Truck Accident Lawyer Montana
Legal Guidance You Can Trust
Have you been injured in a truck accident? Do not rely on insurance companies to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Let our experienced truck accident attorneys help you receive full, fair, and prompt compensation. At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., our semi-truck lawyers work hard to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Discuss Your Potential 18-Wheeler or Big Rig Accident with a Lawyer Today. To schedule a free case evaluation with our Montana and Oregon truck accident lawyers, call (406) 625-0100 or submit an online form.
The Devastating Impact of Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents are life-changing and catastrophic events. These accidents cause devastating injuries that often take months and years to heal.
When trying to overcome truck accident injuries, it is often common to undergo the following:
- Multiple surgical treatments
- Long-term care
- Rehabilitation
The emotional and psychological toll of a truck accident cannot be overstated. Survivors often face post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, which can profoundly impact daily life. Furthermore, victims might struggle with returning to their usual routines, feeling anxious about road safety, or being fearful of driving again. Addressing these psychological effects is crucial, and professional counseling may be necessary to aid recovery alongside the physical healing process.
As such, after a truck accident, medical bills and expenses begin to pile up. These extraordinary expenses can burden already struggling families during a very vulnerable time.
To make matters worse, during recovery, insurance companies put pressure on accident survivors. Their main goal is to settle these claims quickly, often prioritizing cost savings over a survivor's well-being.
When this happens, Montana and Oregon truck accident lawyers at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., can help. We know how to hold large trucking companies accountable, and we fight insurance companies aggressively for truck accident survivors.
How Our Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You
After a trucking accident in Montana and Oregon, Bliven Law Firm, P.C. can fight aggressively for you and your family. Truck accident claims are complex and require a law firm with both the experience and resources necessary to secure successful outcomes. We dedicate ourselves to our clients from the start and offer personalized and compassionate legal guidance every step of the way.
From gathering evidence to interviewing eyewitnesses, we know what it takes to achieve a favorable resolution. Through meticulous investigation and preparation, we can identify all liable parties so our clients can seek justice.
Our support covers every detail, including analyzing accident reports, reviewing company compliance with federal trucking regulations, and negotiating aggressively with insurance adjusters. We understand the nuances of laws governing semi-truck operations and leverage this knowledge to strengthen the claims of our clients.
Have you or a loved one suffered serious injuries due to a commercial truck accident? Our truck accident attorneys can review your circumstances and help you understand your best legal options. Contact our firm to schedule a free case evaluation.
Common Truck Accident Injuries & How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Assist You
Truck accidents are often catastrophic, and they frequently result in fatalities. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 4,000 people lost their lives due to truck accidents in 2018. Sadly, 67 percent of all truck accident fatalities were passenger vehicle occupants.
If you are fortunate enough to survive a trucking accident, your injuries are likely severe. Injured survivors suffer from a wide variety of life-threatening injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic burns
- Serious fractures
- Disfigurement and amputation
- Internal organ damage
Truck accident injuries often require prolonged medical care, and recovery can include physical therapy, psychological support, and workplace reintegration programs. Understanding the long-term implications of these injuries and planning for them emotionally and financially is vital for any survivor. By partnering with informed legal counsel, victims can better navigate these challenges, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to reclaim their quality of life.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Montana
After a trucking accident, there are often many different parties responsible for the crash. The truck driver, trucking company, shipping company, and truck manufacturer may all share some of the liability. Fortunately, an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer will know how to get to the bottom of your trucking accident. Your lawyer will help establish who is to blame so you can obtain the money you deserve.
