What to Do After a Car Accident in Montana? 2026

Driving is something that most of us do every day without a second thought. In our modern world, car travel is essential for getting to work, school, and other destinations. Unfortunately, just because an activity is commonplace does not mean that it isn’t dangerous. Car accidents happen every day, and we should all be prepared. Why not educate yourself on what to do after a car accident in Montana?

Car Accidents in Montana and the United States

Roadway accidents are a fact of modern life. In 2022, the most recent year for which complete and available data are available, there were over 22,000 crashes reported in Montana. These accidents resulted in a total of 195 fatalities. In the same year, the total number of reported crashes in the United States exceeded 6.1 million, with nearly 1.7 million injuries and more than 37,000 fatalities recorded.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

No two car accidents are exactly the same, and myriad factors contribute to crashes. Some of the most common are the following: 

• Speeding. In 2022, 18.5% of drivers involved in accidents in the United States were speeding or racing.
• Drugs and alcohol. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can and does lead to disastrous consequences. Of drivers involved in 2022 crashes, 11.2% were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Distracted driving. Drivers can be distracted by any number of things, including eating, listening to music, talking on the phone, or talking with another person in their vehicle. Phones are another major culprit in distracted driving, as many modern drivers struggle to put their devices down while behind the wheel.

If you are involved in an accident, regardless of the cause, it is important to know the steps you should take to protect yourself and prepare for financial recovery.

What to Do if You Are in an Accident in Montana

Car accidents are extremely stressful events, and adrenaline and emotions can run high. Sometimes, in the moment, it can be difficult to remember all the necessary steps. Here is what you should do if you are involved in a car accident in Montana: 

• Seek medical attention. First and foremost, make sure you get the medical attention you need. Injuries from car accidents are not always immediately apparent. Sometimes, injuries are internal, or shock prevents people from feeling appropriate pain. Therefore, if the impact was significant, you should get a medical evaluation even if you don’t immediately notice injuries.
• Call the police. If a bystander has not already called the police, you should call them to report the accident. Law enforcement should arrive and file an accident report, including statements from the involved drivers and witnesses.
• Get insurance information. If you can, the next step is to exchange insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved.
• Get witness contacts. If there are witnesses to the crash, it may be helpful to get their names and contact information. They may be able to provide statements later that corroborate your version of events.

After you have completed these tasks in the immediate aftermath of the accident, you should file claims with your insurance company as well as the other driver’s insurance company, assuming you are not at fault. Montana operates on an at-fault car insurance system, meaning the person responsible for the crash is ultimately liable for damages. Insurance companies use police reports and liability determinations to decide the outcome of claims.

Insurance companies generally try their hardest to pay as little as possible. In an effort to protect their bottom lines, insurance companies often deny or underpay claims they should cover. In situations like this, it may be helpful to hire a car accident lawyer to communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

If your claim is ultimately underpaid or denied, your attorney can help you file a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance company or the other driver personally. Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but if your case happens to go to trial, your lawyer can represent you in court and present your case.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim for Damages if I Am Injured in a Car Accident in Montana?

Yes, if you are injured in a car accident in Montana, you can file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company or the other driver themselves for damages. Settlements can include the cost of medical care, lost wages if you have to miss work because of your injury, and compensation for pain and suffering.

What if Both Drivers Are at Fault in the Accident?

If both drivers are found to be at fault for the accident, the police will work to determine who is most liable. In terms of the right to pursue damages, the less liable party can pursue the more liable party for a settlement, even if the less liable party did in fact contribute to the crash.

What if I Am in an Accident on the Highway?

If you are involved in an accident on the highway, these same steps generally apply. However, it is most important to maintain your own personal safety during the process. The speed of traffic on the highway makes conditions more dangerous, so getting out of the car and approaching the other driver may not be safe. Wait for the police and allow them to advise and assist you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim Related to a Car Accident in Montana?

In the state of Montana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years. This is legally established in the Montana Code, Section 27-2-204. After three years from the date of the accident, the injured party no longer has the legal right to pursue compensation from the other driver or their insurance company.

Injured? Hire a Montana Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a car accident in Montana, you have legal options to pursue compensation. Contact Bliven Law Firm, P.C. to discuss your case.

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