Columbia Falls Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney In Columbia Falls

With car accidents being a leading cause of death in the United States, you can never be too cautious while driving. Unfortunately, drunk driving is still a common reason for many accidents. If you or someone you love was involved in such a crash, reach out to an experienced Columbia Falls drunk driving accident lawyer to represent your case.

Experiencing a car crash because of a drunk driver can have traumatic consequences for survivors. It may not feel fair, and it’s normal to want justice for your pain.

About Bliven Law Firm, P.C.

In the United States, one person dies every 42 minutes due to drunk driving. Bliven Law Firm, P.C., has over 35 years of experience in helping Montana residents seek compensation after getting injured. We offer initial consultations to those living in Columbia Falls and the surrounding cities.

When you come in for your consultation, one of our three skilled legal professionals can:

• Listen to the details of your case and your desires for the outcome.
• Transparently explain expectations and what laws apply to your unique situation.
• Represent you at the Columbia Falls City Court, located at 130 6th Street West.

Alcohol Limits for Driving in Montana

U.S. Highway 2 and Highway 40 are major roads that connect Columbia Falls to Whitefish and Kalispell. These highways see hundreds of accidents per year. 34% of all 2023 crash fatalities in Montana were due to impaired driving. In Montana, a person can be charged with driving under the influence if they are over a certain blood alcohol concentration:

• For noncommercial vehicles, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher is considered over the legal limit.
• For commercial vehicles, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 is the legal limit.
• Drivers under 21 years old are considered impaired at 0.02 or higher.

Six Common Signs of Impairment

Tourism is common in Columbia Falls, with its closeness to the Flathead River, Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir, and the Flathead National Forest. With the town’s local breweries and vacationers from out of town, drunk driving accidents are a real risk.

Signs that someone is driving drunk can include:

• Swerving in and out of lanes
• Speeding or driving under the speed limit
• Constantly braking
• Driving on places other than the road, like the sidewalk
• Slow response to traffic signals
• Illegal turns

When driving, paying attention to other drivers is one of the most important tasks for ensuring safety. Research shows that driver coordination is impaired by 20% when driving drunk. With poor judgment and memory loss, drunk driving is never an option for anyone.

The Three Types of Recoverable Damages

It’s vital to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to learn what types of damages are recoverable in your specific case. Our attorneys at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., looks into all angles of our clients’ cases to secure maximized compensation. These damages can include:

1. Economic damages. Economic damages are those you can put a physical price on. These can include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
2. Non-economic damages. Non-economic damages don’t have a clear value. They include pain and suffering.
3. Punitive damages. Punitive damages are extra money awarded to the victim. This is done in specific cases to punish someone who acted with malice or intentional wrongdoing. This can apply to those driving under the influence, especially if their blood alcohol concentration was particularly high.

Bobby’s Law

Montana has one of the highest rates of drunk driving deaths in the country. However, as of 2025, the state has no minimum sentence for vehicular homicide while under the influence. A bill called “Bobby’s Law” aims to establish one to help keep locals safe and deter future drunk driving.

The bill is named after Robert “Bobby” Dewbre, a man from Columbia Falls who was killed by a drunk driver on his 21st birthday.

This law would set a minimum sentence of three years for those who killed someone while driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 or higher. The maximum sentence would be 30 years.

FAQs

What Evidence Supports Drunk Driving Accident Cases?

Evidence in DUI cases includes results from blood, breath, or oral fluid tests. However, a positive alcohol test alone does not prove impairment. Reports from certified tests and trained examiners are admissible. If someone refuses a test, that refusal can also be used as evidence, and a court may infer that the person was impaired.

What Is the Dram Shop Law?

The Dram Shop Law prevents a Montana server at a place of business from being automatically responsible for injuries caused by the person who drank the alcohol served. They can be held responsible in certain cases, such as if:

• The person served was underage, and the server knew or failed to check.
• The individual was visibly intoxicated when served.
• The server forced someone to drink or lied about whether the beverage contained alcohol.

What Is the Deadline for Filing My Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

In Montana, there are specific time limits for filing a personal injury or wrongful death case. For most personal injury cases, you must file within three years from the date of the injury. If you wait longer than three years to file, the court will most likely dismiss your case. A Columbia Falls drunk driving accident attorney can manage the deadlines in your case.

What Do I Do After Being Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident?

In Montana, if you are involved in a car accident where someone is injured, a victim is killed, or there is property damage of $1,000 or more, you must report it to the authorities immediately. If the accident happens in a city, you should contact the local police. Otherwise, you contact the county sheriff or the nearest highway patrol office.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

When you work with the team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., you aren’t just another case number. Car accidents have real and lasting effects on those involved. You’re a human being with real feelings. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation. We strive to validate our clients throughout their case. Let us help you get through this difficult time.