As there are several entities that may be held liable, there are also many ways a truck accident can occur. The most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Fatigued truck drivers
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor weather conditions
- Speeding
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Poor truck maintenance
- Improperly trained truck drivers
- Improper loading of cargo
- Truck defect
- Trucking part malfunction
Understanding these issues exposes the complexities of truck operation rules, emphasizing the significance of thorough training and stringent compliance checks. Detailed knowledge of these factors enables legal teams to conduct thorough investigations and construct compelling cases that expose carelessness, safeguard public safety, and secure compensation for impacted persons. Furthermore, legislative differences between states provide extra layers to navigate, necessitating local experience to properly manage these claims with the assistance of a truck accident attorney in Montana.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Montana
After an automobile accident in Montana, you must take specific actions to protect your safety and legal rights:
- First, if feasible, move to a safer position without leaving the scene of the collision.
- Assess yourself for injuries and contact 911 at once to report the accident and ask for medical aid if necessary.
- It is essential that you take pictures of the accident, including all vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries, before moving any of the vehicles.
- Share details with the other driver, such as names, contact info, insurance information, and car registration information. If there are eyewitnesses, be sure to get their contact details as well.
- Any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage in excess of $1,000 must be reported under Montana law.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. This step is also vital for documenting your injuries, which could be crucial for any insurance claim or legal action.
- Finally, connect with an automobile accident attorney in Montana. They can help you navigate the legal system, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you obtain proper recompense for losses and injuries.
In addition to these immediate steps, preserving evidence is crucial for your case. Retain copies of all medical records, accident reports, and communication with insurance companies. Also, keep a journal of your symptoms and any life disruptions caused by the accident. This documentation can be invaluable in substantiating claims for comprehensive compensation.
Contact Our Montana and Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers for Help
The Montana and Oregon personal injury lawyers at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. handle all types of trucking accidents in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Big Fork. We also serve clients in Flathead County, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, and throughout the state of Montana. If you suffered an injury in a trucking accident, we can help. We know that you need someone on your side after a serious trucking accident. That is why we offer free initial consultations with our attorneys. Call us and discover why so many Montana and Oregon accident survivors count on Bliven Law Firm, P.C..
Call us at (406) 625-0100 or fill out our confidential contact form for a consultation with an Oregon and Montana truck accident attorney.
Local Trucking Routes & Risks in Montana
Montana is home to several significant highways that are key routes for commercial trucking. Interstate 90 (I-90) and Interstate 15 (I-15) are among the busiest, carrying heavy truck traffic across the state. While these routes are vital for economic activity, they also pose substantial risks for truck accidents. The often harsh weather conditions in Montana, including snow and ice, can create perilous driving environments, especially for large trucks that require longer stopping distances and have reduced maneuverability.
In addition to weather, the diverse terrain of Montana introduces challenges that can significantly increase the likelihood of trucking accidents. Many routes navigate through mountainous regions, which can be treacherous and require drivers to adapt to constant elevation changes and sharp curves. These conditions demand heightened attention and strict adherence to safety protocols. As such, accidents can have severe impacts, given the heavy cargo and high speeds involved. Ensuring safety on these routes requires collaboration between trucking companies and compliance with state regulations.
Understanding Montana Trucking Laws
Montana, like many states, has specific laws governing the operation of commercial trucks to enhance safety on its roads. These regulations include following strict hours-of-service rules to prevent driver fatigue, maintaining regular vehicle inspections, and ensuring cargo is properly secured. Drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and comply with both state and federal regulations.
The regulatory framework also requires commercial trucks to adhere to certain weight limits to preserve road infrastructure and maintain traffic safety. State enforcement agencies periodically conduct inspections and have the authority to issue citations or take trucks out of service for non-compliance. Understanding these local laws is crucial for those involved in trucking accidents, as violations can significantly impact liability and compensation claims. Working with knowledgeable legal professionals is critical to navigating these complexities effectively.
