Little Rock Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Little Rock

Bicycle accidents in Little Rock often happen because drivers fail to share the road safely with bike riders.

Even when cyclists obey traffic signals and ride with caution, they remain vulnerable to the actions of a negligent driver.

Accidents occur in intersections, bike lanes, and residential streets—many of which lack proper infrastructure to separate bikes from motor vehicles.

Understanding the most common causes of a bike accident can help injured cyclists identify liability and strengthen their legal claims.

In many cases, these crashes result from violations of basic traffic laws that endanger everyone on the road.

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Little Rock include:

• Drivers failing to yield at stop signs or traffic lights
• Motorists making unsafe lane changes without checking for bikes
• Opening car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist (“dooring”)
• Speeding or reckless driving in areas with heavy bicycle traffic
• Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone behind the wheel
• Turning without signaling or checking blind spots
• Failing to obey traffic signals or signs at intersections
• Driving too closely to bike riders and passing without safe distance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Aggressive driving or road rage directed at cyclists
• Failing to obey traffic laws that protect vulnerable road users
• Parking in designated bike lanes, forcing riders into traffic
• Poor visibility or lack of lighting at night or during bad weather
• Inadequate signage or poor road maintenance by local authorities
• Vehicle occupants not checking mirrors before exiting
• Lack of designated bike lanes or poorly marked shared lanes

Each of these hazards can create dangerous conditions for cyclists and may point to the negligent driver or third party responsible for the crash.

Common Injuries Sustained in Bike Accidents

Because bicycles offer little physical protection, even a minor crash can result in a serious injury.

When a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle, the force of impact often leads to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

In many cases, the victim is thrown from the bike or crushed between vehicles, increasing the risk of lasting trauma.

The nature and severity of these bicycle injuries depend on speed, point of impact, and whether safety gear (like a helmet) was worn at the time of the crash.

Some of the most common injuries in bike accidents include:

• Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and brain hemorrhages
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis or permanent nerve damage
• Facial injuries, including dental damage, eye trauma, and fractures
• Road rash and deep lacerations from contact with pavement or debris
• Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
• Soft tissue damage, including torn ligaments, tendons, and muscle injuries
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety or PTSD following the crash

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in a bicycle accident, seeking prompt medical attention and legal guidance can make a critical difference in your recovery and claim.

Arkansas Bicycle Laws Explained

Arkansas law grants bike riders the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles.

This means that cyclists must follow traffic signals, stop‑signs, and yield rules, but also have the right to use public roads except controlled-access highways like interstates.

In 2019, Arkansas adopted the “Idaho Stop” law, allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs as yields and red lights as stop-and-proceed when safe.

Cyclists riding at night are legally required to have a white headlight on the front and either a red light or reflector on the rear, visible from at least 500 feet.

Motor vehicles must give at least three feet of clearance when passing bike riders, a crucial rule to prevent close‑pass accidents.

Arkansas bicycle laws include:

• Vehicle rights & duties: Cyclists have the same road rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles
• Right-side riding: Bicyclists must ride on the right, avoid sidewalks (depending on city ordinances), except when passing or preparing for a turn
• Signal & stop law: Obey traffic signals; the Idaho Stop gives cyclists conditional leniency at stop signs and red lights
• Night lighting: Front white light and rear red light or reflector visible from 500 ft are mandatory
• 3‑feet passing rule: Motor vehicles must maintain at least a 3-foot buffer when overtaking cyclists
• Sidewalk & interstate restrictions: No cycling on interstate highways or limited-access roads; sidewalk riding restricted by local rules
• Helmets: Mandatory for riders under 14; some municipalities extend helmet laws to riders under 21
• Group riding & signaling: Riding two abreast is allowed where safe; hand signals required for turns and stops

Do You Qualify for a Bicycle Accident Claim?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may qualify to file a personal injury claim.

In Arkansas, cyclists have the same rights as drivers, and when those rights are violated, victims deserve compensation for their injuries and losses.

To succeed in a claim, you must be able to establish liability by proving that another party (such as a negligent driver or careless property owner) caused the crash.

This often requires gathering evidence like witness statements, accident reports, and medical records. Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame, but having experienced legal professionals on your side can help level the playing field.

At Keith Law Group, our law firm has helped injured cyclists recover full and fair compensation after life-altering accidents.

We assess each case carefully to determine fault, evaluate damages, and build strong personal injury claims backed by clear evidence.

