Great Falls Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Expert Bicycle Accident Attorney in Great Falls, MT

Biking is a means of transportation, exercise, and recreation in Great Falls. However, cyclists have limited protection when they encounter a distracted driver or dangerous road conditions. Even low-speed collisions between a bicycle and a motor vehicle can cause serious injuries. A Great Falls bicycle accident lawyer may review the facts of the crash, determine who might be liable, and help an injured cyclist recover compensation.

Montana Personal Injury Lawyers From Bliven Law Firm, P.C.

Bliven Law Firm, P.C., has helped clients throughout Montana and Oregon for over 30 years. Our lawyers represent injured victims in personal injury claims arising from bicycle accidents, car crashes, serious injuries, and wrongful death. When appropriate, Bliven Law Firm, P.C., seeks settlement of claims while maintaining trial readiness to pursue litigation if negotiations fail to produce a favorable result.

Bicycle Safety in Great Falls

Great Falls is home to many recreational and commuter cyclists. The River’s Edge Trail runs along both sides of the Missouri River. Several parks and attractions are accessible from the River’s Edge Trail, including Giant Springs State Park, West Bank Park, Gibson Park, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Cyclists may also ride on city streets. Bicyclists can encounter motorists traveling around downtown Great Falls, near 10th Avenue South, and on other busy streets. When bicycles and motor vehicles share the road, problems with size, visibility, and speed can lead to serious injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,103 pedalcyclist fatalities in traffic crashes in 2024. Nearly 1 in 3 of those fatalities happened at an intersection.

How Bicycle Accidents Happen

Drivers don’t always see bicycles. Accidents often happen when motorists turn in front of a bike or fail to see a cyclist when backing out of a driveway. Some common types of accidents are listed below: 

• Vehicles turning left in front of a bike
• Drivers turning right while the cyclist continues straight through an intersection
• Passing too closely
• Driving distracted
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Speeding
• Colliding at intersections or driveways

Bicycle accident cases don’t always involve collisions with a vehicle. Avoiding a car could cause a cyclist to wreck. Potholes, debris, construction zones, defective bikes, or other road hazards could also contribute to the crash.

Bicyclists Rights in Montana

Bike accident laws in Montana grant specific rights to bicyclists. Montana Code Annotated § 61-8-320 prohibits drivers from intentionally disrupting a cyclist lawfully riding in a lane. Additionally, a driver can’t pass a cyclist unless they can do so safely and without disrupting the biker’s movement. Motorists are also obligated to give way to cyclists in dedicated bike lanes.

All of the above is important to consider when investigating a crash for unsafe passing, merging traffic, or motorists driving in bicycle lanes.

Bicycles and Sidewalks

Montana law even describes rules relating to bicycles on sidewalks and how cyclists should treat crosswalks. According to Montana Code Annotated § 61-8-608, anyone riding a bike on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk must let pedestrians go first and ring their bell before passing them. A cyclist cannot travel on sidewalks or across sidewalks in crosswalks if officially controlled traffic signs indicate bicycles are not allowed.

Both of these laws highlight the importance of knowing where the bicyclist and motorist were traveling immediately before the collision occurred. This can help determine right-of-way and what responsibilities each person has to the other.

Compensation After a Great Falls Bicycle Accident

In some situations, an injured cyclist may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost ability to earn money, bicycle damage, and pain and suffering. There may also be other losses related to the accident. If an injury results in a permanent disability or reduced function, this should be considered. Future care needs and how the injury affected the person’s ability to work and perform daily activities should be included in the settlement amount.

If litigation becomes necessary and jurisdictional thresholds are met, a Great Falls personal injury claim can be filed in Cascade County District Court, 415 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401. A Great Falls bicycle accident attorney can represent you.

FAQs

Who Is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

Determining fault after a bicycle accident depends on the behavior of all of the parties involved. The motorist could be at fault for failing to yield the right of way, making an unsafe turn, following too closely, or driving distracted. The cyclist could also be responsible if they violate traffic laws or are negligent in some way. Montana follows comparative negligence rules and allows the fault to be spread between multiple parties if they contributed to the crash.

What Happens if You Accidentally Hit a Cyclist With Your Car?

If you strike someone on a bike with your vehicle, you should pull over to a safe location, remain on the scene, call 911 if anyone is injured, and exchange the information required by law. Police investigate and determine if anyone violated traffic laws that contributed to the accident. The cyclist may also file a personal injury claim against the party that was at fault.

How Much Compensation for a Bicycle Accident?

There is no set amount you can receive for compensation for a bicycle accident. The value of a claim can vary based on many different factors. Some of the factors that impact compensation include medical bills, the severity of the injuries, lost income, cost of future treatment, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.

What Are the Bicycle Laws in Montana?

In Montana, cyclists have rights and responsibilities when riding on public streets. Vehicles must pass bicycles safely, and motorists must yield to bicyclists who are traveling in a bicycle lane. Bicyclists who ride on sidewalks or crosswalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them. There are other bicycle accident laws that cover required equipment, nighttime lighting, traffic signals, and position on the roadway.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Injured victims should hire a bicycle accident lawyer to investigate the crash and analyze what evidence is available to support their claim. Bliven Law Firm, P.C., can help you in the process. Contact us today for more information.

Great Falls Bicycle Accident Lawyer Reviews