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Missoula Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

The Advocates are here to help after a motorcycle accident, no matter where it happens in Montana.

A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You 

Motorcycle accidents are often devastating. A motorcyclist doesn’t have the same protection someone in a car has in an auto accident and can experience severe injuries. Motorists must be careful, and motorcyclists must be even more cautious.

After an accident, a motorcyclist can feel frustrated and lost; they can be facing mental anguish, financial struggles, and potentially catastrophic injuries. 

The Advocates are experienced Montana motorcycle accident lawyers. We pride ourselves on our empathy-first approach to attorney-client relationships. We believe you have enough to deal with, so we strive to offer support instead of further stress.

Contact our Missoula, MT, law firm today for a free consultation. With an Advocate on your side, you don’t have to face this alone.

The Next Steps In Your Case

Injury

Immediately after being bitten, assess your injuries

Hire Attorney

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

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Medical Records

Keep track of any and all treatment you receive during recovery

Finish Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your case can move forward

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 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:  

  • 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

Montana Motorcycle Laws

Helmet on a gradient background

Montana Equipment Laws

Montana is a helmet-optional state for adult riders. Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. It is highly recommended that everyone wear a helmet, even if not required by Montana law. 

Montana has a noise limit of 96 dB at 20 inches from the exhaust statewide. There may be additional local noise requirements.

Montana Lane Laws

Montana motorcyclists are entitled to an entire lane of traffic. Motorcycle riders need the whole lane so they have space to avoid road hazards that wouldn’t necessarily impact cars. Riders may share a lane, but no more than two riders abreast per lane.

Lane filtering is legal in Montana. Motorcyclists may not exceed 20 MPH while lane filtering, which has been shown to reduce traffic and increase motorcyclists’ safety. Lane filtering is not quite the same as lane splitting, as it only applies to low-speed situations.

Montana Motorcycle Statistics and Information

Montana motorcycle accident statistics   

  • Nationwide, there were 5932 fatal crashes involving motorcycles, the highest number on record since FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) data collection started in 1975.
  • 36% of riders involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents had no valid motorcycle license.
  • 43% of riders killed in single-vehicle crashes were found to be alcohol-impaired.

Motorcycle helmet statistics  

  • In states without universal helmet laws, 55% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets.
  • According to the NHTSA, motorcycle helmets likely saved over 1,800 lives and more than $3.5 billion in 2019. 
  • The risk of head injury falls by 69% when helmets are used appropriately.
With style and speed, the motorcyclist navigates urban traffic, leaving a trail of excitement in their wake.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents 

  • Speeding: There is not as much time to react when traveling roadways at high speeds. 
  • Impaired driving: Impairment, whether from alcohol or medications, is unsafe when operating a vehicle. 
  • Failure to see the motorcyclist: Motorcycles can be easy to miss because they are smaller than cars and trucks. Drivers should always pay attention, and motorcyclists should consider wearing high-visibility clothing to be seen more easily to avoid a car accident.
  • Failure to give motorcyclists appropriate space: Motorcycles should be given the same space you would give any other vehicle.

Common motorcycle accident injuries  

Some common injuries that motorcycle accident victims may suffer include: 

  • Traumatic brain injuries 
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Disfigurement 
  • Broken bones 
  • Broken or missing teeth 
  • Ligament tears or strains
  • Road rash
Medical bill from the hospital, concept of rising medical cost, selective focus

What damages can I seek in a motorcycle accident claim? 

Each personal injury claim is different. The damages you seek depend on many factors, such as whether there were serious injuries or significant property damage.

Some common damages from motorcycle crashes include: 

  • Medical bills 
  • Property damage 
  • Lost wages 
  • Loss of future earnings 
  • Funeral and burial expenses (in the event of wrongful death) 

 The best way to determine what compensation may be available is to seek legal counsel. Contact The Advocates personal injury lawyers for a free case evaluation—we will examine the details of your case to find your best next step.

When Should I Hire a Missoula Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Reckless driving by others can leave a motorcyclist and their loved ones experiencing significant hardship. An attorney can help you get a fair settlement so that you can get back to the things you love.

At The Advocates, we know how stressful these situations can be. We want to help you get what is best for you and your family so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

You deserve legal representation that sees you as more than just your motorcycle accident case. You deserve an Advocate.

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