Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Arkansas

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Bike rider

When you first got your bike, perhaps you looked forward to riding through Arkansas' scenic hills and river valleys. On the other hand, you might have viewed your bike as a practical, environmentally friendly way to run errands in Little Rock. Then, something unexpected happened – a bicycle accident.

Some insurance adjusters seem to prioritize company profits over ensuring injured bicyclists receive fair compensation. As a former insurance industry professional turned Arkansas bicycle accident lawyer, Justin Minton knows their tactics. The Minton Law team wants to help you maximize your insurance claim. 

When it comes to legal decisions, delaying necessary action is the worst course to take. Call 501-222-HURT now to schedule a free consultation. If you hire our bicycle accident lawyers, we can put Arkansas law to work for you every step of the way.

Positioning Bicycle Accident Claims for Success

Start laying the groundwork for a successful personal injury claim as soon as possible. In Arkansas, this process begins with following local traffic laws. 

Those involved are required to report bicycle accidents resulting in:

  • Death
  • Injuries
  • Property damage exceeding $1000

Though the form might ask for a description of the accident, stick to the facts. Avoid discussing fault. Legal professionals can guide you through making an accurate report that does not damage your claim.

Accident reports are different from police reports. The officer responding to the crash will write the police report. Though it may not be required by law, this official, objective record is highly valuable.

The following sections discuss additional steps you can take to build a strong foundation for your personal injury claim.

By documenting the scene

Evidence from the accident scene can be the most significant, yet it can also be the quickest to disappear.

After requesting emergency services for anyone injured, take the following steps:

  • Take photos or videos of your bicycle, all involved motor vehicles, your injuries, and road conditions like skid marks, construction, and signage
  • Exchange contact information with the motorist and take down their insurance information
  • Write down the details of the crash, such as if the driver failed to obey traffic signals and which lanes you and the cars were occupying, while they are fresh in your mind

If you cannot take these immediate steps yourself, ask a witness to send you some photographs and call bicycle accident lawyers for help.

By seeking medical treatment

Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention after a Little Rock bicycle accident is essential. 

Doctors are trained to detect hidden injuries that may not show symptoms right away. Shock can also mask pain, making it hard for injured cyclists to know they have a serious injury.

Common injuries from bicycle accidents include:

Some severe injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal injuries, may take hours or days to appear. Head injuries, even mild ones, can lead to long-term problems if not treated quickly. 

Medical professionals can help catch these issues early and connect them to the accident. Keep detailed records of your appointments and medical expenses.

By relying on your Arkansas bicycle accident attorney

After a bicycle accident, your main focus should be on healing. Injuries from a crash can take time to recover from, and dealing with legal issues can be overwhelming. Yet, evidence tends to disappear or degrade as time passes. 

Other proof involves a seemingly endless pile of paperwork and phone calls to acquire. An Arkansas bicycle accident lawyer can take on the burden of handling your claim while you concentrate on your health.

Proving someone else's negligence is not always easy. Your lawyer will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and work to establish liability. In some cases, there may be multiple parties involved, such as a negligent driver, a bike manufacturer, or even a city that failed to maintain safe roads.

Bicycle accident attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim. They can fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Having legal support early on can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

Taking Full Advantage of Arkansas Law in Bicycle Accident Cases

State laws provide important protections for bicyclists injured in accidents, ensuring they have the right to seek damages. However, Little Rock insurance companies understand these laws and use them to serve their interests. 

The insurer could even attempt to deny settlements if you don’t comply with each legal requirement. But an experienced lawyer can help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your settlement.

By meeting the statute of limitations for accident victims

The statute of limitations is a legal time limit that ensures the following:

  • People don't sue for bike crashes that happened a very long time ago
  • Witness statements rely on fresh memories rather than faded recollections
  • More evidence is available for accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the accident
  • Lawyers have enough time to prove negligence
  • Victims get money for their settlement in a reasonable amount of time

Once the statute of limitations expires, it is virtually impossible for injured cyclists to recover damages. A Little Rock bicycle accident lawyer can work quickly to build a strong case on time.

By seeking compensation beyond bicycle accident injuries

When accidents occur, sometimes the biggest issue is not if you get compensated for your losses. How much you receive as compensation will significantly affect your quality of life. A Little Rock bicycle accident attorney can help you identify ways to maximize your settlement.

You can recover economic damages for financial losses, namely:

  • Medical expenses from hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages due to missed work 
  • Reduced earning capacity if the injury affects future income
  • Property damage, including bicycle repair or replacement
  • Costs for traveling to medical appointments
  • Home modifications

Some non-economic damages to cover personal hardships are eligible, such as:

  • Pain and suffering 
  • Emotional distress like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life 
  • Disfigurement or permanent scarring

Punitive damages serve as punishment for extreme negligence like the examples listed below:

  • Drunk driving accidents where the driver is extremely intoxicated
  • Reckless driving, including street racing or road rage
  • Fleeing the scene after severely injuring or killing someone
  • Intentional harm caused by unsafe actions
  • Gross negligence (e.g., distracted driving while knowingly ignoring serious safety risks)

By acting on behalf of your loved ones

Wrongful death occurs when someone's negligence causes a person's death. Family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, can seek legal representation to hold the responsible party accountable. 

A Little Rock bicycle accident lawyer can pursue the following:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Compensation for pain and suffering endured by the victim before death
  • Damages for loss of financial support, companionship, and guidance

Your loved one deserves justice. Don't worry about paying out of pocket for our personal injury services. You will have access to a knowledgeable attorney, and we don't charge fees unless we win money for you.

Choosing an Arkansas Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies might try to convince you that you don't deserve compensation. They might offer lowball settlements that may not cover your medical costs or other financial losses. Yet, when you hire an experienced personal injury attorney from Minton Law, you don't have to settle for "adequate" compensation. 

What if you sustained injuries outside Little Rock in Pulaski County, Arkansas? The bicycle accident lawyers of Minton Law can help you in the counties of Benton, Saline, Conway, Faulkner, and beyond. Contact us today to schedule your free legal consultation at a location convenient for you.

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At Minton Law Firm, we prioritize your peace of mind. Our commitment to "No Fee Unless We Win" ensures that you can pursue justice without financial worry. We only get paid when you receive compensation for your injury.
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