Missoula Car Accident Lawyer

Sustained injuries in a car accident? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with us. Auto accidents are unfortunately common on the streets and highways of Missoula. Statistics consistently show that Montana ranks among the states with the highest rates of fatalities caused by car accidents.

A recent study analyzing fatality rates, traffic violations, and incidents of drunk driving placed Montana at the bottom of the list in terms of driver safety. Whether your injuries were caused by a drunk or distracted driver, it is crucial to consult an experienced Missoula car accident attorney who can ensure you receive fair compensation.

If you've been injured in a car accident in Missoula, reach out to Hoyt & Blewett PLLC online today or call us at (406) 233-1302.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, often resulting from driver behavior, environmental conditions, and vehicle issues. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting in-car technologies. These distractions significantly reduce a driver’s attention to the road and increase the risk of accidents.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it one of the leading causes of car accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and disregarding traffic signals contribute to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, leading to accidents.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs often results in T-bone collisions at intersections.
• Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience can lead to poor decision-making and an inability to handle emergency situations properly.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained roads can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
• Mechanical Failures: Vehicle issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems can lead to accidents.
• Improper Lane Changes: Failing to signal, checking blind spots, or changing lanes without caution can result in collisions.
• Tailgating: Following too closely to another vehicle can lead to rear-end collisions, especially if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs: Both illegal drugs and certain prescription medications can impair driving abilities, similar to alcohol.
• Wrong-Way Driving: Entering roads, highways, or ramps in the wrong direction can lead to head-on collisions.
• Animal Crossings: Sudden movements by animals on the road can cause drivers to swerve and lose control.

Montana Car Accident Laws

Montana follows a fault-based (or tort) system for car accidents, meaning that the person responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. The at-fault driver's insurance is typically responsible for covering the costs associated with the accident.

Montana uses a modified comparative negligence rule. Therefore, if a driver is found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, but their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If a driver is more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover any damages from the other parties involved.

Under Montana law, drivers must report an accident to law enforcement if it results in:

• Injury or death.
• Property damage exceeding $1,000.

Drivers in Montana must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $20,000 for property damage

How Can a Car Accident Attorney in Missoula Assist You?

Experiencing a car accident can be traumatic, regardless of its severity. Having a knowledgeable Missoula auto accident attorney by your side serves multiple purposes: not only will they help you obtain the full compensation you deserve, but they can also provide emotional support during this difficult time. Your car accident lawyer will stand beside you, guiding you through each step and addressing any concerns you may have.

Here are some ways a car accident attorney in Missoula can assist you:

• Legal Advice: Your Missoula auto accident attorney will provide essential legal information to safeguard your rights and future.
• Paperwork: Your auto accident lawyer in Missoula, MT will handle all the necessary paperwork for your case, ensuring it is completed accurately and on time.
• Evidence: Gathering the required evidence to support your claim is crucial. Your Missoula car accident attorney will take responsibility for gathering all the necessary evidence.
• Negotiation: With years of experience in handling car accident claims, your Missoula attorney will effectively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Representation: Your car accident lawyer in Missoula will represent you in court and provide guidance on whether pursuing a legal case will be beneficial.
• Compensation: Hiring a Missoula auto accident lawyer ensures they will fight tirelessly to secure the full compensation you rightfully deserve after the car accident.

Dealing with Insurance Companies in Montana

Being involved in a car accident resulting in injury might be your first encounter with submitting a significant claim to your insurance company. Many people in Missoula worry that filing a claim will lead to increased premiums. However, if you were not at fault for the accident, such concerns are unwarranted. Claims for underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, resulting from accidents caused by negligent drivers, are filed under your own insurance policy.

It doesn't make sense for an insurance company to penalize you for accidents caused by others. If you've paid premiums for auto insurance and were injured due to another driver's actions, there is no reason to hesitate in submitting a claim under your own insurance policy.

Studies reveal that most people file a claim for a car accident only once every 18 years, while insurance companies handle hundreds of claims daily. They have teams dedicated to finding ways to pay out the least amount of compensation for injury claims. To maximize your settlement outcome, it is essential to hire a lawyer experienced in car accident claims.

Our Firm Is Prepared to Go to Trial against Insurance Companies

Auto insurance companies are aware of which lawyers in Missoula are willing and prepared to go to trial to ensure fair compensation for their injured clients, and which lawyers are more inclined to settle claims at a discounted amount to avoid trial.

To guarantee the compensation you deserve, it is crucial to engage a trial lawyer for your car accident claim, someone with a proven track record of obtaining jury verdicts for their clients.

Hiring a competent trial lawyer with a strong reputation will expedite the resolution of your claim. The prospect of litigation from an experienced trial lawyer often compels insurance companies to promptly pay the claims of individuals injured in car accidents.

If the insurance company knows that the victim's lawyer is unprepared for trial, they are less likely to promptly offer a fair settlement.

The Missoula car accident lawyers at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC have a well-established history in Montana of going to trial and securing verdicts well above the insurance company's last offer. In many cases, these recoveries forced the insurance company to pay far more than the actual policy limits of their insured. We are experienced negotiation experts in Montana's car accident laws.

Focusing on Your Health and Recovery

If you suffer injuries in a car accident, your top priority should be your health. Dealing with insurance companies will only add stress and complicate the recovery process.

By hiring our car accident attorney in Missoula, you can focus on your health while leaving the legal analysis, negotiation, and paperwork to your lawyer.

Understanding Your Settlement Options

Most car accident lawsuits in Montana end in settlements rather than going to court. An experienced lawyer, prepared to take the insurance company to trial if necessary, will have greater bargaining power than one who is unprepared for trial.

Having an objective opinion from an experienced lawyer is essential in evaluating your injury claim. You might be inclined to accept a quick settlement to expedite the process, but you could be entitled to much more compensation.

Investigating the Accident and Gathering Evidence

Without a lawyer, you would need to obtain medical records, insurance policies, police reports, witness statements, receipts, and other evidence to support your claim. This can be complex and time-consuming, especially while recovering from a car accident injury or if you are unfamiliar with personal injury law in Montana.

Many individuals unknowingly harm their car accident injury claims by their actions when they are not represented by legal counsel.

Contact Hoyt & Blewett today to begin your Missoula auto accident case!