Montana Car Accidents - Powell Law Firm
Your Trusted Personal Injury Attorneys in Bozeman, Montana
Introduction
Welcome to Powell Law Firm, your dedicated personal injury attorneys based in Bozeman, Montana. With nearly three decades of experience, we emphasize representation of truck and car accident victims throughout the state. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, our team is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Car Accident Attorneys in Montana
Powell Law Firm is renowned for excellence in personal injury law, having handled numerous motor vehicle accident cases with remarkable success. With years of experience in the field, the firm has developed a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding personal injury claims. And is dedicated to advocating for the rights of clients, ensuring that each case receives the individualized attention it deserves.
The firm has successfully secured seven-figure verdicts and settlements, recovering millions of dollars for personal injury clients. We pride ourselves on the ability to effectively negotiate settlements with insurance companies or take cases to trial to secure just verdicts for our clients. Powell Law Firm has built a reputation for never failing to recover money in personal injury cases, reflecting our discerning case selection, tenacity and determination to see every case through to a successful resolution. Our extensive experience, combined with a client-focused approach, makes us a strong and trusted advocate for anyone seeking representation in personal injury matters.
For injury accidents in Idaho or Montana, contact the car accident attorneys at Powell Law Firm. Offices located in Bozeman, MT and Sandpoint, ID.


Understanding Car Accidents in Montana
Car accidents can lead to devastating injuries and financial hardships. In Montana, the most common causes of car accidents include:
Distracted Driving
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Speeding
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Poor Weather Conditions
It’s essential to understand your rights and the complexities of Montana law after an accident. Our team at Powell Law Firm is well-equipped to guide you through every step of the process.
Why Choose Powell Law Firm?

Expertise
With nearly 30 years of experience in personal injury law, we know how to effectively advocate for our clients.

Personalized Attention
We treat each case with the utmost care, ensuring you receive tailored legal support.

