Find a Montana Motorcycle Accident Attorney That Will Fight to Get You Paid.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call law enforcement as soon as possible. Once police arrive at the scene of the accident, they will be able to determine the cause of the accident as well as the party at fault so both parties can move forward with next steps. Police may also determine that there is no at-fault party, especially if the accident was caused by an animal or poor weather conditions.

After police arrive, be sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Often, police will ensure medical professionals arrive on the scene to evaluate all parties involved in the crash and check for serious injuries. Many parties who are injured in a motorcycle accident do not notice their injuries until well after the fact, as some injuries such as whiplash may not reveal themselves until a few days later. Given the likelihood and seriousness of head injuries, it’s crucial that you are seen by a medical professional as soon as possible to prevent your injuries from progressing. Getting medical treatment immediately will also be important for your insurance company, as you will need to prove your injuries were caused by the accident.

Motorcycle accidents are incredibly tragic events. Learn how you can protect yourself, your friends and family members by advocating for the following safety measures before getting on the bike.

• Wear a Helmet: According to the CDC, it’s estimated that in 2016 helmets saved 1,859 lives, and if more motorcyclists wore helmets, it could have saved approximately 800 more. Helmets can dramatically reduce your risk for serious injury, in particular head injuries.
• Wear Bright Colors or Reflective Clothing: Bikers should consider purchasing reflective and bright clothing, and including reflective features on their bike so drivers can see them.
• Don’t Ride or Drive Drunk: According to State Farm Insurance, more than 40 percent of wrongful death cases involving motorcycles were caused by alcohol impairment. Never get behind the wheel of a car or on a motorcycle if you have been drinking.
• Don’t Ride in Inclement Weather: Rain, snow and other harsh weather conditions can be dangerous for any driver, but especially for motorcyclists.
• Brush Up On Safety Protocols: Even experienced bikers should be sure to take regular safety courses to ensure the wellbeing of themselves and those around them.

The statute of limitations is three years in the state of Montana. This requires all serious injuries and injury claims to be reported within three years under tort law. There are a few exceptions to this. If a victim or injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations does not begin until that individual turns 18, therefore extending the statute of limitations. Under Montana law, victims of car accidents and motorcycle accidents have three years to seek legal action against the at-fault driver. This can include filing a lawsuit to receive compensation for property damage, lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. To file for damaged property, you must file within two years of the incident.

Injuries that are sustained through an automobile or motorcycle accident are considered to be personal injuries. Personal injuries can range in severity, and some injuries may not present themselves until later on in the victim’s life, which is why it’s important to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. Severe injuries can not only be an expensive and lengthy ordeal in terms of medical expenses, but they can also be life-altering and cause long term pain and suffering and in the worst case scenarios — wrongful death. If you are a victim of a personal injury caused by a motorcycle accident or other accident, it’s crucial to seek legal advice immediately.

Bikers and motorcyclists can experience a range of different personal injuries after suffering an accident. Learn more about just some of the serious injuries motorcyclists may endure when in an accident caused by a negligent driver.

• Disfigurement: Disfigurement includes any injury that causes permanent, noticeable damage to a victim’s appearance. This can include scarring, burning, lost limbs or amputation, and any other injuries that impact how a victim looks and presents themselves to the world.
• Spinal Cord Injury: These injuries are extremely serious, and can lead to death as they can lead to further neurological issues.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Brain swelling, Subdural Hematoma and many other traumatic brain injuries can be caused by being thrown from the motorcycle, with or without a helmet. Wearing a helmet greatly reduces the risk of these injuries having long term impacts.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: While more mild than other injuries, broken bones can still force victims to miss wages and can rack up hefty medical expenses.
• Wrongful Death: Many motorcycle accidents unfortunately result in death, which is why it’s so important to be aware of bikers who may be lane-splitting, and to share the road.

Montana is considered a tort state, otherwise known as an at-fault state. In the United States, this is common in terms of liability law. A tort state essentially means that at-fault drivers or motorcyclists are required to pay for the other driver or victim’s medical expenses or other damages like loss of property, pain and suffering and more. In Montana, most insurance policies include no fault medical payment coverage, which is also known as “med pay.” This can also be referred to as personal injury protection, or “PIP.” Essentially, PIP is an optional coverage that helps pay for medical expenses regardless of who is at fault.

If both parties are considered at fault in the motorcycle accident, Montana considers the modified comparative negligence rule. For both parties, this means that if your actions contributed to your injury, it will impact how much fair compensation you can receive to cover medical expenses.

When the worst happens, you want the best possible legal advice. The best legal advice comes from experienced lawyers with a proven track record. You deserve to find a personal injury attorney that has seen success with winning personal injury cases time and time again.

It’s important to also find a lawyer who is not only familiar, but well-versed with the nuances and complexities of Montana’s specific motorcycle, transit and personal injury laws. Finding the right legal representation can be incredibly overwhelming. Luckily, LegalFinders can provide you with a free case consultation and educate you on how to proceed, so you can focus on the most important thing — healing.