Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side
If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, hiring an experienced Montana truck accident attorney is the single most important step you can take to protect your rights and your recovery. Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C. has fought for more than three decades for victims injured in big rig, tractor trailer, delivery, and other truck accidents throughout Montana. We have recovered over $500 million in compensation for our clients going up against the largest corporations in the nation.
Accidents involving large trucks are often devastating due to the immense size and weight of commercial vehicles, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities. According to
recent data from the FMCSA, 5,788 people were killed in heavy truck accidents in 2021, with thousands more suffering serious injuries.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents
Size, Weight, and Catastrophic Consequences
Truck accidents differ from regular
car accidents in many ways, mainly due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Fully loaded, a large truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them a dangerous presence on the road. These accidents often result in more severe injuries — including
traumatic brain injuries and
spinal cord injuries.
Multiple Liable Parties and Federal Regulations
Unlike car accidents, truck accident claims may involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, or even the cargo loader. Additionally,
federal regulations govern the trucking industry, adding another layer of complexity to these cases. A skilled Montana truck accident attorney is crucial to understanding these regulations and ensuring that all potential defendants are held accountable.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Montana
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often face tight schedules, leading to long hours on the road.
Federal hours-of-service regulations limit truckers to 11 hours of driving per day after 10 hours off duty, but some drivers exceed these limits, leading to fatigue and reduced reaction times.
Mechanical Failures
Poor maintenance or defective parts can lead to catastrophic failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. In these cases, the truck owner or manufacturer may be held liable under
product liability law.
Distracted Driving
Like all drivers, truckers can become distracted by cell phones, GPS systems, or other devices. Given the size and weight of a commercial truck, even a momentary lapse in attention can have devastating consequences.
Improper Loading
If cargo is improperly loaded or secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and potentially leading to rollover or jackknife accidents.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Identifying All Responsible Parties
One of the key challenges in truck accident cases is determining who is liable for the damages. Multiple parties could be responsible, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and cargo loader. In the most tragic cases, our attorneys also handle
wrongful death claims on behalf of surviving family members.
The Investigation Process
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation, including reviewing the truck’s maintenance records, driver logs, and any potential regulatory violations. Our Montana truck accident attorneys move quickly to secure this evidence before it can be altered or destroyed.
Federal Trucking Regulations and Their Impact on Accident Claims
FMCSA Rules and Driver Accountability
The
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules aimed at reducing accidents, including limits on driving hours and mandatory drug and alcohol testing for drivers. In many cases, violations of these federal regulations can be used as direct evidence of negligence in a Montana truck accident lawsuit.
Holding Trucking Companies Responsible
If a truck driver exceeds the legal driving hours and causes an accident, both the driver and their employer can be held liable. Trucking companies have a legal duty to enforce these regulations — and when they fail, they can be held accountable.
The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Truck Accident
Evidence That Disappears Fast
Trucking companies often have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters ready to minimize their liability. Your Montana truck accident attorney will move immediately to gather critical evidence, including:
- Truck’s Black Box Data: The electronic logging device (ELD) records the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and driving hours — critical proof of negligence.
- Driver Logs and Maintenance Records: These documents reveal whether federal regulations were violated or the truck was improperly maintained.
- Accident Scene Investigation: Skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness statements help reconstruct exactly what happened.
Types of Compensation Available in Truck Accident Cases
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care for injuries such as burns or amputations.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income and future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Property Damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle and other personal property.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Damages that account for the physical and emotional trauma of the accident and your recovery.
An experienced Montana truck accident attorney will calculate the full extent of your damages and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve.
Types of Truck Accidents
Rollover Accidents
These occur when a truck tips over, often due to sharp turns, high speeds, or improper cargo loading — common on Montana’s mountain passes and winding two-lane highways.
Jackknifing Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions, the results can be catastrophic for every vehicle in its path.
Underride Accidents
These happen when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, usually due to sudden stops or poor visibility — among the most deadly types of truck crashes.
Rear-End Collisions
Due to their size and weight, trucks require significantly longer stopping distances. When truck drivers fail to account for this, the results are often severe.
Contact a Montana Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Montana, you do not have to face the insurance companies alone. The
Montana personal injury attorneys at Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C. have the experience, resources, and track record to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
