Missoula Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

From the Blackfoot River to Flathead Valley, Missoula has plenty of scenic routes that are waiting to be explored on a motorcycle. When you are out on the road, the last thing you expect is being hit by another vehicle. Unfortunately, other drivers just don’t pay attention to motorcycles. When that happens, it can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Due to the limited safety protections on the bike, when someone is involved in a crash, it can cause devastating injuries. In turn, accident victims often need extensive medical care and rehabilitation to get back to their daily lives. In some cases, they may not fully recover, leading their families to find long-term care.

Motorcycle accident victims have legal options. When someone’s reckless or negligent behavior has resulted in these incidents, you can recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and even pain and suffering.

Everyone on the road has a responsibility to keep others safe. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for their actions. If you need to contact a Missoula motorcycle accident lawyer, reach out to Western Justice Associates, PLLC. We are available to assist with your case and help you fight for your deserved compensation.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Occur

Motorcycle accidents can occur due to various reasons. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 53% of all crashes involve two vehicles: the motorcyclist and another driver.

The affected motorcyclist has the legal right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver and claim compensation for their losses. Some of the common causes of these accidents include:

• Hit from behind: Motorcycles are at a higher risk of being hit from behind by larger vehicles, especially when traffic suddenly comes to a halt. Due to the negligence or distraction of drivers, motorcycles may not be noticed in time to prevent a collision.
• Left turn collisions: This accident scenario is also common, where a vehicle makes a left turn without noticing an approaching motorcycle. Usually, these incidents occur due to the driver’s failure to give way to the motorcycle, leading to a crash.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Drivers who disregard the speed limit or drive recklessly will have a reduced reaction time, increasing the likelihood of rear-ending or sideswiping a motorcyclist.
• Failure to notice the motorcycle: Motorcycles often go unnoticed due to their smaller size on the road. In many cases, the other motorists will claim to not see the vehicle and turn into a motorcycle, causing damage and injuries.
• Unsafe lane shifts: Once again, due to their smaller size, motorcycles can often be missed in a vehicle’s blind spot. When a vehicle switches lanes it could end up directly into the path of an oncoming bike.
• Car doors opening: Even stationary or slow-moving cars can pose a hazard on the road. If the motorcyclist drives past the vehicle, and a driver or passenger opens a car door into their path, it can cause a collision. Sometimes, the motorcyclist will need to swerve to avoid a collision and end up colliding with another vehicle or object.
• Not yielding to the right-of-way: In many of these accidents, the driver of the other vehicle does not yield the right-of-way to the motorcycle. This can happen while changing lanes, merging on a roadway, or proceeding through an intersection.
• Defective motorcycle parts or equipment: In these cases, liability may rest with the bike’s manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.

These are just a few examples of how these accidents can happen. If you have ended up with injuries and losses due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which can be extremely severe or even deadly. They can include:

• Road rash: When a motorcyclist slides across the pavement during an accident, it can cause this painful skin injury.
• Head and brain injuries: Any injury to the head or brain can be extremely serious and potentially life-threatening.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to full or partial paralysis, which can be devastating for the victim and their family.
• Bone fractures: Motorcyclists are at risk of breaking bones during accidents, especially in the legs and feet.
• Rib fractures: These can be dangerous as they can lead to punctured lungs and other internal injuries.
• Internal organ damage: These injuries can occur as a result of blunt force trauma during an accident.

What Should You Do If You Are Involved in an Accident?

If you have been injured, you will want to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer who has experience handling these claims. They can advise on the strength of your case and guide you through the legal process.

What should you do following a crash? Seeking medical attention is the first and most important step. Even if the injuries seem minor, you will want to get a medical evaluation since some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Once you have been checked out by a medical professional, you will want to find a qualified lawyer for your case. A skilled attorney will collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos of the damage, witness statements, police reports, and any other relevant documentation.

After that, they will determine liability by proving that another party was responsible for the accident and the resulting injuries These parties could be:

• The driver of another vehicle
• The manufacturer of a faulty motorcycle part
• The city for poorly maintained roads

If it’s determined that filing a lawsuit is the best course of action, the lawyer will handle all aspects of filing on behalf of the victim, including drafting and submitting a complaint to the court.

The lawsuit will also detail your expected compensation from the neglect parties, which can include:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost income and future earning potential
• Motorcycle and personal belongings repair or replacement costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma

After the lawsuit has been filed, there may be a period of negotiation between the attorney and the defendant’s lawyer or insurance company. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial.

Take the Next Steps

With a Missoula motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on making a full recovery from the incident, which is the most important part of the process. Finding a qualified lawyer can be difficult. However, Western Justice Associates, PLCC, is here to assist every step of the way.

We understand the physical and emotional trauma that you experienced in a motorcycle accident. Allow us to handle your case. With our experience and skills, we can help you seek the competition you desire for your injuries, damages, and other losses.

Schedule a consultation today with one of our attorneys.