Montana Car Accident Lawyers

Trusted Auto Accident Attorneys Serving Montana & Oregon

Have you been injured in a car accident in Montana or Oregon? Do not rely on insurance companies to help you recover fair compensation. Let the experienced attorneys at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. help you obtain full, fair, and prompt compensation. Backed by more than 35 years of personal injury practice, our Montana car accident lawyers work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family. 

Our extensive understanding of the regional legal landscape gives us insight into the nuances of each jurisdiction, which is crucial in addressing both common and unique challenges in accident claims. We know that motor vehicle accidents can cause serious and lasting injuries. On top of this, debt can pile up if you have to take time off work to nurse these injuries. Additionally, medical expenses incurred from the accident will add another strain on your financial burden. Our legal team understands the full weight of these concerns. That is why we work hard to help you obtain advanced medical settlements, as well as other forms of compensation, including property damage recovery and potential future medical needs stemming from the accident.

Call (406) 625-0100 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation!

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Montana

Auto accidents involving two or more vehicles often occur due to negligence. Negligent driving consists of any sort of reckless behavior taken while operating a motor vehicle. When a driver’s negligent actions are the cause of an accident, he or she can be legally liable for damages. Additionally, regional factors, such as harsh weather conditions in these states, can exacerbate common negligence issues. 

The most common forms of negligent driving involve:

• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances
• Failing to drive with appropriate caution given dangerous weather conditions
• Speeding
• Breaking traffic rules, signs, or signals
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Driving while distracted, such as when texting or otherwise using a cell phone

Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident

After a car crash, assess yourself and any other passengers for serious injuries that may need immediate attention. Then, call the police and, if needed, request medical emergency responders. When the police arrive, you will want to comply with their requests and answer their questions. You need not discuss fault with the police; just give them the facts about what happened. Later, you will want to obtain a copy of the official police report for your records. Documenting the scene accurately by taking detailed notes can be beneficial, as memory may fade over time.

Our Montana car accident attorneys also recommend you collect evidence at the scene, including:

• Photos of the vehicles
• Photos of your injuries
• Documenting the point of contact
• Documenting the resultant damages
• Obtain witness information

If any eyewitnesses are available, collect their contact information and make sure they give their account of the event to the police. You will also want to exchange contact information with the other driver before you leave the scene. Gathering this information will help you later if you decide to pursue a claim. Organized records of all related documents, including car repair receipts, is essential in bolstering future insurance or legal proceedings.

Types of Car Accidents 

The initial information that your attorney will want to know is how your car accident happened. These are extremely important to your case. At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we know not to tackle every car accident the same. Rear-end accidents often require different levels of investigation than head-on collisions. In addition, head-on collisions often result in more serious injuries than side-swipe car crashes. This means that the type of car accident that caused your injuries is significant. Understanding these distinctions can help tailor the right legal strategy. 

In general, five types of traffic collisions that can occur include:

• Rear-end accidents. These car accidents most frequently occur at traffic lights and stop signs. When drivers are distracted or are not paying attention, they can run into the driver in front of them. Rear-end accidents can cause significant injury to the head and neck as well as soft tissues in the body. 
• Head-on collisions. These are some of the most serious of all accidents. Head-on collisions often cause severe and life-threatening injuries and fatalities. Head-on collision accident victims often require significant compensation. Understanding the common factors, such as confused drivers, can be pivotal in establishing fault.
• Side-impact or T-bone crashes. This type of car accident often leads to life-threatening injuries. This is because the side of the vehicle is not designed to withstand high accident forces. When a car hits the side of another car, the driver and passengers are less protected from harm. These accidents often happen at intersections and can be linked to traffic signal violations or failure to survey surrounding traffic adequately.
• Side-swipe accidents. Side-swipe accidents occur on highways and freeways when one car attempts to change lanes and runs into the car next to it. These accidents may or may not result in serious injury. However, side-swipe accidents can result in a car being pushed off the road and into a guardrail or oncoming traffic. 
• Hit-and-run accidents. All drivers must stay at the scene of an accident that causes injury and damage. When a driver leaves the crash scene, they are guilty of committing a crime. While the police attempt to track down the hit and run driver, you will need an attorney looking out for you and your interests. 

Challenges of Driving in Montana & Oregon

The geographic spread of Montana, with its vast open roads like those along US Route 93, presents unique challenges for drivers susceptible to accidents in isolated regions. Such areas can result in delayed emergency response times. Moreover, icy roads during Montana’s extended winters significantly increase the risk of collisions. Oregon drivers often contend with heavy rainfall, leading to slick roads and decreased visibility. Areas such as I-5, a major artery, are notorious for congestion-related accidents. Both states also experience deer crossing incidents, which are a common hazard during certain times of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident?

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow up with medical treatment and advice. This is true even if you initially appear to be unharmed. Often, the adrenaline from being in a crash will prevent you from noticing injuries or pain. At the same time, many car accident injuries do not appear immediately. Instead, symptoms will develop days or weeks later. However, a medical professional can spot these injuries in an examination. Keeping track of your medical records after a crash and during any treatments you undergo will protect your health and establish an essential record for potential injury claims.

What Does an At-Fault State Mean?

Every state has different laws regarding auto insurance claims. Some states use a fault-based system, while others are no-fault. Montana is an at-fault or tort state, which means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for compensating the injured driver for any damages. Oregon is also an at-fault state. Understanding these laws is key to navigating the claim process effectively and ensuring proper evidence collection to substantiate fault. Insurance negotiations can be intricate, requiring knowledge of potential settlement traps like low initial offers.

What Should You Do if the Other Driver is Uninsured?

If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver in Montana or Oregon, the first step is to file a police report to document the incident officially. This report becomes critical in your dealings with your own insurance company. Check if your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, which can provide compensation. Additionally, consulting with an experienced attorney from Bliven Law Firm, P.C. is advised to explore further legal recovery options. Montana and Oregon laws provide avenues for seeking redress through the personal assets of the at-fault driver, though this can be a complex process requiring careful legal guidance.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Car Accident?

In Montana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally three years from the date of the incident. In Oregon, you typically have two years. It's crucial to begin the claims process as soon as possible to preserve evidence, recollections, and witness statements. Early action aids in constructing a more compelling and thorough account for the insurance company or any legal proceedings. Always consult with our legal team to clarify timelines and ensure compliance with all procedural requirements.