Riding a motorcycle has never been known as especially safe. However, things are getting worse for those on two wheels. More traffic, more cell phone use behind the wheel, and faster speed limits across the state all increase the death toll of motorcyclists, who have virtually no protection against two-ton vehicles and the unflinching pavement. If you were injured by a driver while riding your motorcycle, you are likely owed a considerable sum of money for your damages.
What Can I be Reimbursed For?
After a traffic injury, you may be eligible for financial compensation in the form of a settlement or award via personal injury lawsuit. While we always attempt to settle out of court because it will save you both time and money, our law firm is more than willing to go to court and win. Types of financial compensation you may receive for your Jonesboro motorcycle crash include:
- Past and present medical costs;
- Future medical costs;
- Lost wages from time spent away from work;
- Scarring or disfigurement;
- Disability;
- Loss of ability to earn an income or the same level of income you earned before the crash;
- Loss of joy in life;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Property damage.
Goals of Arkansas State Police Vanish as More Drivers Text Behind the Wheel
One of the goals of the Arkansas state police, outlined in the Highway Safety Annual Report for Arkansas, was to reduce motorcycle fatalities by 5.2 percent from the 2008-2012 average, which was 71.6 per year, to 68 fatalities per year. The state was on track to accomplish this in 2013 and 2014, with 61 fatalities for each of those years, but things have taken a turn for the worse. Across the nation, motorcycle fatalities rose by 8.3 percent from 2014 to 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that traffic fatalities across all user types rose by six percent from 2015 to 2016. If both of those numbers translate over to Arkansas and motorcycle fatalities, that would put fatality numbers back above 70 per year. Unfortunately, motorcycle fatalities tend to rise faster than car or truck occupant fatalities, meaning that 2016 may be even deadlier than 70 per year. The reasons for the increase in danger for all road users, particularly motorcycle riders, are as follows:
- More texting and cellphone use behind the wheel;
- Speeding;
- Aggressive driving;
- Alcohol impairment;
- Higher number of automobiles on the roads;
- Careless driving; and
- Reckless driving.
Call a Jonesboro Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Once
If you were injured in a motorcycle collision, the driver who caused the crash should be held responsible for your financial compensation. Motorcycle crashes typically result in serious injury or death for the motorcycle victim, and costs typically rise into the six figures. Whether the negligent party fled the scene or not, we will ensure that they are held accountable. The Jonesboro, Arkansas personal injury attorneys of Wells & Wells are here to answer any questions you may have. Reach out to us at 870.782.4084 today for assistance.