Great Falls Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Trusted Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in Great Falls, MT

On any given day in Great Falls, you may spot delivery trucks on 10th Avenue South, semi-trailers on Interstate 15, and utility vehicles on U.S. Highway 87, all part of the commercial traffic that drivers contend with. Determining who’s at fault may be more complex when one of these vehicles causes a serious wreck than when two passenger cars collide. A Great Falls commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help determine who is responsible for a crash.

About Bliven Law Firm, P.C.

Attorneys with Bliven Law Firm, P.C., have helped injured people throughout Montana for more than three decades. We handle motor vehicle wrecks and other personal injury claims, including accidents involving commercial trucks and other business vehicles.

We often try to settle injury claims out of court if we can secure an amount that properly covers the victim’s losses. We also prepare claims for trial when necessary and represent clients throughout the litigation process. Our personal injury practice serves clients throughout Montana, including Great Falls and Cascade County.

What Is a Commercial Vehicle?

There were 114,000 injuries and 5,279 fatalities among the roughly 503,000 heavy truck crashes that the police reported in 2022. The number of fatal heavy truck crashes per million persons in the US increased by 50% from 10.6 in 2010 to 15.8 in 2022.

Semi-trucks are not the only vehicles that qualify as commercial vehicles. Common types of commercial vehicles are listed below:

• Delivery chance
• Construction vehicles
• Company cars
• Utility vehicles
• Garbage trucks

This distinction becomes important after an accident because more than one business may be legally liable for conduct related to its business. For instance, an employer may be held liable if an employee causes a wreck due to negligence while on the job.

Commercial traffic travels through Great Falls and on major highways that connect Cascade County to other areas of Montana. Interstate 15 runs through Great Falls. Freight, agricultural vehicles, construction traffic, and other commercial vehicles travel on U. S. Highway 87 and U.S. Highway 89.

Montana Commercial Vehicle Accident Laws

Commercial vehicles face special regulations in Montana beyond those that apply to motorists. Montana Code Annotated § 61-8-801 states that the state’s commercial motor vehicle safety laws aim to decrease commercial vehicle collisions and set forth safety standards for commercial vehicle operations.

Commercial drivers must follow the ordinary rules of the road as well. Montana Code Annotated § 61-8-302 states that a person drives carelessly by driving without due care, or in a manner that endangers or may endanger the safety of persons or property.

Negligent driving evidence may therefore play a part in determining liability after a commercial vehicle collision. Other laws may also apply based on the type of vehicle, weight limits, usage, interstate travel, and driver licensing requirements.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Many factors can contribute to a commercial collision. Driver negligence, business practices, or vehicle maintenance can cause a crash. Investigations into the cause of an accident may reveal that the crash was caused by one or more of the conditions cited below: 

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield
• Tailgating
• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Defective equipment
• Poorly trained drivers

Weather can also play a role in commercial vehicle accidents in Great Falls. Snow, ice, high winds, and low visibility can increase a vehicle’s stopping distance and make large vehicles harder to maneuver. Drivers should operate their vehicle based on road conditions and not only the posted speed limit.

Hire a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer With Experience in Great Falls

An individual may hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer to investigate the crash and identify the parties and insurance policies that are liable for damages.

A Great Falls commercial vehicle accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on the client’s behalf. If a settlement cannot be reached, the attorney can file pleadings, conduct discovery, take depositions, consult with professionals, file motions, and try the case. This service may be beneficial to commercial vehicle accident victims because liability and relevant evidence may extend beyond the driver of the vehicle.

FAQs

Do I Have to Report a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Montana?

Yes, you have to report a commercial vehicle accident in Montana. Montana law requires immediate notification of law enforcement for drivers involved in particular types of crashes. Accidents that result in injury or death or involve vehicle damage above a certain dollar amount must be reported. However, if your vehicle is commercial, your driver or company may have separate reporting requirements under other laws.

Should I See a Doctor Even if I Feel Fine After a Crash?

Yes, you should see a doctor even if you feel fine after a crash. Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days after an accident. Headaches, dizziness, soreness, and other symptoms common with concussions, soft-tissue injuries, or other trauma can develop over time. Visiting a doctor allows the professional to diagnose your injuries and recommend treatment.

What Happens if the Commercial Driver Was an Independent Contractor?

Sometimes drivers are labeled as independent contractors. This can make a difference in who might be responsible. However, merely labeling a driver as an independent contractor does not necessarily avoid liability. The driver/company relationship might need to be analyzed more closely by looking at who was in charge of the driver and who owned or was operating the vehicle.

Can I File a Claim if I Was a Passenger in a Commercial Vehicle?

Yes, you can file a claim if you were a passenger in a commercial vehicle, depending on the circumstances of the accident. When passengers are injured in a commercial vehicle, they may have a commercial vehicle accident claim if another person’s negligence caused the accident. This could include the commercial driver but could also include another motorist or entity involved.

Contact Local Great Falls Commercial Vehicle Accident Law Firm, Bliven Law Firm, P.C.

Commercial vehicle accidents often involve issues concerning driver behavior, company liability, insurance policies, and Montana’s laws regarding commercial vehicle accidents. Evidence may also become more difficult to collect as time goes on.

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we advocate on behalf of those injured in car accidents across Montana, including those in Cascade County. Contact Bliven Law Firm, P.C., to set up your free consultation to discuss what happened in your Great Falls commercial vehicle accident.

Great Falls Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Reviews