Injured in a Truck Accident? You Deserve Fair Compensation
After a serious truck accident, accident survivors deserve compensation for their injuries, pain, and suffering. They may need money to help pay for all injuries and medical care both now and in the future. At the Bliven Law Firm, P.C., our Montana and Oregon truck accident lawyers can help injured accident survivors get maximum compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
These damages include:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses
- Long-term care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
The economic toll of truck accidents can devastate survivors and their families, as these expenses continue to mount over time. It's essential to approach these costs with a strategic legal plan to ensure every loss is accounted for, and future financial stability is secured. Legal representation can significantly impact the ability to fully recover such costs, thus giving survivors the means to rebuild their lives without lingering financial strain.
Non-economic Damages
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain and suffering
Non-economic damages can profoundly affect the quality of life for accident survivors, often impacting their ability to enjoy daily activities or maintain relationships. Recognizing the weight of these damages, we pursue these claims with sensitivity and resolve, ensuring that emotional and psychological injuries receive the fair acknowledgment and compensation they deserve. Crafting a detailed statement of these impacts can effectively illustrate their breadth in negotiations or court proceedings.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not always willing to play fair with injured accident survivors. Insurers will look for any excuses to reduce the amount of money paid after accidents. As such, adjusters may try to pin some or all of the blame on injured accident survivors. They may even try to claim that injuries are not as serious. That is why accident survivors need an experienced accident attorney fighting for them from the very start.
At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we know how to navigate complex trucking accident claims for our clients. Our Oregon and Montana truck accident attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and resources to go toe-to-toe with large insurance companies. Contact us online or call (406) 625-0100 to schedule a consultation.
FAQ: Your Top Truck Accident Questions Answered
What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?
Immediately following a truck accident, ensure your safety and the safety of others involved if possible. Call emergency services to report the accident and seek medical assistance, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Document the accident scene by taking photographs and obtaining contact information from witnesses. This evidence can be crucial in supporting your claim. Once immediate needs are addressed, report the accident to law enforcement as required by Montana state law for incidents involving injury or significant property damage. Lastly, contact a truck accident lawyer who can guide you through the subsequent legal processes to protect your rights and pursue compensation for any damages or injuries incurred.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
A truck accident attorney plays a pivotal role in managing the complexities of these claims, which often involve multiple liable parties and intricate regulations. They will conduct a thorough investigation, gather essential evidence, and identify all accountable entities to build a strong compensation case. The lawyer also negotiates with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement reflecting your injuries and losses. By handling legal proceedings, they allow you to focus on recovery while providing expertise to navigate the finer aspects of trucking laws and regulations. This support is vital in ensuring that all damages are accounted for and the responsible parties are held liable.
What Types of Damages Can I Claim After a Truck Accident?
Following a truck accident, victims can pursue several types of damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to inability to work. Non-economic damages account for the more subjective impact of the accident, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium or companionship. In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be pursued to punish the responsible party and deter similar future conduct. Consulting with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney can help identify and quantify these damages to ensure a comprehensive compensation claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer Even If the Accident Wasn't My Fault?
Yes, securing legal representation is crucial even if you were not at fault in a truck accident. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim or deflect liability onto you. A truck accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and that the compensation you seek reflects the true extent of your damages. They can also navigate the complexities of insurance policy disputes and provide advice on settlement offers. Engaging with a lawyer can significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome while relieving the burden of handling the legal proceedings on your own.
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Handling the Details, So You Can Recover
If you can’t come to our office to discuss your claims due to injury or grief, we offer hospital and home visits. Weekend and evening appointments are available.
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Providing Answers & SolutionsTaking on the legal system can seem overwhelming without prior knowledge or experience. Our Montana personal injury lawyers understand that this situation is not easy. That is why we dedicate our practice to helping those injured in various types of accidents.
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Customized Legal StrategiesAll of the legal professionals at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. understand that each injured victim has a unique situation. We work hard to obtain advance settlements for medical treatment and lost wages before the final settlement.
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Dedicated & Experienced Counsel
Bliven Law Firm has been serving the injured individuals throughout Montana and Oregon for over 25 years. We have the tools, experience, and resources to effectively advocate on your behalf.
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