Choose a motorcycle accident lawyer that knows your rights.
The feeling of freedom on a motorcycle is unmatched. It’s the open road, the fresh Montana air, and the unique connection to your surroundings, whether you’re cruising the scenic curves of Zimmerman Trail, enjoying the breathtaking views along the Rims, or simply commuting down Grand Avenue. As a rider, you are acutely aware of your environment, but you can’t control the actions of other drivers. In a single, devastating moment, a driver’s carelessness can shatter that freedom, leaving you with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a life turned upside down.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you are likely feeling scared, angry, and uncertain about the future. You need a compassionate advocate who understands what you’re going through and has the strength to fight for justice on your behalf. Our Billings motorcycle accident lawyer understands not only the law but also the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road and in the courtroom.
At Rimrock Law, we are more than just attorneys; we are your dedicated partners in recovery. While you focus on healing, we focus on holding the responsible party accountable and securing full and fair compensation to help you rebuild your life. Let us be your voice and your strength.
Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help.
Why Choose Rimrock Law for Your Billings, MT Motorcycle Accident Claim
After a traumatic motorcycle accident, choosing the right legal team is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need a firm with deep roots in Montana, a proven record of success, and a genuine commitment to its clients. At Rimrock Law, we combine decades of high-level legal experience with a personal, team-based approach to give you powerful representation and compassionate support.
We know how Montana’s legal system works because we have handled hundreds of personal injury cases for people just like you across the state. Our attorneys—Matthew Braukmann, James Dallner, and Phillip Lorenzo—bring a wealth of knowledge and a shared passion for helping the injured.
Here’s why so many Montanans trust Rimrock Law in a crisis:
- Montana-Focused Experience: We aren't a national firm that treats you like a case number. We are Montana's injury lawyers. We live and work here, and we have an intimate understanding of the local courts, judges, and insurance company tactics specific to our state. This local knowledge is a powerful advantage in your corner.
- A Proven Track Record of Results: Our results speak for themselves. The attorneys at Rimrock Law have recovered over $100 million for our clients in personal injury, workers' compensation, and other civil cases. This history of success shows that we know how to build compelling cases that secure maximum compensation.
- A Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: We know that for you, this isn't just a legal case—it's your life. We believe in the mantra: "While you focus on healing, we focus on the fight." We take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and keep you informed every step of the way. You are a valued member of our team.
The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
It’s a common scenario. Shortly after your accident, you receive a phone call from the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster. They are friendly, sound concerned, and may even make you a quick settlement offer. It can be incredibly tempting to accept, especially when medical bills are piling up and you’re out of work. However, it is crucial that you do not accept any offer or sign any documents without first speaking to a skilled Billings motorcycle accident attorney.
You must remember that the insurance company is not on your side. It is a for-profit business, and its primary goal is to protect its bottom line by paying out as little as possible on your claim. The adjuster’s job is to minimize their company's financial exposure. They often use specific tactics to achieve this:
- The Quick, Lowball Offer: The first offer is almost always far less than what your claim is actually worth. It is a calculated move made before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Many injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal damage, have delayed symptoms. If you accept a quick settlement, you forfeit your right to seek any further compensation, even if your medical condition deteriorates and your costs skyrocket.
- Requesting a Recorded Statement: The adjuster will likely ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. They may frame this as a standard procedure, but it is a tool they use to find information that can be used against you. You are under no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement. It is best to let your lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company.
- Delaying and Denying: Another common tactic is to delay the processing of your claim, hoping that your financial desperation will force you to accept a low offer. They may request endless documentation or simply stop returning your calls. In some cases, they may deny a valid claim outright, blaming you for the accident based on unfair biases against motorcyclists.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Rimrock Law knows these tactics and how to counter them. We will handle all negotiations with the insurance company for you, protecting you from their pressure and ensuring they have the detailed evidence needed to understand the true value of your claim. We will fight for a settlement that covers all of your past, present, and future needs.
Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering if you have grounds to file a legal claim for compensation. In Montana, most personal injury claims, including those from motorcycle crashes, are based on the legal concept of negligence.
In simple terms, negligence means that someone else acted carelessly or wrongfully, and their actions directly caused your injuries and losses. To have a successful motorcycle accident case, you and your attorney must prove four specific elements:
- Duty of Care: The first step is to show that the at-fault party owed you a legal "duty of care." This is straightforward in traffic accidents. Every driver on the road has a legal duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable caution to avoid harming others, including motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers.
