Daris Benally Killed in Great Falls Motorcycle Accident

Q: What factors will investigators examine at Third Street NW and 16th Avenue NW?

Crash reconstructionists will review the intersection's traffic signals, skid marks, and vehicle damage to determine how the collision occurred. They will also assess whether distracted driving, speed, or a failure to yield played a role in the two-vehicle wreck. While the Great Falls Police Department determines fault, families of deceased riders often face immediate financial and administrative burdens. Independent investigations frequently uncover maintenance or infrastructure issues that contributed to the crash. According to National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, "Studies show that thousands of riders die every year, and many of these tragedies involve poor road repairs. Tar snakes become slick in the heat and they're nearly invisible to everyone except the person on two wheels."

Q: How do authorities determine liability in a two-vehicle motorcycle crash?

Police evaluate witness statements, physical evidence, and potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses like the Valvoline shop to establish the sequence of events leading up to the impact. This evidence forms the foundation for any subsequent citations or civil liability claims.

Daris Benally motorcycle crash on Third Street NW, Great Falls, Montana

The two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Third Street NW and 16th Avenue NW.

Daris Benally, 24, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was killed in a motorcycle accident at Third Street NW and 16th Avenue NW in Great Falls, Montana, on Thursday, April 9, according to the Great Falls Police Department.

The afternoon collision involved a motorcycle and a second vehicle near a Valvoline oil change shop. Emergency crews closed several lanes of traffic while responding to the scene.

The rider was taken to Benefis Health System, where he died from his injuries.

Investigators confirmed the crash was not a hit-and-run. Authorities have not announced whether any citations will be issued to the other driver.

The victim was an Airman 1st Class serving as a missile handler assigned to the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base.

The crash remains under investigation.

In motorcycle accidents such as this, investigators often examine intersection visibility, right-of-way, and driver attention. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "What most people miss about motorcycle safety is the psychological phenomenon called target fixation. A driver might look right at a rider but their brain doesn't register a threat until it's much too late."

What factors will investigators examine at Third Street NW and 16th Avenue NW?

While the Great Falls Police Department determines fault, families of deceased riders often face immediate financial and administrative burdens. Independent investigations frequently uncover maintenance or infrastructure issues that contributed to the crash.

According to National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, "Studies show that thousands of riders die every year, and many of these tragedies involve poor road repairs. Tar snakes become slick in the heat and they're nearly invisible to everyone except the person on two wheels."

How do authorities determine liability in a two-vehicle motorcycle crash?

Montana wrongful death statute

Under Mont. Code § 27-1-513, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Montana applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 3 years.

Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.