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Key Takeaways
- Motorcycle riders in Billings face unique risks due to other drivers’ negligence and bias from insurers.
- Montana law allows victims to recover economic and non-economic damages.
- Motorcycle crashes often cause serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
- You typically have three years to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Montana.
- Even if you’re partly at fault, you may still recover compensation under Montana’s comparative negligence laws.
- Yellowstone Law can handle your legal fight while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Why Choose Yellowstone Law for Your Billings Motorcycle Accident Case?
After a motorcycle accident, you deserve a legal team that understands what you’re up against and how to protect your future. Here’s why Yellowstone Law is the right choice for motorcycle accident victims in Billings, Montana:
- Long track record of results. Yellowstone Law has secured significant verdicts and settlements for injured clients across Montana.
- Personalized service. You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who truly listens to you and takes a custom approach best suited to you and your needs.
- Respected reputation. Our firm is known in the Billings legal community for handling complex personal injury claims with integrity and skill.
- No upfront fees. We work on a contingency fee approach, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Local knowledge. We understand Montana motorcycle laws, the roads where accidents happen, and the unique issues faced by riders here.
- Tenacious representation. We prepare every case for trial from day one, so insurers know we won’t accept lowball offers.
At Yellowstone Law, your future matters to us because we’ve spent years sitting across the table from people whose lives were turned upside down in an instant. We’ve seen the physical pain, the financial fear, and the way an accident ripples through entire families. Over time, that changes you. It makes you care in a way that goes deeper than just doing a job.
We see ourselves, our friends, and our loved ones in every client who walks through our door. That’s why our clients are like our family. That’s why we commit ourselves fully to helping you regain stability, security, and a sense of hope for the future.
Call Now For A Free Consultation
| (406) 259-9986
Important Things to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Billings
You’re probably reading this while recovering from injuries, worried about your job, bills, and whether you’ll ever feel like yourself again. It’s a lot to handle. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your motorcycle accident claim.
Motorcycle accident claims involve complex legal and insurance issues, and insurers often try to shift blame onto riders. An experienced Billings motorcycle accident attorney will protect your rights and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of.
Other important steps include:
- Hire an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer. Motorcycle accident claims involve complex legal and insurance issues, and insurers often try to shift blame onto riders. An experienced Billings motorcycle accident lawyer with Yellowstone Law will protect your rights and stop insurance companies from taking advantage of you.
- Follow all medical advice. Keep up with every doctor appointment and recommended treatment. This shows insurers the true extent of your injuries and protects your health.
- Start a journal. Write down how your injuries affect your daily life, work, hobbies, sleep, and relationships. Your personal account can be powerful evidence of your pain and suffering.
- Save evidence. Hold onto photos of your injuries, damage to your motorcycle, your riding gear, and any accident scene photos.
- Avoid social media. Insurance companies may scour your online posts looking for ways to argue you’re less injured than you claim.
- Keep track of expenses. Save receipts for medical bills, therapy costs, transportation to medical appointments, and anything else related to your accident.
Taking these steps helps secure your legal rights and can make a significant difference in the value of your case.
Billings Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Billings is a vibrant city, with bikers frequently enjoying rides through Downtown, along Rimrock Road, or out to iconic spots like Pictograph Cave State Park. But riding in Montana carries real risks.
Statewide data from the
Montana Department of Transportation shows that motorcycle crashes remain a serious problem. In recent years:
- Motorcycle crashes account for about 11% of all traffic fatalities in Montana, despite motorcycles being a small percentage of vehicles on the road.
- Over 75% of motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, often caused by drivers failing to yield or recognize motorcycles in traffic.
- Riders are significantly more vulnerable; motorcyclists are over 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In Billings, traffic corridors like King Avenue West, Grand Avenue, and stretches of Interstate 90 see a higher share of motorcycle crashes.
Intersections where cars suddenly turn left in front of bikes are especially dangerous.
Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
If you were hit while riding your motorcycle, you may have a claim for
compensation under Montana law. Most motorcycle accident cases are based on negligence — when another driver’s carelessness causes someone else harm.
To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, you and your lawyer must prove:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care (all drivers must drive safely and follow traffic laws).
- The driver breached that duty (for example, by speeding, running a red light, or driving distracted).
- The breach directly caused your crash and injuries.
- You suffered damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other losses.
Insurance companies often try to argue that the motorcyclist was the one at fault. At Yellowstone Law, we push back hard against these tactics with evidence,
expert testimony, and a clear understanding of Montana motorcycle laws.
If you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, we’d be honored to review your situation during a free consultation.
Call Now For A Free Consultation
| (406) 259-9986
Injuries Commonly Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
Unlike cars or trucks, motorcycles offer riders very little protection. Even a seemingly minor crash can leave a rider with serious injuries that change their life forever.
Motorcycle accidents often cause:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or severe brain trauma that impacts memory, speech, and daily functioning.
- Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or total paralysis, altering every aspect of life.
- Broken bones. Fractures are extremely common in motorcycle crashes, often requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery.
- Road rash. Sliding across pavement at high speed can lead to painful abrasions, scarring, and infections.
- Internal injuries. Internal bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening.
- Severe soft-tissue injuries. Torn ligaments, nerve injuries, and muscle damage often cause long-term pain and disability.