- Breach of Duty: Next, we must prove that the driver breached, or violated, that duty of care. This is the act of negligence itself. A breach can take many forms, such as texting while driving, speeding, or making an unsafe lane change.
- Causation: It’s not enough to show that the other driver was careless; we must also prove that their breach of duty was the direct and proximate cause of the accident and your resulting injuries. For example, we must demonstrate that the driver’s act of running a red light directly caused the collision that broke your leg.
- Damages: Finally, we must prove that you suffered actual harm, or "damages," as a result of the accident. This includes measurable financial losses like medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic harm like pain and suffering.
Establishing these four elements requires a thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and skilled legal arguments. The Billings motorcycle accident lawyers at Rimrock Law know exactly what it takes to build a strong, evidence-backed claim. We will gather police reports, interview witnesses, consult with accident reconstruction experts if needed, and meticulously document all of your damages to prove your case and fight for the compensation you are owed.
Experience
Over 80 years of law and resolving civil litigation cases across the nation.
Success
We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for clients.
Reputation
Matt Braukmann, James Dallner and Phill Lorenzo have been practicing law for a combined 80 years. Together and individually, they have built a reputation of trust, integrity, grit – everything you want in a civil litigation lawyer.
Compensation Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in Billings
Because motorcycles offer virtually no protection in a collision, riders often suffer catastrophic and life-altering injuries. The financial, physical, and emotional costs can be staggering. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to secure compensation, or "damages," to help make you whole again by covering these extensive losses. Damages in a motorcycle accident may include:
- Medical Expenses (Past and Future): This includes all costs related to your medical care, from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room treatment to hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any necessary future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while you were unable to work during your recovery.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent and prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn a living in the future, you can be compensated for this loss of potential income.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and physical limitations you have endured and may continue to endure because of the accident.
- Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: This includes compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, fear, insomnia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Wrongful Death Damages: In the tragic event that a motorcycle accident results in a fatality, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys can help the surviving family members pursue a claim for their devastating losses, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of the deceased’s income and support, and other losses.
At Rimrock Law, we work tirelessly to identify and calculate the full value of your claim, and fight for your fair compensation.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Accident?
This is a common concern for injured motorcyclists. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to shift blame, often relying on unfair stereotypes that riders are reckless. They might claim you were speeding or weaving through traffic, even without evidence, in an attempt to deny your claim.
It is important to know that even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover significant compensation under Montana law. Montana follows a legal rule called “modified comparative negligence.”
Here’s how it works: A judge or jury will assign a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident. As long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages. Your total compensation award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault for the accident, you can still recover 90% of the award. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation at all.
Because your ability to recover compensation hinges on this percentage, it is vital to have a powerful legal advocate on your side. The team at Rimrock Law will aggressively fight back against any unfair attempts to blame you for the crash. We will work to gather all available evidence to present a clear picture of what really happened and minimize any allocation of fault against you.
Billings, Montana Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions we receive from injured riders.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Montana?
In Montana, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, is generally three years from the date of the accident. While this may seem like a long time, it is crucial to act quickly. Important evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories can fade. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible allows them to begin a thorough investigation while the evidence is still fresh, which greatly strengthens your claim.
What happens if the driver who hit me was uninsured or fled the scene?
This is a frightening situation, but you may still have options for compensation. Your own auto insurance policy likely includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you in exactly these scenarios. A claim against your own UM/UIM policy can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, just as the at-fault driver’s policy would have. Our attorneys can help you navigate this complex claims process with your own insurer.
Will I have to go to court to get compensation?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. Our primary goal is to build such a strong and well-documented case that the insurance company agrees to a fair settlement without the need for a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we are always prepared to take your case to court. As seasoned trial lawyers, we do not shy away from a courtroom battle when it’s necessary to secure full justice in your case.
Contact the Trusted Billings Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Rimrock Law Today
The physical, emotional, and financial burdens of a motorcycle accident can be challenging, and the legal system is complex. Let our firm lift that weight from your shoulders. While you focus on your physical and emotional recovery, the dedicated team at Rimrock Law will handle every aspect of your legal claim.
When you entrust your case to us, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the crash to gather all necessary evidence.
- Identify all liable parties and sources of insurance coverage.
- Work with medical and financial experts to accurately calculate the full extent of your past and future damages.
- Handle all communications and aggressive negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf.
- Protect you from unfair blame and fight to prove the other party’s negligence.
- Fight for you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Let us put our experience, resources, and dedication to work for you. Contact Rimrock Law's personal injury attorneys in Billings today at (406) 606-1650 or through our online form for your free, confidential case evaluation.