Proven Success
Our firm has a history of successful outcomes for car accident victims, securing fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Car Accidents in Montana
Car accidents in Montana may have unique aspects influenced by various factors, including geographical features, weather conditions, and state laws. Here are some points that highlight these characteristics:
Rural Roads
The risk of dying in a crash is 62% higher on a rural road compared to urban road for the same trip length. Montana has extensive rural areas with long stretches of highway. Motor vehicle accidents on these roads may lead to more severe injuries due to higher speeds, less traffic, and limited access to immediate medical care.
Wildlife Collisions
In Montana the presence of wildlife can contribute to car accidents. Collisions with deer, elk, and other animals are common and can result in significant injuries or fatalities. In 2023-24 the odds of a collision with an animal in Montana the odds of collision were 1 in 54.
Weather Conditions
Montana experiences a range of weather conditions, including snow, ice, and heavy rain. These conditions can impair visibility, vehicle performance, traffic flow and lead to slippery roads increasing the likelihood of car accidents.
State Laws
Montana follows a "modified comparative fault" rule, which can affect the right to recovery and how damages are awarded.
Increased Risk of Rollovers
Due to the geography and types of vehicles used (such as pickup trucks and SUVs), there may be a higher incidence of rollover accidents, which can lead to catastrophic injuries. Montana has a high risk of rollover accidents due to a number of factors, including rural roads and high speed.
Healthcare Access
In rural areas of Montana, access to specialized medical care may be limited, affecting the treatment and recovery of injured individuals. This can lead to longer recovery times and complications.
Insurance Regulations
Differences in insurance requirements and regulations can impact how car accident victims pursue compensation for their injuries. Understanding these laws in Montana is crucial for navigating insurance claims effectively.
Experienced Accident Attorneys
For Car and Truck Accident Attorneys in Montana call 208.263.3531
After a car accident, it’s important to take the following steps:
First, make sure everyone is safe. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents. Accidents are stressful. Remaining calm will help you stay in control of the situation. Deploy emergency warning devices to avoid more harm after the accident.
Call Emergency Services
Contact the police in the event of a crash as well as medical personnel if there are injuries. Don’t hesitate to dial 911 or your local emergency number for assistance. Police reports and medical documentation can be essential for insurance claims.
Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked by a healthcare professional right away. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent or may worsen over time without proper medical treatment.
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Identify sources of surveillance camera or cell phone footage that may have captured the car accident. Note time, date, and weather conditions.
Collect insurance details and contact information from all parties involved. Obtain statements and contact information from witnesses. This information is vital for accident reports and insurance claims.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not discuss the details of the accident or admit fault at the scene. Fault determination can be complicated and is best left to the courts, insurance companies and investigative authorities.
Adhere to the treatment plan provided by your healthcare provider and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery. Failing to mitigate damages through proper health care treatment may diminish the value of your claim.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing them with the necessary details and documentation. Provide the contact information for the insurance adjuster, claim and policy number to your car accident attorney. And let them handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company.
Maintain a record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident. This documentation will be important for any insurance claims or legal actions including lawsuits.
Gather Personal Insurance Information
Gather your personal auto and health insurance policy information as well as Medicare or Medicaid details. Personal insurance companies or government programs may have subrogated rights and be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses caused by an accident. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage from your personal auto insurance policy may be implicated if the negligent party does not carry insurance or the limit is not adequate to cover all damages. Minimum liability insurance requirements in Montana are $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
An experienced car accident attorney can help gather accident and medical information, negotiate with insurance companies and navigate the legal complexities of your case. Achieving a favorable outcome through a negotiated settlement with the insurance company or verdict by jury trial. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Powell Law Firm for Montana car accidents. Call today to schedule a free consultation. The sooner you reach out the more effective our injury attorneys can be.
Secure Compensation
Once you retain Powell Law Firm we immediately begin working on your case. Sending notice of representation to the insurance company, gathering medical information, police reports, recordings, witness statements, etc. We monitor the progress of your medical treatment and, when damages are quantified, issue a written demand for settlement to the negligent driver and his or her insurance company. If our demand is not accepted, we file a lawsuit and proceed with mediation and trial, if necessary. Ultimately through negotiated settlement or jury verdict and judgment, we will secure the just financial compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including:
Whiplash
Commonly caused by sudden movement during a crash, leading to neck pain and stiffness.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Can occur from impact, resulting in cognitive and physical impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries
May result in paralysis or long-term pain.
Fractures
Broken bones are common in severe accidents, often requiring surgery and long recovery times.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Such as sprains, strains, and bruises.
In some cases injuries can be catastrophic, incurring life-long disability and medical expense. Understanding these injuries is crucial for seeking the right medical care and legal representation.
Damages from Car Accidents
Car crash victims in may recover a variety of damages depending on the specifics of the case. Here are the primary categories of damages that can typically be pursued:
Current and Future Medical Costs: In Montana, medical expenses from car accidents are calculated by adding up all reasonable and necessary medical bills incurred due to the accident. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
Income Loss: Victims can seek compensation for wages lost during their recovery period, including any potential future earnings if they are unable to return to work due to their injuries. Montana requires damages to be formulated in present value.
Compensation for Physical Pain: This non-economic damage accounts for the physical pain and discomfort endured as a result of the accident and injuries. Insurance companies sometimes use a “multiplier” of economic damages to assess value to pain and suffering.
Mental Health Impact: Victims may also claim damages for emotional suffering, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the accident. Assessing the value of damages depends on factors such as the nature of the impact, duration of emotional distress and impact on quality of life.
Impact on Relationships: This refers to the loss of companionship, affection, guidance and support experienced by the victim’s spouse or family members due to the victim’s injuries.
Vehicle Repairs or Replacement: Compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle damaged in the accident, as well as any personal property that was damaged or lost. Fair market value assessments are often based on information from sources such as Kelley Blue Book.
For Gross Negligence: In cases where the trucking company or driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness, malice or willfull or wanton disregard to the safety of others, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future. Montana law limits the amount and availability of punitive damages.
Restoring Function and Long-term Care Needs: In a car accident case, “rehabilitation costs” refer to the expenses incurred for medical treatments like physical, occupational or other therapies to restore s person’s functionality after an accident. If the victim requires ongoing rehabilitation services, home care, or assistive devices, these costs can be included in the claim.
Future Income Loss: If injuries impact the victim’s ability to work in the future or limit career opportunities, they may claim damages for loss of earning capacity. To calculate future lost income from a car crash injury, you need to analyze past earnings, project future earning capacity without the injury and subtract projected post-injury earning capacity, considering a number of factors.
Other Related Costs: Can include travel expenses for medical appointments, home modifications, and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the motor vehicle accident. These damages are considered “economic damages” and can be included in a personal injury claim if necessitated by the injury.
Each case is unique, and the specific damages recoverable will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the extent of injuries, and the impact on the victim’s life. Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer can help victims understand the full range of damages they may be entitled to pursue.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident
Montana's Negligence Law (Comparative Fault)
Montana uses a modified comparative fault system:
– In Montana, an injured party can recover damages as long as their percentage of fault is less than 51%.
– If the injured party is found to be 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover any damages. Meaning that damages are recoverable by the injured party even if equally at fault.
– Damages awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party. For instance, if a person is found to be 30% at fault in an auto accident with $100,000 in damages, they would recover $70,000.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of car accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Rehabilitation Costs


Montana Car Accident Statistics
Understanding the context of car accidents in Montana is vital. Some key statistics include:
- Montana has a higher rate of car accidents per capita compared to the national average.
- Rural areas often see more severe accidents due to higher speeds and less traffic enforcement.
The months of July and August typically see an increase in accidents, coinciding with summer travel.
These statistics highlight the importance of seeking legal representation to navigate the complexities of car accident claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Montana?
In Montana, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
How is fault determined in Montana car accidents?
Montana follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, meaning that if you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages.
Do I need an attorney for my car accident claim?
While it’s not legally required, having an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Montana, don’t hesitate to reach out to Powell Law Firm. We offer free consultations and are committed to fighting for your rights.