Fort Smith Sudden Stop Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you have been hurt in a sudden stop accident while motorcycling, you may be entitled to compensation. Motorcyclists face a higher risk of injury than others on the road – and far too often, they shoulder the blame for injuries caused by other drivers’ negligence. Accidents that happen when a car comes to a sudden stop and a motorcycle rear-ends the car are a prime example of this trend. However, the car driver is often found to be at-fault for these accidents.

McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm has fought for the rights of injured people in the Fort Smith area for nearly three decades. Our team of skilled lawyers is highly knowledgeable about the complicated laws surrounding motorcycle accidents and will put this knowledge to work for you in order to recover maximum compensation in your case. We have a record of delivering great results, and we are dedicated to providing attentive and compassionate customer service. This includes a promise that you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

We are ready to hear your story and make a plan to help you today. Even if you are unsure of whether or not you want legal assistance, we will be happy to simply talk you through your options to pursue financial recovery. To speak with an experienced Fort Smith motorcycle accident attorney, call us now at (479) 783-0036.

Do I Need a Sudden Stop Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

If you have been involved in a sudden stop motorcycle accident, you may have suffered significant losses through no fault of your own. These accidents inflict serious injuries and property damage more often than not. When you find yourself facing such a costly situation, you should not have to pay for another driver’s carelessness.

To pursue the compensation you need to recover, it is crucial to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side. These cases can be difficult to resolve for a number of reasons. For one thing, insurance providers are likely to claim that you are at fault for rear-ending the other driver, even if that driver swerved in front of you or had malfunctioning brake lights. On top of that, motorcyclists face a stereotype stigma that can force unfair blame upon them for the injuries they sustain.

An attorney who is well-versed in sudden stop accidents will have a deep understanding of the laws surrounding these accidents. To build your case, a lawyer will closely investigate the accident to gather crucial evidence. Armed with this evidence, they will skillfully negotiate with stubborn insurance companies so as to attempt to reach a fair settlement out of court. If necessary, your attorney can help you file a lawsuit and fight for your rights in court.

Why Choose McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm to Handle My Case?

After experiencing a potentially devastating motorcycle accident, it is important to have a lawyer who will care about your needs and help you get the money you need to heal your injuries. With McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm handling your case, you can rest assured that these needs will be met.

With 25 years of experience in personal injury cases under our belt, we have an intimate understanding of how difficult these situations can be. We will listen to your story with the utmost focus and compassion. If you choose to work with us, we will honor our Client Bill of Rights to ensure that you feel supported every step of the way. Furthermore, to make our services accessible, we won’t charge you a cent unless we recover compensation for you.

In addition to the dedicated customer service we provide, we are proud of the results and feedback we’ve received from our clients. Eighty percent of our clientele come from referrals given by past clients, doctors, and other professionals in the community. This is a testament to the high quality of our work and the trust we have earned.

Lastly, McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm is committed to giving back to the Fort Smith community. We have been proud to lead and/or support various safety initiatives over the years, such as the Distracted Driving Project and the Child Seat Safety Project. If you hire us as your legal representation, you will help us continue to serve the community in these ways.

Who Is Liable for a Sudden Stop Motorcycle Accident in Arkansas?

If you have been injured or lost property in a motorcycle crash in Arkansas, you may very well be wondering who is liable for the accident. This question is complicated to answer in many motor vehicle accidents. In accidents involving a sudden stop on the part of a car in front of a motorcycle, the question of liability can become more complex.

In this type of accident, a motorcyclist crashes into the rear-end of a car that has come to a sudden stop. Many people assume that the driver or motorcyclist who rear-ends someone else is automatically at fault for the crash. However, many sudden stop cases are not so clear-cut. In fact, oftentimes, the car driver holds the majority of the blame for these accidents.

Here are some examples of circumstances in which the car driver who came to a sudden stop may be considered at fault for the accident:

Faulty brake lights: When a car’s brake lights aren’t working properly, a motorcyclist may not be able to see that the car is slowing down in time to stop before impact. In these instances, the car driver may be held responsible for the accident that results from brake light failure.
Swerving: If a car suddenly swerves in front of a motorcycle before coming to a stop, the motorcyclist is unlikely to have enough time to brake fully. A driver who swerves and brakes in such a dangerous manner may be found liable for resulting injuries.
Speeding: Speeding and unpredictable swerving often go hand-in-hand in motorcycle accidents. If a car driver is speeding and then comes to a stop that a motorcyclist couldn’t have foreseen, that car driver may be held accountable for an accident.
Driving while intoxicated: The use of drugs and/or alcohol negatively impacts a driver’s judgment, depth perception, and reflexes. In the event that a car driver is intoxicated and maneuvering dangerously at the time of a sudden stop accident, that driver may be held liable.
Distracted driving: A distracted driver may accidentally swerve, drift across lanes, or fail to notice an upcoming roadblock. If texting, making a phone call, or another form of distraction is a factor in a sudden stop accident, then that distracted driver may be held financially responsible for injuries and damages that result.

In some of the cases described above, it is possible that you would also shoulder a portion of the fault. For example, if a driver’s brake lights were malfunctioning but you were also tailing that car too closely, you may be considered partially at fault. Nonetheless, this does not mean that you won’t recover any compensation. Arkansas law follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence in personal injury cases. This means that as long as you are found to be less than 50 percent liable, you can recover compensation in proportion to the other party’s fault.

For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, and you’re awarded $50,000 in compensation, the most you can collect is $40,000. That’s 80% of the total amount you were awarded, which is the same percentage as the other driver’s fault.

Common Injuries Caused by Sudden Stop Motorcycle Accidents

Sudden stop motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries, especially for motorcyclists. According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcycle riders face a heightened risk of injury due to their size (which makes them less visible to other drivers) and their exposure to the elements.

In the most tragic incidents, these crashes can be fatal. Even when they are not fatal, they can have life-changing consequences for the injured drivers.

Here are some common injuries that motorcyclists sustain from sudden stop accidents:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Paralysis
Broken bones
Road rash
Internal bleeding

Pursuing Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries

Following a sudden stop motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to multiple types of compensation. At McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm, we dedicate our energies to securing maximum compensation for the costs you have incurred. If we take on your case, we will aggressively pursue all the compensation we believe you are owed.

With skilled representation to help advocate for your rights, you may receive compensation for losses, including:

Property damage, such as the cost of repairing or replacing a motorcycle
Medical bills, including ambulance rides, ER visits, and long-term hospital stays
Rehabilitation costs
Disability costs
Lost wages, including sick days and PTO
Loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering you have experienced, including mental and emotional anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life

Contact McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm for the Help You Need

As you face the difficult aftermath of a sudden stop motorcycle accident, know that you are not alone. McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm can listen to your story and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Even though monetary compensation can’t undo the harm you’ve suffered, it can put you on the road to recovery and financial stability.

We will take every step to maximize your chances of earning fair compensation. To best help and support you, your McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm lawyer will:

Apply a deep understanding of roadway laws
Carefully investigate your accident
Gather extensive evidence to build your case
Handle negotiations with insurance companies
If necessary, file a lawsuit and fight aggressively for your rights in court

Do not hesitate to seek the assistance you need during this challenging time. When you come to us, you can expect compassionate service in addition to legal prowess. Call (479) 783-0036 to speak with a member of our team today.