What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Montana? A Step-by-Step Guide

Truck accidents are among the most damaging types of vehicle accidents anyone can experience. Every driver needs to know what to do immediately after a truck accident in Montana. Whether your crash happened on a busy highway like I-90 or on a smaller local road, the first steps you take following the accident are crucial for your recovery.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Montana

The aftermath of any accident can be traumatic and confusing. If you suffer severe injuries in a truck accident, you will likely be transported to the nearest hospital by emergency responders once they arrive at the scene. However, if you are well enough to move around after an accident, it is important to know what you can do in this situation to preserve your ability to claim compensation for your damages.

The National Safety Council reported that in 2023, 114,552 large trucks were involved in injury crashes and 5,375 in fatal crashes across the US. About 70% of the victims of these accidents were occupants of other, smaller vehicles. The Montana Highway Patrol reported 1,609 large-truck crashes across the state in 2022, including 24 fatal and 317 injury crashes. The risk of severe or fatal injury is very high whenever a large truck is involved in an accident.

If you can do so safely, call 911 immediately to report the crash. State law requires drivers to report any accident that results in property damage, injury, or death. While you wait for first responders to arrive, try to document as much as possible at the accident scene. If you are hurt, try not to move, as this could make your injuries worse. If you can move safely, do so carefully and take photos of your injuries, your vehicle, and the crash scene.

When first responders arrive, they will provide medical attention and, if possible, question those involved in the accident. Answer their questions honestly and concisely, but be careful that you do not say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault for the accident. Once they allow you to leave, seek medical care right away, even if you think you only sustained minor injuries. This can rule out any internal injuries that have not yet caused noticeable symptoms.

After receiving medical treatment, you should hire a truck accident lawyer if you believe another party is responsible for causing the accident. Under Montana’s fault law for vehicle crashes, whoever caused an accident is liable for the resulting damages. Your Montana truck accident lawyer can gather the evidence you need to prove liability and help you recover maximum compensation for your damages.

Recovering From a Truck Accident in Missoula

After you establish fault for your accident, you will have the right to claim compensation for the economic and non-economic losses you suffered due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. Your first option for claiming compensation after a vehicle accident in Montana is usually filing an auto insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.

State law requires every Montana driver to have auto insurance, but truck drivers and their employers typically have commercial policies that may appear to provide extensive coverage. However, insurance companies will almost always attempt to push back on claims, hoping to settle for as little as possible. Your Montana truck accident attorney can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

You may need to file a personal injury case to recover your losses. If so, a skilled attorney will be an invaluable asset throughout these proceedings. Ultimately, recovering from a truck accident will be easier if you know what to do immediately after a truck accident in Montana. The team at the Bliven Law Firm, P.C., can provide guidance and support in this situation. Reach out to us as soon as possible to learn how we can help.

FAQs

How Do You Prove Fault for a Truck Accident in Montana?

To prove fault for a truck accident in Montana, you will likely need several types of evidence, including vehicle black box data, cell phone records, documentation from the trucking company, and witness statements, if anyone saw the accident happen firsthand. Under Montana’s fault rule for vehicle crashes, you must prove fault before you can claim compensation from any other party.

What Happens if I Share Fault for My Recent Truck Accident?

If you share fault for your recent truck accident, Montana’s modified comparative negligence law comes into play. You will be assigned a fault percentage, and as long as you are found less at fault than the defendant, you can still claim compensation for your damages. However, your fault percentage is subtracted from your case award. If you are found more at fault than the defendant, you will be barred from claiming compensation from them.

What Is a Truck Accident Case Worth in Montana?

The value of a truck accident case in Montana varies based on several factors. If you’re able to prove that another party is liable for causing the accident, you can recover compensation for your medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your Montana truck accident attorney can accurately calculate your total claimable damages and determine the most efficient way to secure compensation.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Montana?

You should hire a truck accident lawyer in Montana to have a better chance of reaching a positive conclusion to your case. A skilled legal representative may not only help you prove fault for your accident, but they can also resolve disputes of liability. They can not only accurately calculate your damages but also determine the optimal way to recover them. You’re more likely to reach a positive conclusion to your case with an attorney representing you.

How Bliven Law Firm Can Help

The team at the Bliven Law Firm, P.C. has more than 30 years of experience representing injured clients throughout Montana in all types of vehicle accident cases, including large-truck accidents. We are confident we can help you reach a positive outcome in your case, but you have limited time to pursue accountability. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Montana truck accident attorney and learn how we can help.

Kalispell Office

704 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901

Boardman Office

202 North Main Street, Suite 1
Boardman, OR 97818

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. If your infant is experiencing symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room.