Montana Car Accident Lawyer

Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side

Navigating a car accident claim can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with insurance companies that often prioritize their profits over your recovery. A skilled Montana car accident attorney can help in several critical ways:

1. Dealing With Insurance AdjustersInsurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. A car accident attorney understands the insurance companies’ tactics and will fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
2. Proving LiabilityAttorneys know how to gather and present evidence effectively. Even if you have photos or other documentation, a lawyer can identify and emphasize the most critical details to establish fault.
3. Maximizing SettlementsA skilled attorney can negotiate with the at-fault party to reach a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable amount, your lawyer will be prepared to take the case to trial.
4. Trial ExpertiseHaving a lawyer who is ready and willing to go to court sends a strong message to insurers, often leading to better settlement offers. If necessary, your lawyer will advocate for you in court to secure a just outcome.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Montana

What you do immediately after a car accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Follow these steps to protect your claim:

1. Call the PoliceA police report provides crucial documentation for your claim.
2. Prioritize SafetyCheck for injuries, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible and use hazard lights.
3. Gather InformationCollect contact details, insurance information and vehicle details from all parties involved. Document the scene with photos.
4. Seek Medical AttentionYour health is critically important. Oftentimes following a car accident, adrenaline and emotions run high, and your own injuries are not immediately apparent. It is important to be aware of your own condition and seek medical attention should you experience pain, discomfort, or weakness after an accident. It is also important that you follow your medical professionals’ advice for treatment and recovery.
5. Consult a LawyerContact a car accident lawyer in Montana as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Types of Car Accidents and Injuries

In Montana, like everywhere else, car accidents happen for various reasons. Understanding the common causes can help build a strong case and secure compensation:

• Distracted Driving: With the increasing use of smartphones, distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of accidents. Texting, in particular, can take a driver’s attention off the road for five seconds at a time, which at 55 mph, is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol-impaired driving continues to be a significant issue, causing more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. each year. In Montana, drunk driving poses a severe threat, with many young drivers involved in these types of accidents. If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may be eligible for compensation, including punitive damages.
• Road Rage: Aggressive driving accounts for a high percentage of traffic fatalities. Road rage can escalate quickly and lead to dangerous driving behaviors like tailgating, cutting off other drivers or even attempting to run other vehicles off the road.
• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of car accidents. While it is typically assumed that the rear driver is at fault, liability is not always clear-cut. Factors such as sudden stops or poor weather conditions can influence fault. A lawyer can help determine liability in your case.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Medical Bills

After an accident, you may wonder how your medical bills will be paid. In Montana, you have three main options:

1. Your insurance: File a claim with your own insurance company under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage.
2. The other driver’s insurance: File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
3. A lawsuit: If the insurance companies fail to offer fair compensation, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover the full extent of your damages.

Should You Speak With Insurance Adjusters?

It’s generally not in your best interest to speak with an insurance adjuster without legal representation. Insurance adjusters may use tactics to get you to say something that could harm your case or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your losses.

An experienced Montana car accident lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company, protecting you from inadequate offers and ensuring that your rights are protected.

Contact a Montana Car Accident Lawyer Today

Car accidents can have a devastating impact on your life, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C., our Montana car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident claims, and we’re committed to helping our clients secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery.