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Columbia Falls Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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Columbia Falls Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney In Columbia Falls

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.

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Montana

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.

Contact Us Today Bliven Law Firm, P.C.

Five Elements to Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident

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:

  1. The other person had a duty to act with reasonable care toward you.
  2. They failed to meet that duty.
  3. This failure directly led to your injury.
  4. Your injury was caused by their actions rather than something else.
  5. You were actually harmed and suffered a real loss as a result.

Motorcycle Accident Laws in Columbia Falls

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.

Five Types of Evidence in Motorcycle Accident Cases

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:

  1. Photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
  2. Video footage from nearby security or traffic cameras
  3. Witness statements from people who saw the accident
  4. Copies of the police report and medical records
  5. Professional opinions from crash reconstructionists

Three Types of Recoverable Damages

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.

Choose a Trusted Montana Law Firm

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.

FAQs

What Are Montana’s Laws About Insurance?

In Montana, all drivers must carry insurance. The policy must have minimum limits of:

  • $25,000 for injury or death to one person
  • $50,000 for injury or death to two or more people in a single accident
  • $20,000 for property damage in one accident

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.

Does Montana Have a Helmet Law for Motorcyclists?

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.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle 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.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Montana?

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.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

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.

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Let Our Team Be Your Advocates

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.