Motorcyclists in Columbia Falls often travel through Glacier National Park and the backcountry. For many residents, it’s an ideal way to get around the town’s 2.25 square miles. However, even small towns have a high risk of accidents. For those involved in a motorcycle crash, a Columbia Falls motorcycle accident lawyer can explain what legal options are available to secure compensation.
U.S. Highway 2 and Highway 40 connect Columbia Falls to Whitefish and Kalispell, with tourists coming through the town year-round. There were 251 motorcyclist deaths in Montana crashes between 2014 and 2023.
The team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., has over 35 years of legal and professional experience. As Montana residents, our three legal professionals are dedicated to protecting our neighbors and communities. A Columbia Falls motorcycle accident attorney can ensure fairness under the law. While opening a case may seem daunting, it can lead to an easier future for you and your loved ones.
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406-755-6828
These types of cases are generally overseen at the Columbia Falls City Court, located at 130 6th Street West. To prove the other party’s negligence in court, you must provide evidence showing several facts:
In Montana, if a person is partly at fault for an accident that causes injury or death, they can still recover compensation as long as their percentage of fault in the incident is not greater than the other person’s fault. However, the amount of money they receive will be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
For example, you were speeding on your motorcycle at the time of the accident. A person in a car then ran a red light and hit you. In this scenario, the court would assign each party a percentage of fault. They may assign you 40% fault and the other party 60%. If you won a $100,000 settlement, it would be reduced to $60,000.
In 2022, there were a total of 100,498 vehicle crashes in Montana. You’ll need to provide strong evidence to the court to win your case. This evidence can include:
The types of damages you can recover depend on the specifics of your case. Economic damages cover losses with a clear price. These can include past and future medical bills, lost income, property damage, and funeral costs.
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that are harder to measure in dollars. These can include pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
Punitive damages are rarer and awarded only when the defendant acted with actual fraud, malice, or extreme recklessness. These damages are meant to punish wrongful conduct rather than simply compensate the victim.
The team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., understands the devastating effects a motorcycle crash can have on not only the victim but their entire family as well.
We can take on all types of tough legal matters so you can focus on the recovery process. Let us use our years of legal experience to secure your compensation. Schedule your consultation today.
In Montana, all drivers must carry insurance. The policy must have minimum limits of:
An insurance policy cannot be canceled or terminated, and its premium cannot be increased due to an accident unless the driver is found to have broken a traffic law, been negligent, or paid damages to another party.
In Montana, anyone under 18 who is operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle must wear protective headgear. This rule does not apply to operators or passengers of an autocycle that is fully enclosed with a windshield, nonremovable doors, and a roof. Those over 18 don’t have to legally wear a helmet, although not doing so may potentially affect your case if you get into an accident.
If you get into a motorcycle accident, call 911 right away. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Never apologize or take blame for the accident, as insurers and at-fault parties can use that against you in court. Get contact information from witnesses and involved parties. Obtain a copy of the police report and your medical files. Then, hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.
You generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim for a motorcycle accident in Montana. If you fail to do so within that timeframe, the court will most likely dismiss your case, and you can’t seek compensation. While this timeline may seem long, waiting can make it harder to win your case. Evidence can degrade or be erased completely. Witness memory fades over time. You must work quickly to secure compensation.
Residents of Columbia Falls choose Bliven Law Firm, P.C., to represent them in personal injury cases because of our continuous success in court. We’ve secured millions of dollars in award settlements for our past clients. We can seek full compensation for you, too. Contact our Montana office today to schedule your initial consultation.
Do not wait to seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today at (406) 625-0100 for a free consultation and take the first step towards obtaining the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.
If you have been injured by a car wreck or suffered any type of serious injury, call our Kalispell personal injury lawyers at 406-755-6828 or fill out the
no-obligation online case form. We will respond promptly. When you hire our firm you will have the confidence of knowing that assisting you and resolving your
situation and claim is our priority. Contact us for your free case evaluation today.