Billings Truck Accident Lawyers

Hoyt & Blewett PLLC Is Here to Help

If you were injured or someone you love was killed in a truck accident in Billings, MT, you should not have to face the complexities of the legal system alone. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we are committed to helping victims of truck accidents recover the compensation they deserve.

Our Billings truck accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and work to obtain a favorable outcome in your case. We have the resources and the experience to effectively advocate for you. Our firm's proven track record of success has earned us a reputation as one of the premier personal injury law firms in the state of Montana.

Contactour Billings truck accident attorneys today at (406) 233-1302to learn how we can help you.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

A truck accident refers to a collision or incident involving a large commercial truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or big rig, and other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects. These accidents can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and extensive damage due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck strikes the vehicle in front of it. Due to the truck's size and weight, rear-end collisions can lead to severe damage and injuries.
• Jackknife Accidents: This type of accident occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a "V" shape with the cab. Jackknifing often happens when the truck's wheels lose traction, leading to a loss of control.
• Rollover Accidents: A rollover occurs when a truck tips onto its side or roof. Rollovers can result from factors like excessive speed, sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, or improper cargo loading.
• Underride Accidents: An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and becomes partially or completely lodged underneath the truck. These accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants of the smaller vehicle.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Commercial trucks have significant blind spots, or areas where the truck driver's visibility is limited. Accidents can occur when vehicles remain in these blind spots, leading to collisions during lane changes or merging.
• Tire Blowouts: A blown-out tire on a commercial truck can cause the driver to lose control, potentially leading to an accident. The debris from the blown tire can also pose risks to other vehicles on the road.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns, often swinging wide to maneuver. Other vehicles attempting to pass or navigate around a turning truck can get caught in the truck's path, resulting in an accident.
• Lost Load Accidents: Improperly secured or loaded cargo can shift or fall off a truck, creating hazardous conditions for other vehicles on the road.
• Brake Failure Accidents: Commercial trucks rely on efficient braking systems to stop their considerable weight. Brake failures can lead to catastrophic accidents, especially on downhill slopes.
• Drowsy Driving Accidents: Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, leading to driver fatigue. Falling asleep at the wheel or experiencing impaired reaction times due to fatigue can result in accidents.
• Weather-Related Accidents: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can make driving a commercial truck challenging and increase the risk of accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Liability in a truck accident claim refers to determining who is legally responsible for the accident and the resulting damages or injuries. In a truck accident, various parties could potentially be held liable depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Here are some key parties that might be considered liable in a truck accident claim:

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver's negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws led to the accident, they could be held liable. This might include situations where the driver was speeding, driving under the influence, distracted, fatigued, or failed to follow safety regulations.
• Trucking Company: The company that employs the truck driver could also be held liable in certain cases. This could happen if the company was negligent in hiring, training, supervising, or monitoring their drivers, or if they failed to maintain the truck properly.
• Vehicle Maintenance Provider: If inadequate maintenance of the truck contributed to the accident, the company responsible for maintaining the truck's mechanical systems could be held liable.
• Truck Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck's design or manufacturing played a role in the accident, the manufacturer might be held liable. This could involve issues with brakes, tires, steering, or other components.
• Cargo Loaders: If improper loading or securing of the cargo played a part in the accident (e.g., causing the truck to tip over or spill its load), the individuals or companies responsible for loading the cargo could be held liable.
• Third Parties: Other drivers, pedestrians, or entities that contributed to the accident through their actions could also be held liable. For instance, if another driver cut off the truck suddenly, leading to a collision, they might share some liability.

Determining liability for a truck accident is typically more complex than in a car accident case, and often requires a thorough investigation. Evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert opinions can all play a role in establishing who is responsible for the accident.

Our team can investigate the accident, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and help you obtain the most favorable settlement to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. Do not hesitate to let us help you make the best possible recovery from injury.

Contact us today at (406) 233-1302 for a free consultation.