At Yellowstone Law, we know how devastating these injuries can be physically, emotionally, and financially. We fight for compensation that covers not just immediate costs but also long-term care, lost income, and the personal toll of your suffering.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Billings?
Billings, known as Montana’s Trailhead, has plenty of scenic routes beloved by motorcycle riders. But it’s also home to some notoriously dangerous stretches of road.
Motorcycle crashes often occur:
- On King Avenue West and Grand Avenue. Busy corridors with high traffic volumes and frequent left-turning vehicles create hazards for riders.
- At intersections along Main Street in the Heights. Sudden lane changes, heavy congestion, and distracted drivers make these spots risky.
- On the Interstate 90 corridor. Higher speeds and commercial truck traffic increase the severity of motorcycle crashes.
- Along Rimrock Road. Its winding curves and mixed residential and commercial traffic can be treacherous, especially when drivers don’t watch for motorcycles.
Factors like
distracted driving, speeding, or simply a driver failing to check a blind spot can turn these roads into danger zones for motorcycle riders. At Yellowstone Law, we analyze crash scenes and traffic patterns to prove how and why your crash happened and who should pay for it.
What Compensation Is Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?
After a motorcycle accident, financial stress piles up quickly. You may face hospital bills, physical therapy costs, and time away from work. But your losses go far beyond your bank account. Pain, anxiety, and the inability to enjoy life the way you once did all may deserve compensation.
Montana law allows motorcycle accident victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. These include:
- Medical expenses. Hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and future care needs.
- Lost wages. Compensation for income missed while you recover — and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous work.
- Property damage. Repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and riding gear.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain, mental distress, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Disfigurement or disability. When injuries leave permanent scars or impair your abilities.
- Wrongful death damages. Families who’ve lost a loved one may recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
Our goal at Yellowstone Law is to build a case that captures the full impact of your injuries and losses, so you’re well-positioned to recover the maximum compensation possible.
Call Now For A Free Consultation
| (406) 259-9986
Let Yellowstone Law Handle the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are notorious for denying, delaying, or underpaying claims, and motorcycle cases are no exception. They often exploit stereotypes about motorcyclists, suggesting you were reckless, even if the crash was entirely the other driver’s fault.
When you work with Yellowstone Law:
- We gather compelling evidence, including police reports, medical records, and accident reconstruction, to prove how your crash happened.
- We work with respected experts who can testify about your injuries, your future care needs, and the impact on your earning potential.
- We handle all communication with the insurance adjusters, protecting you from tactics designed to pressure you into an unfair settlement.
- We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to deal fairly, we’re fully prepared to go to trial.
You shouldn’t have to fight with an insurance company while you’re healing. Let our Billings motorcycle accident lawyer shoulder that burden for you.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Billings Motorcycle Accident Case?
Motorcycle crashes can involve multiple liable parties. Our investigation at Yellowstone Law examines every possibility to maximize your recovery. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Other drivers. Whether they were distracted, speeding, drunk, or failed to yield.
- Commercial vehicle companies. If a truck or delivery vehicle caused your crash, the company may be liable for negligent drivers or poor vehicle maintenance.
- Motorcycle or parts manufacturers. Defective brakes, tires, or other motorcycle components can lead to catastrophic wrecks.
- Government agencies. Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or dangerous construction zones might mean a government entity shares blame.
The more sources of insurance coverage we can pursue, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Montana?
Yes — Montana law sets strict
time limits for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations.
- For motorcycle accidents, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim.
- For wrongful death cases, families typically have three years from the date of death to file suit.
If you wait too long, the court can dismiss your case entirely, no matter how strong your claim might be. Don’t risk losing your rights. Contact Yellowstone Law as soon as possible so we can preserve crucial evidence and protect your legal options.
What If I Am Partly to Blame for the Motorcycle Accident?
Montana follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means:
- You can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible.
- Your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies love using comparative negligence to reduce payouts. Yellowstone Law can fight back so that insurers don’t place undue blame on you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Billings, MT
How much does it cost to hire Yellowstone Law for my motorcycle accident case?
Yellowstone Law works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win compensation for you.
What evidence should I bring to my initial consultation?
Bring any accident reports, photos, medical records, witness contact information, and insurance letters. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — we can help gather it.
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Montana law doesn’t require helmets for riders over 18. However, not wearing one may impact how insurers value your claim if you suffered head injuries. Our Billings, MT motorcycle accident lawyers will address this issue if it relates to you and your case.
Will my case go to trial?
Many motorcycle accident cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case for trial. If insurers refuse a fair settlement, we will take your case to court and argue it before a judge or jury.
How long will my motorcycle accident case take?
Every case is different. Factors include the severity of your injuries, how quickly you heal, and whether the insurer negotiates fairly. We’ll always keep you updated on progress and timelines.
Contact the Billings Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Yellowstone Law Today
A motorcycle accident can change your entire life in a single instant. But you don’t have to let it define your future. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers, support, and a path forward.
At Yellowstone Law, our
Billings, MT personal injury attorneys are ready to listen, investigate, and fight for full and fair compensation. You should be able to live life on your terms, not the way insurance companies see it.
Call us today at
(406) 259-9986 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing upfront, and nothing at all unless we win your case. Let us help you focus on what matters most: your recovery and your future.