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Car Accident Lawyer in Bozeman, MT

Written by: Dale G Casares PortraitDale Casares

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Mountain States Injury Law is a  law firm specializing in car accident cases. If you have been injured in a car accident, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of success in these types of cases, and we will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.

Read more about how our law firm can provide you with support through your case, and contact us today for a free consultation.

Dale G. Casares

Colorado, Idaho, and Montana
Personal Injury Attorney

Free Consultation

We won’t charge a fee until
your claim is settled.

What Our Clients Say

“Dale was extremely kind and helpful in a moment of panic after a car accident. She went out of her way to ensure I had the correct information in regards to what Colorado laws protect me after an accident and how to properly approach the situation.”

— Tom

5 Star Rating

“Dale helped me and my family through a very hard time. She was professional, diligent, extremely knowledgeable and knows how to get the job done. I would never hesitate to recommend Dale or use her in the future.”

— Brett

5 Star Rating

“Dale Casares is an incredible attorney and human being. Ever since I met her, she has been willing to fight for me and support me. Dale excels at listening, understanding, and using her knowledge and skills to help people.”

— Angela

5 Star Rating

5.0 Rating Based on 41 Google Reviews

Free Consultation
We won’t charge a fee until
your claim is settled.

Case Results

Car Crash

$1.35 million

Spine and Shoulder Injuries

Car Crash

$550k

Brain Injury

Car Crash

$350k

Brain Injury

Motorcycle Crash

$200k

Severe Laceration

Motorcycle Crash

$250k

Ankle Injury

Slip & Fall

$250k

Fractured Arm

Common Car Accident Injuries

There are a number of different injuries that can result from car accidents, some of which are more common than others. Some of the most common injuries that we see are listed below, but whether or not you see your injuries mentioned, contact us right away to discuss your personal injury case and learn about how we can help you recover compensation.

Whiplash

One of the most common injuries that car accident victims suffer is whiplash. Whiplash is caused by the sudden jerking of the head and neck and can result in a number of symptoms, including pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. This is a soft-tissue injury and may not present itself for a day or two after the crash, which is one reason why it is so important that you do not make any statements about your condition at the scene of the accident or to the insurance company.

Head Injuries

Another common type of injury in auto accident cases is head injuries. Head injuries can range from minor concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries and can have a number of long-term effects, such as memory loss, dizziness, and headaches.

Table title

Table

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pdf/TBI-surveillance-report-2018-2019-508.pdf 

Severe brain injuries can lead to permanent changes in temperament and personality and can be debilitating or even fatal.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are also common and can range from minor back pain to more serious injuries such as herniated discs. Back pain can be debilitating and make it difficult to work or enjoy your hobbies. More serious back injuries can require surgery and cause long-term problems such as the inability to return to meaningful work.

Bruises, Cuts, and Scrapes

Though less serious than some of the other injuries on this list, bruises, cuts, and scrapes are also common in car accidents. These injuries can be painful and may require medical treatment, but they usually heal within a few weeks. 

Document these injuries along with the rest of your more severe injuries, as the pain and discomfort you experience while dealing with an abrasion or tender bruise will factor into the pain and suffering your attorney will seek for you in your personal injury case.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious injuries resulting from car accidents. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down the spine, and when it is damaged, the signals that control movement and sensation are interrupted. This can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and a host of other problems. 

Suppose you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident. In that case, you need an experienced attorney on your side who will fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, long-term impacts on your life, and pain and suffering.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are another type of serious injury that can occur in car accidents. These injuries can range from broken ribs to more serious damage to organs such as the lungs, heart, or liver. Internal bleeding is also a serious concern with internal injuries and can lead to death if not treated quickly. If you have suffered internal injuries in a car accident, you must seek medical attention immediately.

Light Vehicle T-Bone Accident Emotional Injuries

Though not physical injuries, emotional injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety can also result from car accidents. These conditions can be debilitating, making it difficult to work or function in everyday life. If you are suffering from emotional injuries after a car accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side who can help you quantify these very real injuries and seek compensation for them.

