Bozeman Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Attorney In Bozeman

Unlike drivers of and riders in passenger cars, pedestrians have nothing to protect them from impact with vehicles in the event of an accident. As a result, pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences. No matter what type of injury you have suffered, you can trust a Bozeman pedestrian accident lawyer to help you hold the liable party accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.

Work With Bliven Law Firm, P.C.

Here at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we believe in giving every case the full attention it deserves. In our decades of practice, we have represented thousands of clients filing personal injury claims and recovered millions of dollars in settlements, awards, and judgments. We have a reputation for providing professional, compassionate legal services and aggressive representation in negotiations with insurance companies and at trial.

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?

There were 20 pedestrian fatalities in Montana in 2023. Pedestrian crashes were more common than bicycle crashes that year and were most common in urban areas like Bozeman. In 2023, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities on American roads. These fatal accidents account for just a small percentage of the total crashes involving people using Montana’s roadways on foot.

Dangerous roads for pedestrians in Bozeman include West Oak Street, Kagy Boulevard, and Huffine Lane. These routes all see frequent accidents due to high speeds, distraction, and heavy vehicle traffic.

What to Do if You’ve Been Hit by a Car

If you’ve been hit by a car on one of Bozeman’s roads, it doesn’t matter whether it was a major artery or a side street. The next steps you take can determine how successful your claim could be. You should:

1. Contact 911. Call to report the accident and request emergency medical services if you or anyone else was seriously injured.
2. Exchange contact information. Get the driver’s insurance and contact information. You should also talk to any witnesses present at the scene who could corroborate your version of what happened.
3. Take pictures. If you’re able to take photographs and it’s safe to do so, they can act as valuable evidence. Take pictures of the crash scene and any injuries you received prior to seeking medical attention.
4. Go to the doctor. Head to an emergency room if you’ve sustained potentially serious injuries. Even if you’re not sure whether you were hurt, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and it’s important to show that they were a direct result of the accident.
5. Contact a lawyer. Call our office as soon as you’ve been medically stabilized. We can help you avoid common mistakes, such as accepting a settlement that is too low to cover all your damages or admitting fault for the accident when speaking with insurance companies.

Even if you’re not sure you have an actionable claim, it’s still worth contacting our office to discuss the specifics of your case and what you can do to hold the driver who hit you liable for your injuries.

Why Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Pedestrian accidents often involve catastrophic injuries, so there is a lot at stake. You don’t need to navigate the complex legal process of filing a pedestrian accident claim alone. You should hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you manage the details of your case. Your attorney can:

• File paperwork
• Collect evidence
• Interview witnesses
• Hire expert witnesses
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Litigate your case in court

In most cases, lawyers recommend settling cases outside of court because it requires fewer resources, which means you’ll be left with more of the money you get in the settlement, and your case won’t take as long. Whether you choose to settle or go to court, you should have a skilled Bozeman pedestrian accident attorney on your side.

FAQs

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in Montana?

Pedestrians do not always have the right of way in Montana. Motorists must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, but pedestrians are required to yield to vehicles when crossing the road outside of crosswalks. An exception is made for visually impaired pedestrians. Pedestrians using a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog have the right of way even when they are not in a crosswalk.

What Happens Legally if You Hit a Pedestrian?

If you hit a pedestrian, you are legally required to stop, report the crash, and provide aid. If you were at fault, you may face traffic violations or criminal charges depending on the circumstances. You’ll also be liable civilly for the pedestrian’s injuries and any other damages, although it is up to the pedestrian whether they choose to file a claim against you.

Is Montana a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Montana is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Following any accident, including one involving a pedestrian, the driver found liable for causing the crash is responsible for paying for medical expenses, property damage, and other associated losses. Montana is also a modified comparative negligence state, which means pedestrians may still file claims even if they were partially to blame for the crashes that caused their injuries.

Who Is at Fault if a Pedestrian Is Hit on a Freeway Where You’re Not Supposed to Be Standing?

Fault is typically shared if a pedestrian is hit on a freeway where you’re not supposed to be standing in Montana. Even though the pedestrian should share some of the blame, since they were not supposed to be on the freeway to begin with, the driver still holds a fundamental legal obligation to avoid hitting the person if it’s possible to do so. Negligent driving, such as speeding, distraction, or drunk driving, can also play a role.

Your Bozeman Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you are looking for a Bozeman pedestrian accident lawyer to take on your case, turn to Bliven Law Firm, P.C. Our team has over 30 years of experience in representing pedestrians hit by motor vehicles. Even if you’re not sure whether you were to blame for the crash, you should contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We can review the evidence and help you determine the right way to move forward with your pedestrian accident claim.

Bozeman Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Reviews