Bozeman Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Helping Injured Riders Across Montana

When the freedom of the open road meets the exhilaration of riding a motorcycle, it's a thrilling experience. However, it also comes with risks, especially in a state like Montana, known for its scenic landscapes and winding roads. Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, resulting in life-changing injuries and overwhelming legal complexities.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Bozeman or anywhere in Montana, you need a trusted ally to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. That ally is Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, your dedicated Bozeman motorcycle accident lawyers. We can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Call (406) 233-1302 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident refers to a collision or incident involving a motorcycle and potentially other vehicles, pedestrians, or road hazards. Unlike occupants of cars or trucks, motorcyclists have minimal protection. In the event of an accident, the rider is directly exposed to the impact, increasing the risk of severe injuries.

Additionally, motorcycles are much smaller and lighter than other vehicles on the road, such as cars, trucks, and buses. This size disparity means that in a collision with a larger vehicle, the motorcycle and its rider are at a significant disadvantage, often leading to devastating consequences.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Negligent Drivers: The most common cause of motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles is negligence on the part of car or truck drivers. This includes actions like failing to yield the right of way, running red lights or stop signs, distracted driving (texting or using a phone), and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Motorcycle accidents frequently occur when a car or truck makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver may misjudge the motorcyclist's speed or fail to see them, leading to a collision.
• Lane Changes and Merging: Sudden lane changes or merging without proper signaling or checking blind spots can result in a collision with a motorcycle in the adjacent lane.
• Opening Car Doors: In urban areas, a common accident scenario involves a motorcyclist colliding with a car door that is suddenly opened without warning as the rider approaches.
• Tailgating: When a driver follows a motorcycle too closely, there is a higher risk of rear-end collisions. Motorcycles can stop more abruptly than cars, and tailgating increases the likelihood of rear-end accidents.
• Failure to Recognize Motorcycles: Drivers often fail to recognize motorcycles in traffic due to their smaller size. This lack of awareness can result in dangerous situations and accidents.
• Unsafe Overtaking: Drivers attempting to overtake a motorcycle without giving enough space or misjudging the distance can cause side-swipe accidents or force the motorcycle off the road.
• Driving in Blind Spots: Many accidents occur when motorcyclists are in the blind spots of larger vehicles, making it challenging for drivers to be aware of their presence on the road.

Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident Claim

The compensation you may be entitled to in a motorcycle accident case can vary depending on the circumstances.

Potential damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time away from work during recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
• Property Damage: Coverage for repair or replacement of your motorcycle and other property damaged in the accident.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one has tragically lost their life in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and other losses.

Legal Challenges Bikers Face in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

In Montana, motorcyclists face various legal challenges when trying to recover compensation from a motorcycle accident claim, similar to challenges in many other states. Here are some of the key hurdles they might encounter:

• Comparative Negligence: Montana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if the motorcyclist is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. If the motorcyclist is deemed to be 51% or more at fault, they may not be eligible to recover any compensation.
• Helmet Laws: While Montana does not have a universal helmet law for adult riders, wearing a helmet can significantly affect a motorcyclist's ability to recover compensation. If the motorcyclist wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, the defense may argue that their injuries could have been less severe if they had been wearing one, potentially reducing the amount of compensation awarded.
• Insurance Coverage: Montana law requires all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, to be covered by liability insurance. However, not all motorcyclists comply with this law. If the at-fault party doesn't have insurance or is underinsured, it can complicate the process of recovering compensation, especially if the injured motorcyclist doesn't have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Prejudice Against Motorcyclists: There may be biases or prejudices against motorcyclists among jurors or insurance adjusters, which could influence the outcome of the case or the amount of compensation offered.
• Complexity of Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents often involve complex factors, such as road conditions, weather, and the behavior of other drivers. Proving liability and demonstrating the extent of damages can be more challenging compared to accidents involving only cars or trucks.
• Need for Legal Representation: Motorcycle accident cases can be legally complex, and insurance companies may try to minimize payouts to injured motorcyclists. As such, having skilled legal representation familiar with Montana's laws and the intricacies of motorcycle accident cases can be crucial for maximizing the chances of a successful claim.

The Legal Process After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, it's essential to understand the legal process involved in seeking compensation.

Our Bozeman motorcycle accident lawyers will guide you through the following steps:

• Initial Consultation: We will evaluate your case during a free initial consultation, discussing the circumstances of your accident and potential legal options.
• Investigation: Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review accident reports.
• Filing a Claim: We will work to build a strong case on your behalf and negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court.
• Recovery: Our goal is to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you may have incurred due to the accident.

Call (406) 233-1302 now to speak with a Bozeman motorcycle accident attorney about your case.