Our attorneys at Bidegaray Law Firm possess the expertise and dedication required to navigate complex insurance matters, including serious injury and wrongful death claims. With a proven track record of securing significant verdicts and settlements for our clients—such as a $34 million verdict—our legal team is highly respected by insurance companies and recognized for our relentless advocacy on behalf of our clients. Located in Bozeman, Montana, our main office is conveniently situated to serve clients across the state. Whether you're dealing with an insurance dispute, a catastrophic injury, or the wrongful death of a loved one, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Daniel Bidegaray: Dedicated Montana Personal Injury and Insurance Lawyer

Daniel, a Montana native, has dedicated over three decades to assisting clients facing serious injuries, wrongful deaths, and complex insurance claims. He believes in genuinely listening to his clients, understanding their stories, and vigorously fighting to hold insurance companies accountable.

Daniel’s practice is centered on securing justice for clients of catastrophic personal injuries. He is deeply involved in advocating for his clients at every stage of litigation, from the initial consultation through to trial. As an experienced insurance lawyer, Daniel plays a crucial role in researching and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure his clients receive fair and just compensation.

Coming from a family rooted in the values of honesty, education, and hard work, Daniel understands the importance of perseverance. Raised on a farm and ranch in Montana, his upbringing instilled in him the principles that guide his legal practice today. Throughout his career, Daniel has successfully served as counsel in numerous multi-million dollar cases, consistently advancing his clients’ interests.

Get to know more about Daniel Bidegaray.

Mike Abourezk, Of Counsel: Leading Insurance Bad Faith and Corporate Malfeasance Attorney

Mike Abourezk is a distinguished attorney who represents clients in cases involving insurance bad faith and corporate malfeasance. Through numerous substantial jury verdicts and settlements, Mike has played a key role in driving positive change within the insurance industry, much like his colleague Daniel. His efforts have significantly improved the treatment of policyholders, ensuring they receive the fair treatment they deserve.

Mike is a proud member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, a prestigious group limited to 100 of the nation’s top lawyers. This recognition underscores his reputation as one of the country’s leading insurance attorneys.

With years of experience and a hard-working approach to cases, Mike has achieved countless successes for his clients. He understands the intricacies of insurance law and the tactics insurance companies use better than nearly any lawyer in the nation. Simply put, Mike is an honest and consummate professional, and his dedication to holding insurance companies accountable is rarely, if ever, outdone.

More about Mike Abourezk.




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Frequently Asked Questions

1. I hire a Bidegaray insurance attorney rather than handling the appeal myself? +

Insurance policies are complex legal contracts drafted by corporate legal teams. Insurance companies often misconstrue these policies to minimize payouts. If you handle an appeal yourself, you are playing by their rules without knowing the playbook. They often ignore self-represented individuals or dazzle them with technical jargon. By hiring Bidegaray Law Firm, you level the playing field. We understand the game that adjusters hope you never find out about. We force them to take your claim seriously.

2. What experience does your firm have in litigating against major insurance carriers? +

We have successfully litigated against many of the largest insurance carriers in the nation. We are not afraid of their size or their resources. While many firms accept the first settlement offer to avoid a fight, we have a track record of taking major carriers to trial when they refuse to pay a fair amount. Our reputation often encourages them to settle more reasonably to avoid the risk of a verdict.

3. Do you handle complex commercial insurance coverage disputes? +

Yes. Commercial policies (CGL, Business Interruption, and Professional Liability) are more complicated than standard auto policies. We represent Montana businesses when insurers deny coverage for fires, construction defects, or liability lawsuits. We can analyze your policy’s “exclusions” and “endorsements” to find coverage where the insurance company claims there is none.

4. What is the "Unfair Trade Practices Act," and does it apply to my case? +

The Montana Unfair Trade Practices Act (UTPA) (MCA § 33-18-201) is the primary law that protects policyholders from abusive insurance tactics. It lists specific behaviors that are illegal, such as misrepresenting policy limits, failing to conduct a prompt investigation, or compelling policyholders to sue to recover amounts due. If your insurer has done any of these things, the UTPA allows you to hold them accountable for damages.

5. Can you represent policyholders in both state and federal courts? +

Yes. This is critical because out-of-state insurance companies often “remove” lawsuits from Montana State Court to the Federal District Court to gain a perceived advantage. Bidegaray Law Firm is admitted and experienced in practicing before the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. We are comfortable litigating wherever the case goes, ensuring you aren’t forced to find a new lawyer mid-case.

6. What is the process for filing a bad faith lawsuit against an insurer? +

Often, a “Bad Faith” lawsuit is a second lawsuit. First, we must usually resolve the underlying claim (proving the accident was covered or the other driver was at fault). Once that is settled or a judgment is entered, we file a separate bad faith complaint alleging the insurer violated the law during that process. We then enter the “discovery” phase, where we demand access to the insurer’s internal claim notes and emails to expose their misconduct.

7. How do you prove an insurance company acted with malice or fraud? +

Proving malice is necessary to recover punitive damages (damages designed to punish the company rather than just pay your bills). Under Montana law (MCA § 27-1-221), we must prove by “clear and convincing evidence” that the insurer acted with indifference to your high probability of injury or intentionally deceived you. We look for evidence in their internal claim files and company documents to prove this intent.

8. Do you offer free case reviews for denied insurance claims? +

Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your denial letter and your policy to let you know if we will get involved with your case. We understand that if your insurance has been denied, you are likely already under financial stress, so we ensure it costs you nothing to understand your legal options.

9. Can you help with "Failure to Defend" claims where my insurer refuses to protect me? +

Yes. If you are sued (for example, someone claims you hurt them on your property) and your liability insurer refuses to hire a lawyer for you, they may be breaching their “Duty to Defend.” This duty is broader than the duty to pay. We can evaluate your options regarding forcing the insurer to pay for your defense and potentially sue them if they are wrongfully abandoning you.

10. How quickly can your team step in to negotiate a settlement? +

If we see that it is necessary, we do not hesitate to intervene immediately. A Letter of Representation can be sent by us to the insurance company. This letter serves as a legal notification that the insurance company is no longer allowed to communicate directly with you. Therefore, all correspondence, including questions, offers, and arguments, will go through us.

This instant buffer will undoubtedly alleviate your stress and keep the insurer from getting any more harmful statements from you.