Riding as a motorcycle passenger can be thrilling, but it also comes with significant risks. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles offer little protection in a crash. When an accident happens, secondary riders—the passengers—often suffer serious injuries or even permanent disabilities.
If you’ve been injured as a motorcycle passenger in Arkansas, you may be wondering who’s responsible for your medical bills, how to file a claim, and whether you can recover compensation. The short answer is yes—you do have legal rights. But recovering fair compensation requires understanding how liability works and what steps to take after a motorcycle accident.
At Justin Minton Law, our personal injury lawyers have helped countless injured passengers and motorcycle riders fight for justice. We understand the unique challenges of motorcycle accident claims and work tirelessly to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Call (501) 222-HURT today for a free consultation with a trusted Arkansas motorcycle accident attorney.
When a motorcycle accident occurs, passengers are rarely to blame. In most cases, another driver, a motorcycle operator, or even a mechanical defect caused the crash. That means injured passengers almost always have a right to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
As an injured passenger, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
However, identifying the at-fault party and dealing with insurance companies can be complicated—especially when both the motorcycle driver and other vehicle drivers dispute who’s at fault.
Motorcycle accidents can occur in a variety of ways, and passengers often suffer the worst of the impact. Some of the most frequent causes include:
The majority of motorcycle crashes happen because of another driver’s negligence—such as distracted driving, drunk driving, or changing lanes without checking blind spots. When a car or truck strikes a motorcycle, the results can be devastating.
Sometimes, the motorcycle driver themselves may make a mistake—taking a curve too fast, following another vehicle too closely, or losing control on slick pavement. Even if the driver is a friend or family member, you can still file a claim under their insurance coverage.
Poorly maintained roads, potholes, or loose gravel can cause riders to lose control, throwing passengers from the bike. In these cases, a government agency responsible for road maintenance may share liability.
If a mechanical defect or malfunction caused the crash, the motorcycle manufacturer or parts manufacturer may be responsible under product liability laws.
Because passengers have no control over the vehicle and minimal protection, injuries sustained in these crashes are often catastrophic. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Even with protective clothing and helmets, motorcycle passengers face a far greater risk of severe injuries or fatal motorcycle accidents than occupants of enclosed vehicles.
After any serious motorcycle accident, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions—like internal injuries or brain trauma—may not show symptoms right away but can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Determining liability in a motorcycle crash depends on how the accident happened and which parties were involved. Multiple people or entities may share responsibility for a passenger’s injuries.
If the motorcycle driver acted carelessly—for instance, by speeding, riding under the influence, or weaving through traffic—they can be held liable for the passenger’s injuries. As uncomfortable as it may feel to take legal action against a friend or loved one, their insurance company is typically responsible for paying damages.
If a car, truck, or other vehicle caused the collision, that driver’s insurance should cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by shifting blame or disputing the extent of your injuries.
In some cases, a defective brake, tire, or engine component may have caused the motorcycle accident. When this happens, a product liability claim can be filed against the manufacturer or distributor responsible for the mechanical defect.
If poor road design, missing signage, or lack of maintenance contributed to the crash, you may be able to hold the government entity responsible. However, these cases have strict deadlines and procedural requirements, so it’s critical to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Navigating insurance coverage after a motorcycle accident can be frustrating. Several different policies may apply, depending on who was at fault and what coverage the parties carry.
Most motorcycle operators are required to carry liability insurance to cover injuries and damages they cause to others—including passengers. If the driver is at fault, their insurance company should pay your medical expenses and other losses up to the policy limits.
If another vehicle caused the crash, that driver’s liability insurance would be the primary source of recovery. However, if the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to rely on the motorcycle’s uninsured motorist coverage or your own.
If you have personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage, your insurance company may help pay for medical bills and medical costs, regardless of fault.
Having an experienced attorney review all available policies ensures you don’t miss out on any source of compensation.
As an injured passenger, you have every right to file a personal injury claim just like any other accident victim. Here’s what the process generally looks like:
At Justin Minton Law, our Little Rock motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience handling complex accident claims involving passengers. We’ll ensure your case is backed by strong evidence and expert testimony, helping you pursue maximum compensation.
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