ARKANSAS MOTORCYCLE LAWS*

 

Arkansas motorcyclists are protected under Arkansas motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable to Arkansas motorcyclists. A biker who is involved in a Arkansas motorcycle accident may obtain compensation for his or her injuries that were caused by the other driver’s negligence. Damages may include payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, economic loss, no fault benefits, and more. What follows are some of the relevant law involving motorcycles in the State of Arkansas

 

If you sustained an injury due to an Arkansas motorcycle accident and you haven’t contacted a lawyer about your Arkansas motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is contact us NOW. We’ll listen to you and help you understand your options. If you have a case, we’ll help you find the best motorcycle accident injury attorney or law firm in your area. As an attorney who litigates these cases, I belong to many trial lawyer and motorcycle lawyer groups and have gone out of my way to find the best motorcycle attorneys in each state. Even the phone call is free, and there is no obligation. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make a simple call and talk to attorney Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer.   1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752).

 

Ø      Arkansas is an At-Fault state: This means that to recover for personal injuries, pain & suffering, resulting from your Arkansas motorcycle accident, you may bring a tort liability suit against the at-fault driver. No-fault insurance benefits are not available in Arkansas.

 

Ø      Arkansas Comparative Negligence: To recover successfully for injuries resulting from your Arkansas motorcycle accident, you must be less at fault than the defendant you are seeking damages from. This is called “modified comparative negligence”.

 

Ø      Arkansas Helmet Law: In Arkansas, a helmet is required when riding on an Arkansas motorcycle if you are under the age of 21.

 

Ø      Arkansas Eye Protection: Eye protection is required by law when riding on or operating an Arkansas motorcycle.

 

Chapter 20, Operation of Motorized Cycles; Subchapter 1. Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles; Section 27-20-104 Standard equipment required . . . (b):

"All passengers and operators of motorcycles and motor-driven cycles used upon the public streets and highways of this state shall be equipped with the following equipment under standards set forth by the Office of Motor Vehicle of the State of Arkansas:

(1) Protective headgear unless the person is twenty-one (21) years of age or older;

(2) Protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields.

Ø      Arkansas Mandatory Minimum Insurance: Compulsory Liability Insurance is mandatory for all Arkansas motorcycles. This includes mandatory Bodily Injury & mandatory Property Damage Liability Coverage.

A.C.A. § 23-89-202
Minimum medical and hospital benefits, etc.

Every automobile liability insurance policy covering any private passenger motor vehicle issued or delivered in this state shall provide minimum medical and hospital benefits, income disability, and accidental death benefits, under policy provisions and on forms approved by the Insurance Commissioner, to the named insured and members of his or her family residing in the same household injured in a motor vehicle accident, to passengers injured while occupying the insured motor vehicle, and to persons other than those occupying another vehicle struck by the insured motor vehicle, without regard to fault, as follows:

(1) MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL BENEFITS. All reasonable and necessary expenses for medical, hospital, nursing, dental, surgical, ambulance, funeral expenses, and prosthetic services incurred within twenty-four (24) months after the automobile accident, up to an aggregate of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per person and may include any nonmedical remedial care and treatment rendered in accordance with a recognized religious method of healing. Expenses for hospital room charges may be limited to semiprivate accommodations;

(2) INCOME DISABILITY BENEFITS. Seventy percent (70%) of the loss of income from work during a period commencing eight (8) days after the date of the accident, and not to exceed fifty-two (52) weeks, but subject to a maximum of one hundred forty dollars ($140) per week. In the case of a nonincome earner, the benefits shall consist of expenses not to exceed seventy dollars ($70.00) per week, or any fractional part of a week, which are reasonably incurred for essential services in lieu of those the injured  days after the date of the accident and not to exceed fifty-two (52) weeks; and

(3) ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFITS. The sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000), to be paid to the personal representative of the insured, should injury, sickness, or disease resulting from an automobile accident cause death within one (1) year from the date of the accident.

 

Ø      Arkansas Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This insurance is not required for Arkansas motorcycles. Uninsured Motorist Coverage will pay for injuries resulting from your Arkansas motorcycle accident if the at-fault party does not have insurance. Underinsured Motorist Coverage will cover your costs if the at-fault party does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries resulting from your Arkansas motorcycle accident.

 

Ø      Arkansas Hit & Run: UIM Coverage will also cover you when injured in an Arkansas motorcycle accident with an unidentified at-fault driver in a hit & run situation.

 

Ø      Arkansas Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations is 3 years. You must bring suit for your personal injuries resulting from your Arkansas motorcycle accident within 3 years of the date of the accident.

 

*There are many exceptions, special definitions and complex issues that cannot be explained in this material. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. Your legal rights greatly depend on the facts of your accident.

 

*Law changes constantly. Do not rely on this information. Law is vast and can not be covered in this limited space.

 

***Law portion of site in progress. Arkansas motorcycle law regarding Arkansas motorcycle accidents is being drafted and will be updated soon. Please call our firm for a free consultation to see if you have a case.