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Montana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. The Advocates are here to help.

A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

The Advocates have been representing motorcycle accident victims for nearly 30 years. We understand how dangerous motorcycle crashes can be for the biker, often leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. We are committed to ensuring our clients have the most stress-free recovery possible while also obtaining a fair settlement for their damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Montana and need a competent, caring attorney for your personal injury claim, contact The Advocates for a free consultation.

The Next Steps In Your Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for 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

Property Damage

Get any property damage assessed and repaired

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

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, 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 build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

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. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees when you hire The Advocates.
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. You will not pay us unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.

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 few years. It’s 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 Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case

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

  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance companies

You only pay if we win your case!

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Montana Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle on the side of a country road in Montana

Where do motorcycle deaths occur?

  • The highest rate of motorcycle accidents occur in Yellowstone county, specifically in Billings
  • Other cities with comparatively high numbers of motorcycle accidents include Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, and Bozeman
  • Fatal motorcycle accidents are far more likely to happen in rural areas than urban areas
  • The large majority of motorcycle accidents occur June-September, as there are more motorcycle riders on the road during these months

Montana motorcycle accident statistics  

  • Motorcycle crashes make up only 1% of all vehicle accidents statewide, however, they account for around 12% of all fatal crashes and 15% of crashes resulting in serious injury
  • Over 80% of motorcycle accident victims are male
  • Around 30% of motorcycle crashes happen at intersections
  • In general, the number of motorcycle accidents in the state has decreased over the last seven years
80% of Motorcycle victims are Male in Montana
Helmets reduce brain damage by 69%

Motorcycle helmet statistics 

  • Accidents involving non-helmeted riders account for around 30% of all motorcycle accidents, but make up more than 50% of motorcycle accident fatalities
  • The most common motorcycle accident injury is to the lower extremities, but the most severe injuries are often to the head
  • Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

  • Distracted driving: Drivers of motor vehicles become much more dangerous and unpredictable when using a cell phone, eating, or participating in any other activity that takes focus away from driving
  • Impaired driving: Accidents are far more likely to happen when the driver or motorcycle rider is under the influence
  • Failure to see the motorcyclist: After many accidents, drivers of passenger vehicles claim they did not see the motorcycle rider in the moments leading up to the crash
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way: If motorists are unfamiliar with the traffic laws in the area, they may enter intersections when it is not safe to do so, endangering those around them
Motorcycle rider holding a smart phone
Common injuries from riding a Motorcycle

Common motorcycle accident injuries 

Depending on the nature of your accident and the protective gear you were wearing at the time, motorcycle accident injuries can range from road rash to life-threatening conditions. Some common types of motorcycle accident injuries are:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken or missing teeth
  • Ligament tears or strains
  • Lacerations and bruising (“road rash”)

Montana Motorcycle Laws

What is considered a motorcycle in Montana

What is a “motorcycle” under Montana law?

In the state of Montana, a motorcycle is defined as a vehicle that: 

  • Is powered by a motor
  • Has a seat or saddle for the operator
  • Travels on not more than 3 wheels

This definition does not include mopeds, e-bikes, or tractors.

Is lane splitting legal in Montana?

Lane splitting, or the practice of motorcycles sharing lanes with passenger vehicles to reduce traffic congestion, became legal in Montana in late 2021. 
The law allows motorcyclists to move between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic under the following conditions:

  • There are two or more lanes of traffic going in the same direction
  • Traffic is moving at speeds of less than 10 miles per hour
  • The motorcyclist is traveling at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour
Lane splitting in Montana
Helmet Required if under the age of 18

Are helmets required for motorcyclists in Montana?

Any operator or passenger of a motorcycle who is under 18 years of age must wear a helmet while riding. If a passenger under the age of 18 is not wearing a helmet, the operator can be charged.

What licenses must a motorcyclist have to ride on public roads?

A motorcyclist must obtain a motorcycle endorsement in order to operate a motorcycle in Montana. To obtain the endorsement, a rider must:

  • Pass a written test
  • Pass a road test OR complete a state-approved basic rider course
  • Pay $0.52 per year
Motorcycle training course
An unidentified male riding motorcycle on the dark misty mountain road at dusk.

What equipment must a motorcycle have to be street legal?

A motorcycle must be equipped with the following in order to ride on Montana roadways:

  • At least one, and not more than two, headlamps visible from at least 500 feet
  • Tail light visible from at least 500 feet
  • A horn audible from at least 200 feet
  • Working turn signals
  • A lighted license plate
  • A muffler
  • Footrests for passengers

What is the number of persons allowed on a motorcycle?

If a motorcycle is designed for two people, the passenger must ride upon the permanent, regular seat. If the motorcycle is not designed to carry more than one person, no passengers may ride.

Number of People allowed on Motorcycle

When Should I Hire a Motorcycle Injury Attorney?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you will need to prove that the driver of the vehicle was at fault in order to receive any damages. Montana is a modified comparative fault state, which means that insurance will not pay out until fault has been determined. However, fault can be shared by drivers– as long as you are found less responsible for the accident than the other party, you may collect damages.
The other driver’s insurance company will do whatever they can to keep you from getting a fair settlement offer. They may try to diminish the severity of your injuries, claim your injuries were pre-existing, or deny liability for the accident altogether.

The Advocates’ personal injury law firm has years of experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and fighting for our clients’ right to fair compensation under the law. We understand that when recovering from debilitating injuries, the last thing you want to do is navigate your way through a complex legal process. 
We are here to help every step of the way, from building your case to helping you understand your medical bills. The Advocates truly care about you and your recovery, and our goal is the same as yours: a successful motorcycle accident claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You deserve excellent legal representation for your personal injury case. You deserve an Advocate.

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