Montana US Highway 2 Accident Lawyer

US Highway 2 Accident Attorney In Montana

Highway 2 traverses the northern tip of Montana and runs through communities such as Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and other areas of Flathead County. Montana’s road through this area stands out as both extremely scenic and quite dangerous. If you were injured in an accident along this stretch of highway, a Montana US Highway 2 accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and take action to seek the compensation you deserve.

Why U.S. Highway 2 Is Unique

Montana’s U.S. Highway 2 may not have the traffic congestion of the state’s interstates, but it has more than its fair share of traffic collisions. The rural highway travels through vast open stretches where there are few, if any, towns or services in between. Snow, ice, animals on the road, and trucks are all common sights on the route, and all are collision factors.

The primary safety concern is having to drive for long periods without any stops. Motorists often lose concentration or drive beyond their ability to remain awake and alert. Limited cell service along much of the route prevents immediate emergency calls and delays rescue efforts to reach crash scenes promptly.

Common Causes of Crashes on U.S. Highway 2

U.S. Highway 2 has a variety of potential hazards that can contribute to the cause of an accident. Drivers must pay extra attention when traveling on this highway. Some hazards are due to natural causes, while others are due to human error. Some of the most common factors that contribute to accidents on this highway include:

• Speeding. Because this highway has a rural stretch, it is common for drivers to speed on the road. However, if a driver gets into an accident at high speed, the severity of the accident is greatly increased.
• Inclement weather. U.S. Highway 2 sees a lot of inclement winter weather, meaning that the road is often plagued with black ice, snow, and fog. All of these make roads slippery and limit visibility, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
• Trucks. Semi-trucks and freight trucks use this highway often. A crash with a truck can cause serious injury and even death.
• Driver error. Driving distracted or fatigued impairs a driver’s abilities, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Long-haul drivers and tourists are susceptible to these risks.
• Wildlife. Because this highway crosses rural areas, it is not uncommon to spot deer and elk on the road. Hitting one of these larger animals can cause significant damage to one’s vehicle. A driver risks losing control and potentially hitting other drivers when they hit wildlife or swerve to avoid it.

Montana Accident Rates

Montana, especially U.S. Highway 2, is a high-risk state for fatal road accidents. In 2024, Montana’s traffic fatality rate was the 7th highest in the country. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 4,470 fatalities in highway work zone crashes on U.S. roadways, up six percent from 845 in 2019 to 898 in 2023. Montana highway work zone crashes were responsible for 17 traffic fatalities between 2019 and 2023.

Compensation You Can Recover

After a crash, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party for your injuries and other damages. Some things you may be entitled to include:

• Medical bills. This typically covers hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment you may require.
• Lost wages. If the accident (or any subsequent treatment or rest requirements) causes you to miss work, you may file a claim for wages you lost as a result. Additionally, if your injuries affect your earning capacity in the future, you may be able to recover these losses as well.
• Pain and suffering. This covers both the physical pain and emotional damages incurred from the accident.
• Property damage. If any of your belongings, including your vehicle, were damaged in the wreck, you can file a claim for the cost of repairs or replacement.
• Punitive damages. Although not as common as other damages, these are usually sought when the responsible party acted in extreme negligence (like driving while heavily intoxicated). These damages are meant primarily to punish the offender and deter future similar behaviors.

Each case is unique, and the potential amount of your claim will depend on the specifics of your case. A Montana U.S. Highway 2 accident attorney can help you understand the value of your claim.

Montana Car Accident Laws

The “at-fault” system in Montana requires the driver who caused the accident to pay for the resulting damages. This system is different from no-fault states, where each driver uses their own insurance policy to cover the injuries.

Montana follows modified comparative negligence. This means that if you are found to be partly at fault, as long as it’s not more than 50%, your total award will be reduced by a percentage that is equivalent to your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are 10% responsible for the accident and you win a settlement of $100,000, you will only be eligible to receive $90,000.

Additionally, you must file your claim within a certain time frame, referred to as the statute of limitations. In Montana, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you don’t file the claim before the deadline, then you might lose your right to compensation.

How To Report a Car Accident in Montana

Being involved in a Montana car accident on remote roads like U.S. Highway 2 demands immediate action to follow proper procedures. The first thing you should do is call 911 so that law enforcement is aware of the accident. These immediate steps become critical when someone sustains injuries, a fatality occurs, or vehicle damage reaches severe levels.

After you have called for help, exchange information with the other driver, including each other’s name and phone number, insurance policy number, and license plate number. Photograph the accident scene, as well as vehicle damage, road conditions, weather conditions, and any visible injuries, if the situation permits.

If the report is not filed by law enforcement, those involved in the accident can make a report themselves, especially if a significant amount of property was damaged.

See a doctor or get medical attention as soon as possible after a crash, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not produce symptoms until several hours or days after a crash. Medical records can also come in handy later on if you decide to seek compensation.

Once you follow these steps, hire a car accident lawyer, especially if you plan to file a claim for damages.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

For more than 35 years, the Bliven Law Firm, P.C., has proudly served the Kalispell and surrounding Flathead County areas. We know these roads and the dangers area residents and visitors face each day. We also know how the law and the courts work in this community. In fact, most of our cases are filed in or settled through the Flathead County District Court.

We handle injury and accident claims, but our services extend beyond just those cases. Many come to us for other legal services once their case is over. We deliver practical legal counsel for both family law cases and small business disputes. Our car accident attorneys can work with you through this legal process to fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Contact Bliven Law Firm, P.C. Today

If you were injured in a car accident on U.S. Highway 2, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. can help. Contact us today to get started.