Montana Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Advocating for Victims of Motorcycle Crashes in Great Falls and Beyond

Every year, nearly 5,000 motorcycle riders are killed in crashes, with more than 80% of all motorcycle accidents resulting in an injury or death to one of the occupants. Without airbags and seatbelts, there is little to protect motorcycle riders from serious and catastrophic injuries caused by inattentive drivers of much larger cars and trucks. Even the most cautious motorcycle rider may have difficulty avoiding collisions with drunk drivers and other distracted motorists.

Our Montana motorcycle accident attorneys understand the dynamics of motorcycle collisions and know how vulnerable riders can be when these accidents occur. Combining over three decades of experience representing motorcycle accident victims in Montana, our team at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC is ready to fight for your right to compensation after a crash caused by negligence.

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, feel free to call us at (406) 233-1302 for a free case evaluation.

What Causes Motorcycle Crashes?

From bad weather to defective tires to negligent drivers, there are any number of ways that you may become involved in a life-threatening motorcycle crash. While motorcycle riders can protect themselves by wearing a helmet, keeping their bike maintained, and driving defensively on the road, the reality is that motorcyclists often have very little control over crashes.

According to one pioneering 1981 motorcycle study known as the “Hurt Report,” at least 50% of all previous motorcycle accidents had involved alcohol use by car drivers or riders, and over two-thirds of motorcycle car crashes occurred because a driver failed to see the motorcyclist in time. While motorcycle accident deaths and injuries have decreased over the years (largely due to the Hurt Report’s findings and the safety advocacy that followed), many experts believe that driver negligence still plays a critical role in motorcycle crashes.

Here are some common causes for motorcycle crashes that may be linked back to negligence:

• Aggressive driving behavior and road rage
• Failure to use turn signals or merge carefully
• Tailgating
• Drunk driving or substance use
• Faulty or defective vehicles and auto parts
• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic laws and rules

Seeking Compensation for Montana Motorcycle Accidents

Injuries from a motorcycle accident can leave riders severely debilitated and disfigured. Depending on the nature of the accident and the severity of the injuries involved, a rider may be prevented from returning to work or worse. If the accident was through the fault of a third party, Montana law provides damages for lost wages, medical bills, loss of established course of life, pain and suffering, emotional distress, among other relief.

Typical injuries reported by riders after a crash:

• Fire and burn injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Amputation
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Organ damage
• Severe bone and skull fractures
• Crushing injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis