Montana Car Accident Statistics 2025

Montana has about 73,670 miles of public roadways, and every day, negligent or careless drivers cause accidents. As a result, many victims suffer from major property damage, serious injuries, and even fatalities. Montana car accident statistics are more than just numbers. They represent patterns of risk that directly affect your safety, finances, and our local environment. Understanding trends can help you anticipate dangers before they occur.

The team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., shares important information about Montana car accident statistics, vehicle accident hotspots across Montana, and reasons to consult a lawyer if you’re ever involved in a car accident.

Car Accident Statistics in Context

In 2023, there were approximately 40,901 motor vehicle accident-related fatalities across the United States, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, reporting data from the Federal Highway Administration.

In 2024, Montana had a population of about 1,137,200, and our state’s population significantly affected the number of crash-related deaths. Montana saw a total of 208 crash-related deaths that same year, which reflects a rate of 18.4 deaths for every 100,000 Montana residents. That year, there were 43 car occupant fatalities, 103 pickup and SUV fatalities, and 29 motorcyclist fatalities. Within our state’s 208 total drivers killed, 114 were impaired drivers, which is a significant number.

MHP Annual Report Data: 2023 and 2024

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) publishes annual reports covering every crash investigated by troopers across the state. These reports are among the most detailed primary sources available for Montana road safety data, and Bliven Law Firm is one of the few law firm websites in Montana linking directly to the most recent editions.

According to the 2024 MHP Annual Report, MHP troopers investigated 193 fatalities in 2024. In 2023, that number was 200. That is a modest 3.5 percent decline year-over-year, continuing the trend that followed a 17.43 percent drop in 2022.

Key findings from the 2024 MHP Annual Report include:

• MHP troopers made 107,724 traffic stops and investigated 10,132 crashes statewide in 2024.
• Drugged or drunk driving was a contributing factor in 118 of the 193 fatalities investigated by MHP.
• Speed was suspected in 80 of 159 fatal crashes through October 28, 2024, the highest rate in the three-year comparison window.
• Seat belts were not used in 76 fatal crashes through October 28, 2024.
• Motorcycles were involved in 32 fatal crashes through October 28, a 28 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
• District 4 (Billings) recorded the most fatal crashes of any MHP district in 2024 with 44, up from 42 in 2023.
• District 6 (Kalispell), which covers the area served by Bliven Law Firm, recorded 33 fatal crashes in 2024.

For current year-to-date figures, MHP also publishes a Weekly Fatal Report on its website. As of the most recent report available, Montana had recorded 41 fatalities year-to-date in 2026, compared to 50 at the same point in 2025. The Weekly Fatal Report is updated regularly and provides the most current statewide fatality data available from a primary government source.

Risk Patterns

Statistics show that accidents are rarely random. Instead, they follow predictable patterns that you can use to protect yourself. Many accidents repeatedly happen at night and in high-risk locations, such as:

• Missoula’s most dangerous intersection at North Reserve Street and Mullan Road
• Missoula’s Reserve Street corridor, including its junctions at South Third Street West and Brooks Street
• Billing’s intersection at Grand Avenue and Shiloh Road
• Helena’s North Montana Avenue, especially at West Cluster Avenue and North Montana Avenue
• I-90
• U.S. Highway 212, 191, 2, and 93

If you find yourself traveling through these areas regularly, use extreme caution. Drivers are often careless and cause accidents in these hotspots.

The 2024 MHP data also confirms that rural secondary roads saw a 58.82 percent increase in fatalities compared to the same period in 2023, based on the October 28, 2024 Fatal Report. Drivers traveling less-traveled two-lane roads face disproportionate risk.

Accountability for Accidents in Montana

If someone causes an accident, they are typically required to pay the victim for their injuries and other damages. A car accident claim may result from:

• Human error, like negligent or careless driving
• Inexperienced driving
• Vehicle malfunctions
• Rideshare driver collisions
• Drivers under the influence
• Defective highway design
• Distracted drivers
• Road rage
• Other vehicle incidents

More than 90% of crashes are caused by human error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making them entirely preventable.

Call an Attorney After a Car Accident in Montana

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by someone else, contact an attorney who can protect your legal interests and maximize your recovery. A lawyer can:

• Make a significant difference in your likelihood of winning your case
• Investigate what caused your accident
• Determine the fault percentage of the other driver
• Fight for the full compensation you deserve
• Help you get back on your feet after your accident

It can be challenging to know whom to trust after a car accident, and the attorney you choose matters. Contact a lawyer who has plenty of experience handling the kind of car accident you’ve experienced. They can discuss your options and help you decide whether to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.

FAQs

Where Can I Find More Reliable Information About Montana Car Accidents?

To research current Montana vehicle accident statistics further, you can visit the Montana Department of Transportation website. The website includes information for every fatal traffic accident across the United States through 2023. Plus, it provides additional information specific to Montana through 2024, including statewide crash data and statewide data maps.You can also access the 2024 MHP Annual Report, the 2023 MHP Annual Report, and the MHP Weekly Fatal Report for the most current primary-source data on Montana highway fatalities.

How Can I Determine the Actual Value of My Car Accident Claim?

Every car accident claim is different, but the value of a car accident claim is typically determined by several case-specific factors, such as the limits of the involved insurance policies, the severity of the injuries sustained, the property damage involved, and other case-specific factors. Contact an attorney who can help estimate the potential value of your specific case.

What Should I Do if an Insurance Adjuster Calls Me?

If an insurance adjuster calls you, politely tell the representative to contact your attorney’s office. You can even have your own insurance company call your attorney and decline to speak with them. One of the many benefits of hiring an attorney after a car accident is that they can handle any communications on your behalf. Insurance adjusters often try to use your words against you later, so you can let your attorney handle all your communications.

Do I Have to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Montana?

No, you don’t have to hire a car accident lawyer after an accident. However, many people find that an attorney can provide reliable assistance, as your attorney can ensure you file your claim on time and accurately.

Plus, if you suffered injuries or property damage, an attorney can help maximize your recovery. Studies consistently show that accident victims represented by an attorney receive significantly higher settlements than those who try to handle their own car accident cases.

How Does an Attorney Determine the Full Value of a Car Accident Claim?

Your attorney understands personal injury law and can calculate your damages to determine the full value of a car accident claim. Beyond your immediate medical bills, a lawyer understands how to calculate long-term damages, including future rehabilitative costs, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. They may consult with the necessary professionals to determine the full value of your case and maximize your recovery.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. Today

We know no two cases are alike, and we provide advice tailored to your case. We’ve helped clients across Montana for more than 30 years. Get the personalized help you need to get justice after an accident. Our attorneys have extensive experience with accident settlements, and when necessary, we can defend you in regional courtrooms as well.

Reach out about your specific case and the assistance we can provide. Contact us for your free initial consultation.

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704 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901

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202 North Main Street
Suite 1
Boardman, OR 97818