Little Rock Bicycle Accident Lawyers

In order for a bicyclist to obtain recovery for bodily injuries, the cyclist generally must show that the other party involved in the accident was negligent in causing the cyclist’s injuries. This requires the bicyclist to establish the legal elements of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages. If the injured bicyclist can establish those elements, then they will likely be able to recover damages caused by the collision. Depending on the injuries involved, those damages can include lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, future medical bills, future lost wages, and others. If the bicyclist suffered fatal injuries, damages such as funeral expenses and loss of consortium may be available in a wrongful death case.

Unfortunately for those who travel on bicycles in Arkansas, there are not many Arkansas safety laws that are specifically designed to protect bicyclists. In fact, Arkansas was at one point listed dead last in the League of American Bicyclists’ ranking of “bicycle friendly states.” There are, however, certain Arkansas laws that do protect bicyclists. For example, Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-311 requires that a motor vehicle passing a bicyclist do so at a distance of not less than three feet. If a cyclist is able to prove that the driver who injured him or her violated that law, such as by introducing eyewitness testimony, it is likely that the cyclist can recover economic and non-economic damages caused by the defendant’s failure to follow the safety law. In any case, consulting with a Little Rock personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accident cases will provide you with a detailed understanding about your legal rights and the options available for your situation.