Missoula Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney In Missoula

When a motorcycle accident occurs, a Missoula motorcycle accident lawyer investigates whether visibility, speed, or driver choices were factors. Crashes in Missoula can happen on freeways, intersections, or more winding roads. Bliven Law Firm, P.C., represents those involved in motorcycle accidents and pursues their rightful compensation.

Hire an Expert Missoula Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Bliven Law Firm, P.C., has been practicing personal injury law in Montana for over 30 years, representing individuals in claims involving serious injury. The firm reviews each case with an eye toward documentation, analysis of liability, and positioning the claim for resolution.

Our attorneys have obtained recovery through negotiated settlements and, sometimes, the courts. That experience demonstrates the need for flexibility in approaching each claim, depending on the unique problems it presents.

Visibility and Driver Awareness in Motorcycle Accidents

Visibility is a common problem in motorcycle accident cases, and it is often examined when determining liability. Drivers are expected to remain aware of all traffic, including motorcycles, before executing a turn, merging, or lane change. Neglecting to check a blind spot or properly yield to a motorcycle often becomes a key factor in determining fault.

Visibility issues can come into play in both urban settings and at higher speeds on roadways in Missoula, where the traffic consists of both local drivers and out-of-town visitors. An assessment of driver awareness may include an analysis of positioning, line-of-sight factors, and whether reasonable care was taken under the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Helmet Use and Its Role in Injury Evaluation

Helmet use is frequently evaluated in relation to the extent of a person’s injuries. Helmet use is not usually relevant to the issue of fault, but it could have some relevance as it may relate to the extent of a person’s injuries and how damages are ultimately calculated.

A person’s medical records and a medical professional can usually provide information on how a person’s injuries occurred and whether or not a helmet or other protective gear made a difference in how an accident played out.

Montana law requires helmet use under Montana Code Annotated 61-9-417 for those riders below a certain age. The differentiation between liability and the impact of injury is an important step in a motorcycle accident analysis.

Road Hazards and Motorcycle-Specific Risks

Motorcycles can be more sensitive to roadway hazards than larger vehicles. Loose gravel, potholes, uneven pavement, or debris can cause issues with stability or control. Weather and seasonal changes in Missoula can create these hazards and often contribute to accidents.

A government agency or another party may be responsible for maintaining safe roadways in a particular location. Determining liability for an accident claim may involve an assessment of whether a hazard was present and whether it was addressed in an appropriate manner.

​​How Motorcycle Accident Claims Differ From Car Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident claims can have unique elements when compared to traditional car accident claims. Riders may have less protection, which may cause them to sustain more severe injuries. Additionally, the medical documentation in these cases may be more extensive, as injuries may take longer to heal. In 2022, 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes. There were 6,335 killed in 2023.

Motorcycle accident claims may also require evidence that is not typically seen in car accidents, such as the condition of the helmet or the position of the rider during the accident. Evaluating both the circumstances of the accident and the strength of the claim is necessary to address these issues.

FAQs

Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Commonly Occur in Missoula?

Motorcycle accidents often occur along corridors that see more traffic flow and have a higher number of turning movements. In Missoula, Brooks Street and areas near the University of Montana have had a combination of local and through traffic. Depending on the location, intersections, merging lanes, and driveway access can all play a part in how traffic flows. The accident location is a factor in how other traffic patterns and conditions on the road are assessed.

How Often Do Motorcycle Accidents Result in Injuries?

In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 82,686 motorcyclists were injured in traffic crashes. The specific injuries sustained during motorcycle accidents can vary based on the nature of the crash, speed, and other factors present during the incident. This figure represents the spectrum of nonfatal consequences that result from motorcycle crashes nationwide.

What Happens if a Driver Claims They Did Not See the Motorcycle?

A driver’s assertion that they did not see a motorcycle does not necessarily answer the question of fault. A frequent point of contention in motorcycle accident cases involves determining if the driver exercised proper care, meaning they diligently checked blind spots and remained aware of surrounding traffic.

Visibility, positioning, and driver attentiveness are all often factors in whether or not a motorcycle should have been seen. The allocation of blame often takes these points and further evidence into account.

How Significant Are Motorcycle Fatalities in Montana Compared to Other Road Users?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 29 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes in Montana in 2023, representing about 14% of total roadway deaths in the state.

While motorcycles account for a smaller fraction of traffic overall, they play a significant role in the proportion of fatal outcomes. This proportion emphasizes how vulnerability and the absence of safety features contribute to the deadliness of motorcycle accidents.

Contact a Missoula Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents often turn on disputed accounts of speed, location, and visibility. For that reason, many claims depend on how well those factors can be explained. Video evidence, vehicle damage, and witness statements may all play a role in that effort. In some cases, even minor discrepancies may affect the outcome.

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we work with injured riders to examine those factors and present the facts in a way that shows what happened. That investigation may be crucial to how the claim develops. Schedule a consultation to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer today.

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