Billings Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Representing Injured Bikers in Billings, MT

Motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic for the rider. Even with a helmet and protective gear, a motorcyclist is no match for a car or truck in a collision. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Billings, you may be facing a long and difficult recovery. You may be unable to work and struggling to pay your bills. You may be dealing with a permanent disability or disfigurement. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one who was killed in a motorcycle crash.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we understand the challenges you are facing. Our Billings motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. We have successfully represented injured bikers and the families of those wrongfully killed throughout Montana, and we are prepared to put our experience to work for you.

For a free consultation, call (406) 233-1302 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. In many cases, these crashes are the result of driver negligence. When a motorist fails to uphold their duty of care to others on the road, they can be held liable for any resulting damages.

Some examples of driver negligence that can lead to a motorcycle accident include:

• Distracted driving: When a driver is not paying attention to the road, they are more likely to collide with a motorcyclist. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, and using in-car technologies.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle. Drunk drivers are more likely to speed, swerve, and make other dangerous maneuvers that can cause a motorcycle accident.
• Drowsy driving: Fatigued drivers are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel or make other critical errors that can lead to a crash.
• Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes. When a driver is speeding, they have less time to react to changing road conditions and are more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
• Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle is dangerous and can lead to a rear-end collision. When a motorcyclist is rear-ended, they can be thrown from their bike and suffer serious injuries.
• Unsafe lane changes: When a driver fails to check their blind spot or uses their turn signal improperly, they can collide with a motorcyclist who is in the process of changing lanes.
• Failure to yield: When a driver fails to yield the right of way, they can collide with a motorcyclist who is legally proceeding through an intersection or making a turn.

Motorcycle accidents can also be caused by other factors, such as defective motorcycle parts or dangerous road conditions. In these cases, the manufacturer of the defective part or the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable for any resulting damages.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, many of which are severe and life-altering. In some cases, these injuries are fatal. When a motorcyclist is injured or killed in a crash caused by another's negligence, they or their surviving loved ones have the right to seek compensation for their damages.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Road rash: When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike, they can slide across the pavement. This can cause painful and disfiguring road rash, which can lead to serious infections and other complications.
• Broken bones: The force of a motorcycle crash can cause a rider to be thrown from their bike or pinned beneath it. This can result in broken bones, which can be extremely painful and require extensive medical treatment.
• Head injuries: Even with a helmet, a motorcyclist can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a crash. TBIs can cause permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: A motorcyclist can suffer a spinal cord injury in a crash, which can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Internal injuries: The force of a motorcycle crash can cause a rider to be thrown against the handlebars, gas tank, or other parts of the bike. This can result in serious internal injuries, such as a punctured lung or internal bleeding.
• Amputations: In some cases, a motorcyclist's limb may be crushed or severed in a crash. When this occurs, the rider may require an amputation.

Motorcycle accident injuries can be extremely costly to treat. Injured riders may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitative care. They may be unable to work and earn an income, and they may be left with a permanent disability that prevents them from returning to their previous job or earning a living at all.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we understand the challenges you are facing. Our Billings motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.

Montana Motorcycle Laws and Accident Liability

Motorcyclists in Billings and throughout Montana are required to follow the state's motorcycle laws. When a motorcyclist violates one of these laws and causes an accident, they can be held liable for any resulting damages. However, even if a motorcyclist is partially at fault for a crash, they may still be able to recover compensation under Montana's comparative negligence rule.

Some of the most important motorcycle laws in Montana include:

• Helmet law: All motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear helmets in Montana. If a motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet and is injured in a crash, they may be found partially at fault for their injuries.
• Eye protection: All motorcyclists are required to wear eye protection, unless their bike is equipped with a windscreen.
• Passenger restrictions: Motorcyclists are not allowed to carry passengers unless their bike is equipped with a passenger seat and footrests.
• Handlebar height: The handlebars on a motorcycle cannot be higher than the rider's shoulders when they are seated on the bike.
• Headlights: Motorcyclists are required to have their headlights on at all times, even during the day.
• Turn signals: Motorcycles must be equipped with turn signals, and motorcyclists are required to use them when making a turn or changing lanes.

Motorcyclists are also required to have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement, a rider must pass a written test and a skills test. They must also complete a motorcycle safety course.

When a motorcyclist is injured in a crash caused by another's negligence, they may be able to recover compensation for their damages by filing a personal injury claim. If a motorcyclist is killed in a crash, their surviving loved ones may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Why Choose Us?

Motorcycle accident claims can be complex, and the insurance company is not on your side. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we know how to take on the insurance company and fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.

When you choose our firm, you can expect:

• Compassionate, personalized legal guidance: We understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to help. Our attorneys will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and address your concerns.
• Aggressive advocacy: We are not afraid to take on the insurance company and fight for you in court. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who have successfully represented injured bikers and the families of those wrongfully killed in the courtroom.
• Proven results: We have a long track record of success, including numerous million- and multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. We have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex motorcycle accident claims.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we handle all personal injury and wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not owe any upfront costs or attorneys' fees, and you only pay if we win your case.

Contact us today at (406) 233-1302 today to schedule a free case evaluation.