Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Montana

Our Law Firm Partners Understand Montana Motorcycle Accident Cases

In 2023, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely to die in a crash than people in passenger cars, based on miles traveled, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When riders survive, their injuries are often severe, which makes a motorcycle accident claim more expensive.

That is why The Goldwater Law Firm works with Montana co-counsels who regularly handle motorcycle accidents. They know that the higher the damages, the more pushback to expect from the at-fault driver’s insurer. More importantly, they know how to handle it.

Working with our law firm partners has several benefits:

• They share our passion for setting the Gold Standard in Injury Law, with aggressive legal representation focused on getting every dollar your accident has and will cost you.
• They can back your claim with our network of specialists and industry experts, including accident reconstructionists, physicians, and more.
• They understand Montana laws that can impact your claim.
• They have considerable experience negotiating with insurers.

What Compensation You Might Recover with Help from Our Co-Counsel

Motorcycle accident injuries can be extensive and life-threatening. Montana has two Level I Trauma Centers: the Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Regional Hospital, both in Billings. There are also many hospitals and urgent care centers statewide. But no matter where you get care, medical treatment is often costly. Our law firm partners will do everything possible so that the responsible person pays, not you.

You may qualify for compensation for:

• Medical Treatment: Covers emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and follow-up appointments for your injuries
• Rehabilitation: Includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, or long-term care to help you recover strength and mobility
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lose while you’re unable to work, and potential future earnings if injuries affect your job
• Pain and Suffering: Addresses the physical pain and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries
• Emotional Trauma: Recognizes the mental and emotional impact of the crash, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

You should also recover compensation for property damage and transportation costs for accident-related trips, such as to and from a doctor’s appointment.

Our Law Firm Partners Know Montana Laws

Insurance companies often look at whether riders followed the law when deciding fault and compensation. Here are three key laws specific to Montana that may impact whether you recover compensation and how much you could receive.

Helmet Requirements

Under MCA § 61-9-417, all riders and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Not wearing a helmet can affect a claim for a minor motorcyclist. For riders over 18, insurance companies may argue that serious head injuries would have been less severe if the rider had been wearing a helmet.

Lane Filtering

Up to two motorcycles can share a single lane, but riders may pass cars only under certain conditions. This is known as lane filtering, when a rider moves between lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicular traffic. Under MCA § 61‑8‑392, lane filtering is only legal when:

• Traffic is stopped or moving slowly.
• The motorcycle does not exceed 20 mph while filtering.
• The motorcycle may pass safely within the lane width and conditions.

These actions can leave you partially or entirely responsible for an accident. Our law firm partners can help you determine whether you qualify to recover compensation under MCA § 27-1-702.