Great Falls Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Expert Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Great Falls, MT

Motorcyclists want safe roads and careful drivers just like everyone else, but they have significantly less physical protection in the event of a crash. A driver who doesn’t see a motorcycle while turning, merging, or changing lanes can cause life-changing injuries in a matter of seconds. A Great Falls motorcycle accident lawyer can help you find out what happened in a crash and hold the liable party responsible for compensation.

Decades of Experience Representing Injured Riders

Bliven Law Firm, P.C., has proudly served Montana and Oregon clients for over 30 years. Our attorneys focus on personal injury claims for our clients. Thousands of clients have trusted Bliven Law Firm, P.C., to protect their rights, and we have recovered millions of dollars in settlements, awards, and jury verdicts.

Whenever possible, our lawyers and legal team negotiate with insurance companies to try to reach an appropriate settlement. If a motorcycle accident claim is stalled or low-balled, we can take a case to court.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Motorcyclists do not have the benefit of a vehicle frame, airbags, or another enclosed space to protect them in a crash. It is possible for a rider to be hit directly by another vehicle, causing them to be tossed onto the roadway or into another object.

National statistics show just how dangerous a collision can be for a motorcyclist. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2024 nationwide. Motorcycle rider fatalities accounted for 16% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. Some serious injuries in motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Road rash
• Burns
• Cuts

Some riders need reconstructive surgery after being injured in a motorcycle crash. Many people also need extensive rehabilitation and medical care after being discharged from the hospital.

Where Motorcycle Crashes Can Occur in Great Falls

Great Falls is home to urban streets, busy intersections, and roads with higher speed limits that all create unique dangers for motorcyclists. Motorcycles commonly use Interstate 15 and U.S. Highway 87 just like passenger vehicles and trucks. You may also see a high volume of motorcycles on 10th Avenue South and roads near downtown Great Falls.

Keep in mind that Montana weather can also create problems for motorcyclists. Rain, snow, ice, gravel, and poor visibility can impact how a motorcycle handles compared to a car.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists deserve the same level of driver attention as any other vehicle on the road. However, some collisions happen because a motorist or pedestrian didn’t notice a motorcycle or accurately judge its speed and distance. A driver claiming they didn’t see the motorcycle doesn’t automatically absolve them of responsibility. Failing to see a motorcycle can lead to crashes caused by:

• Failing to yield
• Unsafe left turns
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driving while under the influence
• Running stop signs and/or red lights
• Opening a door in the path of a motorcyclist

Crashes with only a motorcycle involved can also occur due to defective motorcycle parts, roadway hazards, or if a driver forces a rider to take evasive action to avoid hitting them.

Montana Helmet Requirements

Not every motorcyclist in Montana is required to wear a helmet. Montana Code Annotated § 61-9-417 states that motorcycle operators and passengers must wear protective headgear if they are under the age of 18. The headgear must meet safety standards set by the Montana Department of Justice unless the motorcycle meets the definition of an enclosed autocycle.

Adult motorcyclists over the age of 18 are not legally required to wear a helmet under Montana law. A helmet can greatly reduce the chances of suffering a serious head injury, however. NHTSA advises all motorcyclists to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards.

Using a helmet does not prevent a negligent driver from causing an accident. Failing to wear a helmet and who caused a motorcycle accident are two separate issues. Insurance companies often try to blame riders for causing a crash by not wearing a helmet. A Great Falls motorcycle accident attorney can investigate to determine who was actually at fault.

FAQs

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, you should hire a lawyer for a motorcycle accident. They can help if your motorcycle accident caused injuries or if there is disputed liability, significant expenses, or problems with an insurance company. An attorney can help you understand how the crash happened, gather evidence, review insurance policies, document your losses, and negotiate with insurance providers.

Legal advice is particularly helpful if someone else was at fault but is arguing that you were the cause of the crash or partially responsible.

How Much Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident?

Compensation for a motorcycle accident settlement is case-specific. The value of your claim depends on many factors, including the nature and severity of your injuries, medical bills, lost income, future treatments, damage to property, pain and suffering, and each driver’s share of fault. Serious injuries that cause permanent disabilities or impair your ability to earn a living can have a major impact on damages.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement From a Motorcycle Accident?

You can expect a motorcycle accident settlement to take a few months. Every case is different, but various factors can lengthen or shorten the negotiation process. Generally, it takes longer when injuries are serious or permanent, medical care is extensive, there is a dispute about who caused the crash, insurance coverage is limited, and each party is unwilling to negotiate. If you file a claim, expect your case to take much longer.

What Is the Most Common Injury in A Motorcycle Accident?

The most common injuries in a motorcycle accident are injuries to the legs and feet. However, every accident is different and causes different injuries to riders. Other common injuries from motorcycle accidents include broken bones, road rash, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and injuries to the chest or abdomen. Motorcycles offer drivers very little protection from the impact of a crash, which means serious accidents can cause multiple injuries.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer With Great Falls Motorcycle Accident Experience

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, hire a motorcycle accident lawyer right away. We understand motorcycle accident laws and can help you with your case. Contact Bliven Law Firm, P.C., to schedule a consultation.

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