Great Falls Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Injured Motorcyclists in Great Falls, MT

Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries, costly medical bills, and long-term physical and emotional pain. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, our Great Falls motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured riders seek the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand the unique risks motorcyclists face and the challenges they encounter when dealing with insurance companies or negligent drivers.

Whether you were struck by a distracted driver, forced off the road, or injured due to poor roadway conditions, our legal team can help you build a strong case and pursue the maximum recovery allowed under Montana law.

Call (406) 233-1302 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Montana Motorcycle Laws

Understanding Montana’s motorcycle laws is critical both for staying safe and for protecting your rights after an accident. Riders are expected to follow specific regulations that affect how liability is determined in an accident.

Helmet Requirements

In Montana, motorcycle helmets are required for riders and passengers under the age of 18. While adults may legally ride without a helmet, wearing one can greatly reduce the risk of head injury and can also influence how insurers or courts assess damages.

Licensing and Endorsements

All motorcycle operators must have a Class M endorsement on their driver’s license. Riders must pass both a written and a skills test unless they complete an approved motorcycle safety course.

Lane Usage

Montana allows motorcycles to share a lane with one other motorcycle, but lane splitting—riding between two lanes of traffic—is not legal. This rule helps reduce the risk of side-swipe collisions.

Insurance Requirements

Motorcyclists are required to carry minimum liability insurance of:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $20,000 for property damage

However, because motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, these minimum limits rarely cover the full extent of damages. Our firm helps clients pursue compensation from all possible sources, including underinsured motorist coverage.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in Great Falls can happen for many reasons, but negligence is often at the root. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS diverts a driver’s attention, often resulting in collisions with motorcyclists.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers frequently fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists at intersections.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check blind spots can easily sideswipe or cut off a motorcycle.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, leading to devastating consequences for riders.
• Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, gravel, debris, or poorly maintained roads pose serious dangers to motorcyclists.
• Defective Motorcycle Parts: Faulty brakes, tires, or steering components can lead to loss of control and accidents.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we investigate every angle of your crash—driver negligence, vehicle defects, and roadway hazards—to determine who is responsible and hold them accountable.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are more exposed than drivers in passenger vehicles, leaving them at risk for severe and often life-changing injuries. Some of the most common include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or severe brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can cause paralysis or permanent mobility limitations.
• Broken Bones: Legs, arms, ribs, and wrists are frequently fractured in collisions.
• Road Rash: Sliding across pavement can result in painful abrasions, scarring, or infections.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
• Amputations: In high-impact crashes, severe limb damage may result in surgical amputation.

Our legal team works closely with medical professionals to fully document your injuries, ensuring your claim reflects the full scope of your suffering and long-term needs.

Compensation for Injured Riders

Victims of motorcycle accidents in Great Falls may be entitled to a variety of damages under Montana personal injury law. Depending on the circumstances, compensation can include:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
• Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery or reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle and gear.
• Loss of Consortium: For spouses affected by the injured person’s condition or inability to participate in family life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk driving, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we are committed to fighting for full and fair compensation for every client. We negotiate aggressively with insurers and, when necessary, take cases to court to protect your rights.

Motorcycle Accident Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim in Montana?

Under Montana law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

You can still file a claim even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, the defense may argue that your injuries were made worse because of it. Our attorneys will work to minimize this argument and focus on the other party’s negligence.

What should I do after a motorcycle accident?

Call 911 immediately, seek medical attention, take photos of the scene, collect witness information, and contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Avoid giving statements to insurers without legal guidance.

How much does it cost to hire Hoyt & Blewett PLLC?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Montana follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Contact Hoyt & Blewett PLLC Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Great Falls, MT, don’t face the aftermath alone. The legal team at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC has the experience, dedication, and resources to help you recover what you’re owed.

To get started on your claim, contact us today at (406) 233-1302.