Mountain States Injury Law is a personal injury law firm in Bozeman, MT that represents clients who have been injured in car accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options.

Seeking Compensation For Common Damages After Car Accidents

When filing a claim with the insurance company, the victim expects to be compensated for their medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, but the reality of getting this compensation is often much different. The insurance company will likely try to lowball the victim or deny the claim entirely, and this is where an experienced car accident lawyer can help.

An insurance claim is meant to recover compensatory damages — meaning they are meant to compensate the victim for measurable losses — which are divided into the following two subcategories:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value attached to them, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These damages are relatively easy to calculate, as there are receipts, pay stubs, and other documentation that can be used to show the amount of financial loss suffered.

Your attorney will seek 1:1 compensation for your economic impacts, meaning the exact amount of the measurable losses you can prove that are connected to your accident. While the process of tallying receipts is straightforward, the attention to detail and legal knowledge necessary to identify all economic damages a victim has suffered is a more complicated process and best left to a Bozeman car accident attorney.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are those that do not have a specific monetary value attached to them, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These types of damages are more difficult to quantify, as there is no set formula for calculating them — a fact that the insurance company uses to its advantage by aggressively denying a victim’s attempts at calculating their own non-economic damages during a claim.

Your attorney will use their experience and knowledge to come up with a fair compensation amount for your non-economic damages caused by someone else’s negligence. They will then need to negotiate with the insurer to reach a final settlement amount that fairly addresses your damages.

The Importance of Working With a Bozeman Car Accident Lawyer

The insurance company will have its own team of lawyers working to protect their interests and minimize the amount they have to pay out on a claim. To level the playing field, it is important that you have your own experienced car accident lawyer in Bozeman, MT on your side. Mountain States Injury Law has represented many clients who have been injured in car accidents, and we can help you too.

One of the biggest advantages that an insurance company has when handling a personal injury claim is the fact that Montana law (specifically the tort laws that guide civil suits such as car accident cases) is complicated. Inexperienced claimants simply don’t have the time to learn the intricacies of their legal challenges. Especially while they try to manage their pain, receive medical care, and deal with impacts to both their personal and professional life.

Victims are typically flooded with extensive tomes of legal documentation and pressured to sign away their rights to compensation by accepting a pittance of an offer from the insurance company. This is where having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can be invaluable. 

Frequently Asked Questions for Bozeman Car Accident Lawyers

The following are some frequently asked questions that Mountain States Injury Law has heard from past clients, but whether or not you see your own questions addressed below, be sure to contact us to get specific answers about your unique situation from an experienced lawyer.

What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

In the state of Montana, all drivers are required to have liability insurance if they cause an accident. However, many drivers choose to either drive without insurance or purchase only the minimum amount of coverage, which often isn’t enough to cover the costs of an accident.

If an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you, you may still be able to recover compensation by filing a claim with your uninsured motorist insurance or underinsured motorist insurance. Mountain States Injury Law can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

What if I was partially responsible for the accident?

Montana is a comparative fault state, which means that even if you were partly to blame for an accident, you might still be entitled to recover compensation. The amount of compensation you are eligible to receive will depend on your percentage of fault in the accident.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident, you would only be able to recover 80% of your damages. Mountain States Injury Law will thoroughly investigate your accident and determine the percentage of fault you may be attributed to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.

How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?

In the state of Montana, you typically have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This may seem like plenty of time, but your attorney will be able to use all the time they have to investigate your case and negotiate for a comprehensive settlement. 

If they are unable to reach a settlement agreement within the three-year window, their next option will be to file a lawsuit in the Montana courts.

How much is my car accident claim worth?

The value of your case will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of economic damages you have incurred, and the non-economic impacts the accident has had on your life. 

Contact our law firm immediately to have a legal professional review all of these factors to help you determine a realistic settlement value for your case.