Bentonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bentonville Bicycle Accident Attorney

Cycling is one of the most common and preferred activities for residents of Bentonville, Arkansas. The state has a wide variety of amazing scenic trails, along with some appealing urban roads that both pedestrians and cyclists can take advantage of. Bicycles and other vehicles can unfortunately meet in an accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, speak with a Bentonville bicycle accident lawyer today.

About The Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC

Geoffrey Davis Kearney is a second-generation Arkansan, born and raised in Pine Bluff, with a family history of lawyers and a passion for helping his fellow Arkansans. Geoffrey has practiced civil litigation for over 25 years, during which time he has handled a variety of personal injury, insurance disputes, and general legal matters.

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Call Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC today at 870-376-3068 for your Free Consultation!

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Understanding Bicycle Accident Laws

In Arkansas, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Cyclists may use any public road, street, or highway, except freeways and other controlled-access highways. Bicycles should ride with traffic, signal turns, and yield to pedestrians. Arkansas legislation permits cyclists to proceed through stop signs after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic when the road is clear.

Drivers have a duty to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. If there is not enough space to pass within three feet, the motorist must either change lanes or wait until it is safe to overtake the cyclist. Failure to adhere to this rule can result in fines and more severe penalties, including those that may be imposed if the violation leads to an accident resulting in serious injury or death.

In the case of a bicycle accident, fault is assessed based on Arkansas’s modified comparative fault rule. Under this rule, a cyclist who is less than 50% at fault can still recover damages from an accident, but if a cyclist is 50% or more at fault for the crash, they are precluded from recovering any compensation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Arkansas is ranked #39 among all 50 states in terms of bicycle friendliness. In 2024, there were 28.3 fatalities for every 10,000 bike commuters, with 0.1% of commuters biking to work on a daily basis.

Cyclists can get hit due to a driver’s negligence. A common scenario for a bike accident is a motor vehicle turning into the cyclist’s path at an intersection. In such cases, the driver either neglects to yield or underestimates a cyclist’s speed.

Other common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Sudden lane changes

Cyclists can also be at fault if they disobey traffic laws, but some serious injuries result from factors beyond the rider’s control. These include high-traffic areas, like near Bentonville Square or streets that lack bike lanes.

Environmental and human factors underscore the importance of having an attorney who is familiar with the roads and understands how to investigate these cases. A Bentonville bicycle accident attorney with experience can rebuild accident details while collecting evidence to hold responsible parties accountable.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident

Get medical attention as soon as possible if you are involved in a bicycle accident, even if your injuries seem minor. Immediate treatment may not only help you stay healthy but can also provide documentation of your injuries in the event that you need to file a claim. Photograph the scene of the accident, obtain witness information, and file a police report.

An insurance company may want to offer a settlement right away, but it’s important that you hire a bicycle accident attorney in Bentonville before agreeing to any payment that is less than you deserve. You may need to file a claim in Bentonville District Court in order to obtain the compensation that you are entitled to.

Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Motor vehicle collisions can cause serious injuries to bicyclists, including broken bones, head injuries, and permanent disability. Navigating insurance disputes or complicated liability issues without help can be overwhelming.

Geoffrey Davis Kearney utilizes his civil litigation background and federal clerkship experience when handling cases involving bicycle accidents. Experienced with Arkansas law, The Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC can thoroughly investigate accidents, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate in court if necessary.

Lawyers help victims maximize their compensation claims by obtaining reimbursement for medical bills, lost earnings, and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Victims who retain attorneys who handle bicycle accident cases and understand local court procedures are well served.

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Contact The Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, hire a bicycle accident lawyer from The Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC. We can help you seek compensation. Contact us today for more information.