A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case
The Advocates have been representing motorcycle accident victims for nearly 30 years. We understand how dangerous motorcycle crashes can be for the biker, often leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. We are committed to ensuring our clients have the most stress-free recovery possible while also obtaining a fair settlement for their damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Montana and need a competent, caring attorney for your personal injury claim, contact The Advocates for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex. Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.
The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.
Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees when you hire The Advocates.
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. You will not pay us unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.
Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.
In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.
When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.
In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.
A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case
For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.Â
We can help you:
- Investigate your accident
- Build your case
- Negotiate with insurance companies
Talking to a Professional
- No need to schedule an appointment
- No need to wait for an email response
- Free online consultation
- Talk directly with an attorney
I was in an accident 3 years ago and had a very bad experience with the attorney back then I was in another accident last year and called the advocates mark and his team were amazing changed my view on accident attorneys they kept I'm touch with me every step of the way gave me authority on choices for myself I didn't have to go with what they said I could go against it and they still would have worked with me the same I had choices this time around I would always go with Mark I have even sent friends his way just cause I appreciate all the help and support the whole way threw.
My experience with the advocates was a good one. After being hit by a car on my motorcycle they helped me with a settlement with the insurance company to get the hospital bills paid. They were extremely helpful. They always answered any questions I had with in a day. Every email I sent was always responded to. If you unfortunately has to go through a injury by another person I would recommend them in helping you resolve any debt you have because if that injury. The Advocates were great to work with and help me get this unfortunate event behind me.
Steve and his crew at The Advocates were nothing short for amazing. They took my case after I was rear-ended resulting in neck surgery. Steve and company made sure all of the was taken care of and that I got the maximum compensation possible. I definitely recommend The Advocates
Mr. Brad Johnson, our lawyer; was Awesome! He was very informative, kept us up to date on my case with regular calls. He returned calls back to us within 24 hours or less. Brad Johnson is very courteous, honest, kind, and a pleasure to talk to and work with. There are very few Lawyers out there that could even come close to the high morals that Brad Johnson has and has shown towards us. We need more lawyers like Brad Johnson . If we ever needed a disability lawyer again in the future; it would be Brad Johnson and The Advocates Firm that he works at. We will definitely turn ALL of our family and friends towards this lawyer and firm; in a heartbeat!!!
I want to First say that I am truly thankful for the advocates Law Firm they have been a great service to me through this ordeal and Katie she is a tremendous lawyer someone that I would recommend she fights tooth and nail for her clients and the rest of the team they supported me to the fullest with that being said I would like to say for anyone who is trying to find an attorney to fight their case The Advocates is the way to go.
Montana Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Where do motorcycle deaths occur?
- The highest rate of motorcycle accidents occur in Yellowstone county, specifically in Billings
- Other cities with comparatively high numbers of motorcycle accidents include Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, and Bozeman
- Fatal motorcycle accidents are far more likely to happen in rural areas than urban areas
- The large majority of motorcycle accidents occur June-September, as there are more motorcycle riders on the road during these months
Montana motorcycle accident statistics Â
- Motorcycle crashes make up only 1% of all vehicle accidents statewide, however, they account for around 12% of all fatal crashes and 15% of crashes resulting in serious injury
- Over 80% of motorcycle accident victims are male
- Around 30% of motorcycle crashes happen at intersections
- In general, the number of motorcycle accidents in the state has decreased over the last seven years
Motorcycle helmet statisticsÂ
- Accidents involving non-helmeted riders account for around 30% of all motorcycle accidents, but make up more than 50% of motorcycle accident fatalities
- The most common motorcycle accident injury is to the lower extremities, but the most severe injuries are often to the head
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
- Distracted driving: Drivers of motor vehicles become much more dangerous and unpredictable when using a cell phone, eating, or participating in any other activity that takes focus away from driving
- Impaired driving: Accidents are far more likely to happen when the driver or motorcycle rider is under the influence
- Failure to see the motorcyclist: After many accidents, drivers of passenger vehicles claim they did not see the motorcycle rider in the moments leading up to the crash
- Failure to yield the right-of-way: If motorists are unfamiliar with the traffic laws in the area, they may enter intersections when it is not safe to do so, endangering those around them
Common motorcycle accident injuriesÂ
Depending on the nature of your accident and the protective gear you were wearing at the time, motorcycle accident injuries can range from road rash to life-threatening conditions. Some common types of motorcycle accident injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken or missing teeth
- Ligament tears or strains
- Lacerations and bruising (“road rash”)
Montana Motorcycle Laws
What is a “motorcycle” under Montana law?
In the state of Montana, a motorcycle is defined as a vehicle that:Â
- Is powered by a motor
- Has a seat or saddle for the operator
- Travels on not more than 3 wheels
This definition does not include mopeds, e-bikes, or tractors.
Is lane splitting legal in Montana?
Lane splitting, or the practice of motorcycles sharing lanes with passenger vehicles to reduce traffic congestion, became legal in Montana in late 2021.Â
The law allows motorcyclists to move between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic under the following conditions:
- There are two or more lanes of traffic going in the same direction
- Traffic is moving at speeds of less than 10 miles per hour
- The motorcyclist is traveling at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour
Are helmets required for motorcyclists in Montana?
Any operator or passenger of a motorcycle who is under 18 years of age must wear a helmet while riding. If a passenger under the age of 18 is not wearing a helmet, the operator can be charged.
What licenses must a motorcyclist have to ride on public roads?
A motorcyclist must obtain a motorcycle endorsement in order to operate a motorcycle in Montana. To obtain the endorsement, a rider must:
- Pass a written test
- Pass a road test OR complete a state-approved basic rider course
- Pay $0.52 per year
What equipment must a motorcycle have to be street legal?
A motorcycle must be equipped with the following in order to ride on Montana roadways:
- At least one, and not more than two, headlamps visible from at least 500 feet
- Tail light visible from at least 500 feet
- A horn audible from at least 200 feet
- Working turn signals
- A lighted license plate
- A muffler
- Footrests for passengers
What is the number of persons allowed on a motorcycle?
If a motorcycle is designed for two people, the passenger must ride upon the permanent, regular seat. If the motorcycle is not designed to carry more than one person, no passengers may ride.
When Should I Hire a Motorcycle Injury Attorney?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you will need to prove that the driver of the vehicle was at fault in order to receive any damages. Montana is a modified comparative fault state, which means that insurance will not pay out until fault has been determined. However, fault can be shared by drivers– as long as you are found less responsible for the accident than the other party, you may collect damages.
The other driver’s insurance company will do whatever they can to keep you from getting a fair settlement offer. They may try to diminish the severity of your injuries, claim your injuries were pre-existing, or deny liability for the accident altogether.
The Advocates’ personal injury law firm has years of experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and fighting for our clients’ right to fair compensation under the law. We understand that when recovering from debilitating injuries, the last thing you want to do is navigate your way through a complex legal process.Â
We are here to help every step of the way, from building your case to helping you understand your medical bills. The Advocates truly care about you and your recovery, and our goal is the same as yours: a successful motorcycle accident claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You deserve excellent legal representation for your personal injury case. You deserve an Advocate.
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