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Billings Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, or elsewhere in the state of Montana, an Advocate can help you recover.

A Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

A bicycle experiencing a collision with a car or truck is generally horrible news for the cyclist. A biker will often only have a helmet at most for protection, which doesn’t usually hold up to a vehicle, frequently weighing at least a ton.

The road to recovery after an accident is long and arduous, but you don’t have to travel alone. The bike accident lawyers with The Advocates are here for you. We want to help you recover physically, mentally, and financially.

Our experienced attorneys are standing by. Contact our Billings, MT, office for a free consultation today.

The Next Steps in Your Montana Bike Accident Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Property Damage

Get the damage on your bike assessed and repaired

Treatment

Seek medical treatment as soon as you can

Completed Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your attorney will compile your medical records

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We do not get paid unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.

For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

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 gather evidence, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. 

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. 

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 several years. It is 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 Bicycle Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case 

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 

We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Investigate your accident
  • Work together with you towards a full resolution of your injuries
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters
  • Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at-fault party

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Billings Bicycle Accident Information

Bicycle accident statistics  

  • Bicyclist fatalities have been steadily climbing nationwide, according to a study performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
  • 1.3% of traffic fatalities in Montana were cyclists, compared to 2.2% nationally.
  • The average age for bicycle fatalities has increased from 43 in 2012 to 49 in 2021.
  • Most bicyclists injured in crashes are male (81%).
  • 85% of bicycle crashes occur in cities.
  • September and October are consistently the deadliest months for bicyclists.
  • In the United States, bicyclists die at a rate of about 2.9 per 1 million residents; in Montana, the annual rate is pretty close to the national rate at around 2.7 bicycle deaths per one million residents.

Bicycle helmet statistics 

Cyclist get hit by the passenger side of a vehicle

Common causes of bike accidents

  • Speeding: Cyclists or drivers traveling too fast for conditions often cannot stop in time to prevent a car accident.
  • Distracted driving: Cyclists and motorists must be aware and ready to act if the situation demands it. Awareness is essential to traveling, whether by foot, bicycle, or car.
  • Impaired driving: In 21% of cyclist fatalities, the cyclist was found to have alcohol in their system, with 18% found to be over .08 BAC. 20% of the fatalities had drivers with alcohol in their systems and 16% with BAC over .08.
  • Dooring: Motorists unexpectedly opening their doors may cause cyclists to be unable to stop in time. It is essential to check for oncoming traffic, whether pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles.
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way: Cyclists and motorists alike should know the rules of the road regarding the right-of-way.

Common bicycle accident injuries 

Bicycle accident victims can experience anything from minor scraps and bruises to serious injuries that could end up life-threatening.

Common injuries after a bicycle accident include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
  • Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
  • Face injuries and broken teeth
  • Broken bones
  • Road rash
  • Ligament tears or strains

Montana Bicycle Laws and FAQs

Keep at least 3 feet of distance from cyclists.

What responsibilities do motorists owe cyclists on the road?

Motorists should offer cyclists the same respect as anyone else on the road. They should give cyclists the space needed for everyone’s safety and the right-of-way when appropriate. Cyclists are allowed full use of a lane, as is any other vehicle on the road. 

Drivers should always assume bicyclists are nearby and always double-check before turning or merging.

What reflectors and lights are needed for a bicycle in Montana?

When operating a bicycle at night, dusk, or dawn, the bike should be equipped with:

  • A front light on the bicycle or the cyclist’s helmet is visible from at least 500 feet away.
  • A back red reflector or light visible from at least 500 feet.
  • Reflective material from at least 500 feet when illuminated by low-level headlights.
Bicycle reflectors on a light blue background
Medical bill from the hospital, concept of rising medical cost.

What damages can you seek in a bicycle accident claim?

Each claim is unique, so it is only possible to know precisely what you could claim by speaking to an attorney. However, some of the most common things you can claim in a personal injury case are:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages, including loss of future earnings
  • Bicycle repairs
  • Physical and emotional distress
  • Funeral expenses (in the case of the wrongful death of a loved one)

A personal injury attorney can help you navigate what you can or cannot claim. Contact The Advocates for a free consultation.

What should I do after a bicycle accident?

The time after an accident is a chaotic and stressful time. It can be easy to give in to panic, but staying as calm as possible is essential. Everything that happens after the accident is pertinent to your case, so it’s vital that you remain composed.

If possible, do the following after your crash:

  • Get out of the way of traffic.
  • Check for injuries and call for an ambulance if anyone is seriously hurt.
  • Take pictures of any injuries and any damage caused in the accident.
  • File a police report.
  • Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information with the driver.
  • Speak with any witnesses and get their information.
  • Seek medical attention, some injuries you won’t notice right away.
  • Keep track of medical records and expenses.
  • Consider reaching out to an attorney.
Policeman writing up report on incident where their was a person injured

Why Should I Hire a Montana Bicycle Accident Attorney?

Dealing with insurance companies and getting fair compensation for your pain and suffering is incredibly difficult. Even if the insurance company chooses to settle, having someone who knows what is fair for you is essential. In Montana, the statute of limitations for this process is three years.

Three years is a long time to suffer after an injury, but it’s not a long time to gather your evidence, seek legal counsel, and file a personal injury claim. It is best to start the process as soon as possible.

A personal injury lawyer with The Advocates can help. We pride ourselves on our empathy-based attorney-client relationships. We will listen to you and do everything possible to help you recover after an accident.

 

When you have an Advocate, you are not alone. We have the experience to remove much of the stress of the legal process so you can focus on recovering mentally and physically. We are ready and available 24/7 to hear you and help you.

Contact The Advocates personal injury law firm in Montana for your free case evaluation. You deserve representation that puts you and your needs first. You deserve to feel seen and heard. You deserve an Advocate.

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