Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Bozeman, Montana
There’s a reason we AFJ Law attorney Anthony Jackson has the highest motorcycle injury verdict in Montana history. Representing injured and killed motorcyclists is a passion at AFJ Law Firm. No other Montana attorney or law firm matches our results and experience with motorcycles and motorcycle accidents. Anthony has been riding motorcycles most of his life. As a kid, he bought a used Kawasaki KX 80 dirt bike with money he saved from mowing lawns and shoveling sidewalks. He’s been riding ever since and has decades of experience riding motorcycles. These motorcycles range from dirt bikes to sport street bikes to enduro adventure bikes.
Anthony and AFJ Law Firm bring real-world experience and understanding of how and why motorcycle collisions occur and how they differ from other motor vehicle accidents. We put that experience to work for our clients who have been hurt or killed in motorcycle crashes by others’ carelessness and negligence. This experience was critical in Anthony securing the largest motorcycle personal injury jury verdict in Montana history for an injured motorcyclist.
Motorcyclists are sometimes perceived as reckless and irresponsible, but studies of motorcycle crashes show that most motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Many motorcycle accidents occur when an auto driver turns left in front of oncoming motorcyclists. Additionally, drivers often collide with motorcyclists when changing lanes. Other drivers hit motorcyclists when they pass other automobiles on busy highways. Motorcyclists do not have any protective barrier between their bodies and the force of impact they experience during a motorcycle accident.
Law enforcement, judges, and jurors are often prejudiced toward motorcyclists due to preconceived stereotypes. Although motorcyclists are sometimes mischaracterized as reckless and dangerous, most motorcyclists are just regular people who enjoy spending their free time on the open road. The majority of motorcyclists care about the safety of others and themselves. Having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney represent you can be the difference between being labeled with a negative stereotype of motorcyclists versus being seen as the careful and responsible rider that most motorcyclists are. Then, you have a chance of establishing that you did not cause the motorcycle accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
A party may claim that they did not see the motorcyclist before the accident occurred. It is also possible that a party may claim that the motorcyclist was driving in a reckless and dangerous manner. Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:
- Speeding through a traffic light
- Making sudden lane changes
- Unexpected left-hand turns
- Braking too quickly
- Tailgating
Dangerous road conditions can also contribute to motorcycle accidents. Manufacturing defects and design defects can also cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their motorcycle. Motorists also may not realize that their automobiles have manufacturing defects that may cause a motorcycle accident. A motorcycle accident attorney can investigate the facts and circumstances associated with the motorcycle accident.
The Types of Injuries Suffered During Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are vulnerable due to their exposure during a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists may suffer the following types of injuries during motorcycle accidents:
- Contusions
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Permanent nerve damage
- Road rash
- Facial lacerations
- Bone fractures
- Joint damage
- Disfigurement and amputation
What To Do If You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Many motorcycle accident victims are shocked after they suffer injuries during a motorcycle accident. Adrenaline and cortisol can cause motorcyclists to feel anxious after a motorcycle accident. All motorcyclists involved in a motorcycle accident, as well as those coming upon the scene, should immediately assess their environment to ensure they are protected from any risk of serious bodily injury.
You should get yourself out of the way of harm if you find yourself at risk of suffering additional injuries. If the rider is wearing a helmet or other protective gear, do not remove it unless you are certain there is no head or spinal injury. Call 911 and report the accident. If possible, you should take witness statements, videos, and photographs to preserve this information.
A traffic collision report will be important to any future case you have against the negligent driver who caused your injuries. The officer will typically determine the cause of the collision and record this information in the traffic collision report.
Still have questions about your motorcycle accident insurance claim and potential lawsuit? Contact us today or visit our personal injury and insurance coverage law frequently asked questions (FAQ) page.