Columbia Falls Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney In Columbia Falls

Commercial vehicle accidents are terrifying to experience and can have intense impacts on victims. When involved in such an incident, many survivors feel anger at their situation. It’s normal to want compensation for your pain. Contacting a Columbia Falls commercial vehicle accident lawyer is a necessary next step.

A commercial truck is any truck that is used for business purposes. Commercial trucks are categorized based on their gross vehicle weight rating. This is the top safe operating weight of the truck.

Experienced Accident Attorneys in Montana

The three legal professionals at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., have over 35 years of experience in commercial vehicle accident laws. We’ve secured millions of dollars for past Montana clients and can listen to your unique situation.

U.S. Highway 2 and Highway 40 are major roadways that connect Columbia Falls to Whitefish and Kalispell, with many accidents happening along these roads.

We won’t let the responsible parties treat your pain like it’s nothing. Our team works quickly and diligently. Our office offers initial consultations to Columbia Falls residents and those living in the surrounding cities. These types of cases are typically overseen at the Columbia Falls City Court, located at 130 6th Street West.

Understanding the Dangers of Commercial Vehicles

Semi-trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating of over 26,001 pounds.

Light-duty trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating under 10,000 pounds. These include pickup trucks and cargo vans.

The average weight of a regular car is 4,100 pounds. When a truck over 10,000 pounds hits a 4,100-pound car, the effects are quick and devastating. Many of these accidents result in death or long-term disability for survivors.

Many residents of Columbia Falls live with a disability. Becoming disabled from a vehicle crash often makes survivors feel out of control. Common types of injuries that can result from a commercial vehicle accident include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis or chronic pain
• Organ damage and internal bleeding
• Broken bones
• Crush injuries that may lead to long-term disability or amputation
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Types of Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The most common types of commercial vehicle accidents include:

1. A rear-end or head-on truck crash. The truck hits your vehicle from the front or back, often due to an overloaded trailer that cannot stop in time.
2. A jackknife crash. A truck’s trailer swings out at a sharp angle to the cab.
3. A rollover crash. A truck tips onto its side.
4. An underride crash. A smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer.
5. A left-turn crash. A truck makes a wide or slow turn, giving oncoming vehicles little time to stop.

A commercial truck driver was charged in 2025 with homicide after a crash on Interstate 90 in Yellowstone County killed someone. The truck rolled into the oncoming lane near mile marker 431 and hit two cars.

Investigators with the Montana Highway Patrol say the truck driver had falsified his electronic driving log to hide that he had not taken the required 10 hours of rest.

Lack of sleep and tight delivery deadlines are a major cause of these crashes.

Three Key Factors in Proving Negligence During Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases

To show negligence, you must prove the following:

1. The driver or company had a duty to drive safely.
2. They breached that duty through unsafe actions or neglect, which caused the accident.
3. The accident led to real damages, like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Evidence of negligence can include witness statements and photos of the scene, injuries, and vehicle damage. Having copies of police and medical reports can improve your case, along with any dashcam or traffic footage.

Columbia Falls Commercial Truck License Laws

In 2023, there were 33 fatal commercial vehicle crashes in Montana. Major driving offenses can include causing a fatality through negligent driving. These crashes are often caused by simple mistakes, but they can have lifelong consequences for everyone involved.

If a person with a commercial driver’s license commits a major offense in Montana, their license will be suspended. A first major offense usually leads to a one-year suspension.

If a person with a commercial driver’s license is convicted of more than one serious traffic violation, their license can be suspended. Serious traffic violations include:

• Speeding more than 15 miles per hour over the limit
• Reckless driving
• Unsafe lane changes

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File My Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim?

In Montana, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If the case involves someone’s death caused by another person’s wrongful act or neglect, you also generally have three years to file. If you fail to file within this time limit, you forfeit your right to seek compensation.

What Do I Do After Getting Into a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Columbia Falls?

In Montana, if you get into an accident that involves injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, you must report it to the police immediately. If the accident happens outside a city, you must contact the county sheriff or the nearest highway patrol office. Failing to do so can result in legal penalties or affect the outcome of your future case.

What Is Montana’s Comparative Negligence System?

Montana’s comparative negligence system is what courts use to determine fault. Typically, when accidents happen, there’s not only one person responsible. Even if you are partially at fault in an accident, you can still recover damages as long as your fault is not more than 50%. However, any damages you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. A Columbia Falls commercial vehicle accident attorney can work to reduce or eliminate your percentage of fault.

Can Multiple Parties Share Fault in the Accident?

Commercial vehicle accidents can involve more than one person being at fault. This can include the truck driver, trucking company, or truck manufacturer. Insurance claims are usually divided based on each party’s percentage of responsibility. This can get complex, making it important to hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer who’s experienced with commercial vehicle insurance.

Hire a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today

The effects of a commercial vehicle accident can have life-altering consequences on survivors. The team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., is proud to serve Montana communities during their most difficult times in life. We offer initial consultations to those injured in Columbia Falls and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more.