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Billings Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

The Advocates are Billings motorcycle accident lawyers helping anybody who has experienced a motorcycle crash in the state of Montana.

A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case  

Negligent drivers are aplenty on the roads around Billings. They speed, change lanes without signaling, and are just a general danger to motorcycles. Car accidents may turn out okay for motorists, but a collision is much more likely to cause serious injuries for motorcyclists.  

The Advocates are a local Montanan law firm whose sole focus is getting fair compensation for our clients.   

For us, excellent legal representation means helping personal injury victims access medical care, providing legal advice undergirded by decades of experience, and obtaining a settlement offer worth the pain and suffering our clients have undergone.  

The Advocates prioritize the recovery of motorcycle accident victims. If you or a loved one is facing an uphill climb after your motorcycle crash, reach out to us today. We will start with a free case evaluation and then proceed from there. 

The Next Steps in Your Billings Motorcycle Accident Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries and seek medical attention

Hire Attorney

Contact a personal injury lawyer with The Advocates to start your recovery

Treatment

Seek medical treatment for your injuries

Property Damage

Get the damage on your motorcycle repaired

Finish Treatment

When you have completed treatment, your Advocate will compile your medical records

Demand

Your attorney 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 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 Motorcycle 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 with: 

  • 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

Breaking Down Montana Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accident fatalities in Montana  

In 2023, there were 203 motorcycle accidents in Montana. As of this writing, 2024 is not over, and there are more motorcycle fatalities compared to the same time in 2023.  

Motorcycle accidents will never disappear, but you can reduce their severity by wearing a helmet. Montana law does not require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Instead, only passengers and operators under 18 are required to wear a helmet.  

This is an arbitrary age. It does not matter if you are 16 or 60. The data on helmets is clear: Motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% more effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41% more effective for motorcycle passengers.  

Common motorcycle collision injuries   

Victims of motorcycle crashes often have much more severe injuries compared to motor vehicle accidents. Here are the common injuries bikers have:   

  • Lacerations and bruising (road rash)    
  • Ligament tears or strains    
  • Broken bones    
  • Spinal cord injuries    
  • Head injuries (usually in the form of a traumatic brain injury)   
  • Wrongful death of a loved one   
Motorcyclist navigates urban traffic, leaving a trail of excitement in their wake

Common causes of motorcycle accidents   

  • Bad weather  
  • Rear-end collisions  
  • Speeding on the part of the motorcyclist or motorist  
  • Alcohol and drug impairment  
  • Distracted driving  
  • Sudden lane changes  
  • Left-turning cars 

Lane splitting in Montana  

Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of traffic going in the same direction. It can only be done when traffic moves slowly or stops. Research is inconclusive on whether it reduces traffic accidents and congestion.  

It is legal in Montana under these conditions:  

  • The operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle is on a road with lanes wide enough to pass safely.  
  • The overtaking motorcycle is not operated at a speed of more than 20 miles an hour when overtaking a stopped or slow-moving vehicle.
  • Conditions permit continued reasonable and prudent operation of the motorcycle while lane splitting.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims and Personal Injury Law

Statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents    

In Montana, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident personal injury claims typically gives you two years from the accident date to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit. Delaying action can make it harder for your legal team to gather critical evidence for your case.  

Contact a personal injury attorney to get an estimated timeframe for your case. They are the most surefire way to get accurate expectations for how your case could unfold.

How fault for a personal injury claim is determined    

In a motorcycle crash involving more than one vehicle, the courts determine the level of responsibility for all parties involved.  

In Montana, they use a modified comparative system.  

If you are found to be less than 50% but partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you may be able to recover 80% of the total damages.   

If your fault exceeds 50%, you cannot pursue litigation.

Judge reading lawsuit in court framed by blurred foreground
Medical bill from the hospital, concept of rising medical cost.

What is considered a fair settlement?  

A fair settlement compensates you for damages and losses you suffered. It might include:  

  • Medical expenses  
  • Lost wages  
  • Pain and suffering  
  • Property damage  
  • Funeral expenses for the wrongful death of a loved one  

What to do immediately after a motorcycle wreck    

The minutes after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. As much as possible, try to stay calm and follow these steps:    

  • Ensure immediate safety: Check for pressing injuries and remain in a safe location.    
  • Call the police: Report the accident and request a police report.    
  • Seek medical attention: If you are injured, go to the hospital immediately, even if injuries seem minor.    
  • Exchange information: Exchange information with the driver. Be sure to obtain the driver’s insurance and contact information, license, license plate number, and other identifying information.   
  • Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, the damage, and any visible injuries. Obtain the name, phone number, and address of any witnesses.    
  • Consult an Advocate personal injury attorney: Seek legal representation to understand your rights and what steps you should take next.    
  • Document everything: Keep detailed records of the accident, medical care, and related communications.    
  • Avoid admitting fault: Do not admit fault at the scene. This could negatively impact your personal injury claim. 
Policeman writing up report on incident

When Should You Hire a Motorcycle Injury Attorney?

Our legal advice is to begin as soon as you physically can. A motorcycle injury attorney will take the legal aspect of your case off your hands, giving you the time and energy necessary to focus on your recovery.  

The realm of law is not expedient, but it is effective if you are represented by experts well-versed in Montana law related to personal injuries.

That is what The Advocates are best at. 

Our attorneys know what it takes to negotiate with insurance companies, collect evidence, and get clients the verdict they deserve. We have helped thousands of motorcycle accident victims and are ready to help you. You deserve it — you deserve an Advocate. 

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