motorcycle significantly more challenging. When other motorists fail to adjust their driving to account for these conditions, they put motorcyclists at risk of being involved in a severe accident.
• Aggressive driving. Motorists who tailgate, weave through traffic, or engage in other aggressive behaviors create dangerous conditions for motorcyclists. 

If you were injured as the result of someone else's negligence, an attorney can work to gather evidence to determine the cause of the crash so that the proper parties can be held accountable. 

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Only a medical professional should diagnose your injuries. However, you should be aware of the following types of injuries and report any symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries

Prompt medical treatment may prevent your injuries from worsening and help you protect your legal recovery.

Protect Your Rights After a Conway Motorcycle Collision

Even the strongest riders need support after a crash—knowledge is your first step to recovery.

Many people don’t know what to do after a motorcycle accident. Thankfully, most motorcyclists don’t need to think about it often, but our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers advise clients and take the necessary steps day in and day out, and we are happy to share our experience with you. After a motorcycle accident injury, you should take the following steps if you can:  

• Document everything. Take photos at the accident scene if it is safe to do so and write down what you remember about the crash. Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies or other parties involved.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not have immediate symptoms. Additionally, follow through on all health care recommendations and follow-up appointments.
• Report the accident.  Report the accident to the police and your insurance company promptly. Be factual in your statements, but avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries.
• Avoid discussing the accident on social media. Insurance companies often monitor these platforms, and your posts could be used against you.

If you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, your attorney can provide additional advice on protecting your rights.

What to Expect If You File a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Understanding the process of a motorcycle accident claim may help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty you may feel. Here's what you can typically expect as your case unfolds.

The claim process begins with filing a report with the relevant insurance companies. This should be done as soon as possible after the accident to avoid any potential issues with deadlines.

An investigation will follow. Both the insurance company and your lawyer will review police reports, witness statements, and any available evidence to determine fault.

After that, your motorcycle accident lawyer may negotiate with the insurance company. This process can be lengthy and may involve multiple offers and counteroffers.

If a fair settlement can't be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. This moves your case into the court system, though a settlement can still be reached before trial.

Discovery is the next phase if a lawsuit is filed. Both sides exchange information and seek evidence, including depositions, document requests, and expert witness testimony.

A trial may be necessary if a settlement still isn't reached. Your lawyer will present your case to a judge or jury, who will determine the outcome and any damages awarded.

Compensation for Motorcycle Crash Injuries

The damages you may be entitled to after a motorcycle accident can be significant. They will be determined based on your unique injuries and the percentage of fault attributed to you and the defendant(s) in your case. Some of the types of damages you may be able to recover include:

• Medical expenses. Healthcare costs are often a significant part of many motorcycle accident claims. These costs may include immediate emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, ongoing treatments, and future medical needs related to your injuries.
• Lost income. Lost wages, benefits, raises, and self-employment income may be part of your recovery. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of earning capacity.
• Physical pain and emotional suffering. While more challenging to quantify, these non-economic damages can be substantial in severe cases.
• Property damage. Property damage compensation covers repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life. Loss of enjoyment of life damages may be available if your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed.

Punitive damages, while less common, may be awarded in cases where the at-fault party's behavior was particularly reckless or egregious. 

How to Choose a Conway Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A Conway motorcycle accident attorney can guide you and help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. Accordingly, contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident makes sense.

Here are some factors to consider when you decide which lawyer to hire:

• Experience. Experience with motorcycle accident cases can be important. Motorcycle accident cases often involve unique factors that may not apply to other types of vehicle accidents. 
• Reputation. While past case results do not guarantee future results, you can consider what other clients think about the law firm you are considering. B.C, a Conway motorcycle accident client of ours, said this about working with us: “I was very impressed with Dorsey coming to the hospital to start & handle my case. Very happy with DLF."
• Communication style. Choose a lawyer who explains things clearly and keeps you informed throughout the process.

Personal comfort with the lawyer shouldn't be overlooked. You'll be working closely with this person during a stressful time, so it's important that you feel at ease with them.