Car Accident Lawyer in Montana

People can get into car accidents on rural, city, or country roads. Regardless of where an accident occurs, it can be traumatic and life-changing. Accidents often lead to severe injuries and damage. Being involved in a Montana car accident comes with many different concerns, including the pain of your injuries, lost income, the impact on your life, and damage to your vehicle. As a victim, worrying about such issues can severely affect your recovery. However, working with a Montana car accident lawyer is one of the best ways to reduce stress about financial concerns and the claim process.

Knowing a compassionate and knowledgeable Montana car accident attorney is fighting on your behalf can offer you peace of mind. Also, car accident lawyers will help you obtain the compensation you deserve, rather than what insurance companies are trying to pay. That is why we are here for you. Every member of our legal team feels precisely this way. At Mountain States Injury Law, we dedicate our time to leveling the playing field between car accident victims and insurance companies. In order to do this, we push every boundary to help you receive the money you deserve after you have been injured recklessly or wrongfully.

The Most Common Causes of Montana Car Accidents

After the COVID-19 pandemic, many drivers have been hitting the road attempting to bring some normalcy back to their lives. This led to an increase in fatalities across Montana and the country in the last year. The Montana Department of Transportation notes that in 2021 there has been an increase of 14.8% in car fatalities. Unfortunately, more than 200 people have lost their lives in car accidents in Montana due to speeding, drunk driving, impaired driving, or not using seatbelts. The most common causes of car crashes in Montana include:

#1. Speeding

Various factors contribute to motor vehicle accidents, but speeding remains one of the most common causes. Speeding significantly increases the chances of losing control of your car and decreases reaction time for hazards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that speeding represented a factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2018. More than 9,300 speed-related deaths occurred nationwide in that year.

#2. Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) is among the most common causes of car accidents, with people being killed regularly in alcohol-related collisions. Drunk driving is hazardous because drivers are unable to operate a vehicle safely. This means drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking are more likely to make mistakes that lead to car accidents. If a driver is even buzzed, they can lose focus on the road and make critical mistakes. While drunk, the driver’s vision may become altered, causing driving to become more difficult.

#3. Distracted Driving

When drivers do not give their full attention to the task of driving, they can cause severe traffic accidents. Sadly, distracted driving is the cause of over 3,000 deaths every year. According to the NHTSA, there were 3,142 distracted-related deaths in 2019 and 2,628 deaths in 2018. Texting and driving is among the most common forms of distracted driving, causing some of the most severe accidents on Montana’s roads. Taking your eyes off the road for as little as a few seconds is enough to cause a car accident.

#4. Drowsy Driving

As stated by the National Safety Council (NSC), sleepy and fatigued drivers account for more than 100,000 crashes, 1,550 fatalities, and 71,000 injuries every year. Further studies show drowsy driving represents such a significant issue that it causes almost 10% of all fatal vehicle collisions.

#5. Aggressive Driving

The AAA Foundation for Safety confirms road rage is a factor in more than half of all car fatalities. While speeding is a standard form of aggressive driving, various behaviors can result in traffic fatalities. This includes rude gestures, tailgating, running red lights, weaving in and out of traffic, or forcing other drivers off the road.

#6. Others

Other causes of car accidents include dangerous road conditions, extreme weather, or even animals on the road. While car accidents are not always preventable, most can be avoided if all drivers pay attention and are careful. Drivers who are reckless and injure other drivers must be held liable for damages and injuries. As a Montana car accident victim, you may be entitled to monetary and non-monetary compensation for your injuries, property, or other accident-related expenses.

Being involved and injured in a car crash is stressful regardless of the accident’s cause. Contacting a Montana car accident lawyer following your accident is the wisest decision. Our car accident lawyers ensure you receive the needed rest and recovery from your trauma while we fight for a personal injury case. If your car accident claim does not settle and goes to trial, we will play a considerable role in preparing a solid case and helping you recover damages.

What to Do After a Montana Car Accident?

Most people are unsure what to do following a car accident. Knowing the steps to take after an accident has happened can help you if one ever occurs. Always carry insurance cards and other information with you. If possible, keep a disposable camera or your smartphone handy to take some photos.

Call the Police and Gather Evidence

In the event of a Montana car accident, the first thing you should do is to make sure everyone is okay. Next, call the police and ask for emergency medical services if needed. Doing so will create a record of your car accident, and police reports will serve as solid evidence when determining fault. The next step you should follow is gathering as much information as possible. Taking photos of your Montana car accident scene, car accident injuries, surroundings, or road signs, may be useful when preparing your car accident claim.

Take notes and save the other’s driver and eyewitnesses’ contact information. Always request a police report copy, including street conditions, the time and date of the accident, and information about the other driver.

Seek Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention is critical. Even if you have only sustained minor injuries, it is vital to put yourself in the hands of paramedics or other medical professionals. Under no circumstances should you miss a medical appointment, because it may raise questions about the severity or legitimacy of your injuries. Please remember insurance companies will follow your medical records and treatments closely, so your credibility may be attacked if you fail to attend all appointments.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Montana & Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company, but only provide the basic details of the car accident (where it happened and who was involved). Do not provide any statements or detailed accounts of your injuries. Next, contact our car accident lawyers to protect your rights and increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation. Insurance adjusters represent companies that work for profit, so your best interest is not a concern to them.

Most people fail to realize the amount of work needed for handling car accident cases. Here at Mountain States Injury Law, we understand your life can be turned upside down due to the life-changing and devastating effects on you and your loved ones. Having an ideal legal team on your side to aggressively fight for your rights can change the course of your personal injury case, and allow you to reach the best possible outcome. If you or your dear ones have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, call the Montana car accident attorneys at Mountain States Injury Law to discuss your options. We offer a free consultation to discuss your story and build the right strategy for your case.

Determining Fault and Liability in Montana Car Accident Cases

Unfortunately, most car accident victims suffer injuries and property damage from no fault of their own. However, the amount of responsibility for a car accident attributed to every party can affect the amount of recoverable damages they will receive. Montana is a modified comparative fault state, meaning determining liability is imperative.

Under Montana Statutes 27-1-702, as a car accident victim, you can seek financial compensation for your injuries if you are more than 0% but less than 50% at fault. Any damages allowed will be diminished by your percentage of negligence. For example, if you are 20% at fault for the car accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are 50% at fault or more, your damages will drop to zero.

In addition, under Montana Code section 27-2-204, you have three years to file your car accident claim to seek compensation. This time begins the date of your accident or from the date a loved one passed away due to a car crash. Also, you must file a property damage claim within two years from the date of the car collision.

While this deadline may seem far away, the process can be time-consuming. Furthermore, scheduling a trial date for a Montana car accident claim may take a year or more from when you file the lawsuit. During this time, your auto accident lawyers must investigate the car accident, conduct discovery, take depositions, negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and build your case. The sooner you contact our car accident lawyers, the sooner we can resolve your case. Call Mountain States Injury Law before it is too late.