If you believe someone else’s actions led to your bicycle accident, contact our team to discuss whether you qualify for a claim.

Gathering Evidence for Bicycle Accident Cases

Evidence is the foundation of any successful bicycle accident case.

Whether you’re pursuing a claim for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, you’ll need clear documentation to prove what happened and who was at fault.

Strong evidence not only supports your account but also helps legal professionals and accident reconstruction experts build a compelling case under Arkansas law.

Evidence in a bicycle accident claim may include:

• Police reports detailing the parties involved, witness statements, and initial fault assessments
• Accident scene photos and videos showing vehicle positions, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs
• Helmet and bike damage that can indicate the severity and mechanics of the crash
• Medical records linking your injuries directly to the incident
• Eyewitness statements from people who saw the crash or the events leading up to it
• Traffic camera or dashcam footage, if available, showing the moment of impact or surrounding activity
• Documentation of road hazards or unclear signage that may have contributed to the collision
• Expert analysis from accident reconstruction experts to determine speed, impact angles, and liability
• Proof of adherence to local traffic laws by the cyclist, such as riding on the correct side or signaling turns
• Correspondence with insurance companies, including lowball offers or attempts to shift blame

Damages in Bicycle Crash Cases

After a bicycle accident, many victims face more than just physical recovery.

They also endure financial stress, emotional trauma, and long-term lifestyle changes.

In Arkansas, injured cyclists have the right to pursue compensation for a range of damages that reflect the true impact of the crash.

These damages may include lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses that extend beyond medical bills or property damage.

Understanding the types of compensation available can help you make informed decisions about your claim and avoid settling for less than your case is worth.

Recoverable damages in a bike accident case may include:

• Medical costs for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatments
• Lost wages from time missed at work due to your injuries
• Lost earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future
• Pain and suffering, including both physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Property damage for your bicycle, gear, phone, or other personal belongings damaged in the crash
• Loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer participate in activities you once enjoyed
• Scarring or disfigurement, particularly from facial injuries or serious road rash
• Permanent disability resulting from spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or limb damage
• Mental anguish or psychological trauma, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression
• Out-of-pocket expenses, like transportation costs, home modifications, or in-home care

Meet Our Team of Experienced Little Rock Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Keith Law Group is proud to serve injured cyclists in Little Rock with a team of seasoned legal professionals who understand the challenges bike accident victims face.

Leading our firm is Sean Keith, a nationally respected trial attorney and lifelong Arkansas resident with over 30 years of legal experience.

Sean has successfully represented clients in complex personal injury cases across the state, including bicycle crashes, motor vehicle accidents, and product liability claims.

His courtroom skill and dedication to justice have earned him numerous honors, such as recognition as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and multiple multimillion-dollar verdicts for seriously injured clients.

Sean’s commitment to the Arkansas legal community also includes his appointment to the Arkansas Supreme Court Model Civil Jury Instructions Committee, and in 2015, he was selected by Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve as a Special Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Brynna Barnica, a senior attorney at Keith Law Group, brings over 17 years of experience to the firm and a strong track record of fighting for victims of negligence.

After earning her law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law, Brynna began her career in criminal defense before serving as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Benton County.

Her courtroom experience includes high-stakes jury trials and a deep understanding of how to build persuasive cases on behalf of injured cyclists and other accident victims.

At Keith Law Group, she focuses on representing clients with serious injuries (including those sustained in bicycle accidents) and works tirelessly to secure the compensation they deserve.

Both attorneys are deeply familiar with the legal system throughout Arkansas, including courts in Pulaski County and the broader Little Rock area.

Their local insight and commitment to justice make them powerful advocates for bike accident victims seeking real results.

Keith Law Group: Your Little Rock Bicycle Accident Attorney

At Keith Law Group, we understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially.

If you or a loved one has been injured while riding in Little Rock, you need legal advocates who not only understand Arkansas law but also fight aggressively for your rights.

Our team has decades of experience representing injured cyclists and holding negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable. We don’t believe in quick settlements that leave you undercompensated.

We believe in full justice for every loss you’ve endured.

We offer every client a free case evaluation and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Let our trusted legal team help you pursue the recovery you deserve and get your life back on track.

Contact Keith Law Group today to schedule your free consultation with a proven Little Rock Bicycle Accident Attorney.