Helena Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Committed Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Helena, MT

All it takes is one drink too many, and lives can be forever changed on the road. Even those drivers who respect the laws and only drive sober may be victimized by someone who wasn’t as responsible. Drunk driving accidents cause devastating injuries and life-changing trauma every year throughout Montana. If you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, a Helena drunk driving accident lawyer may be able to help.

Here at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we’ve used our extensive knowledge of drunk driving accident laws to represent injury victims for three decades. Our Helena personal injury attorneys take pride in a thorough approach to justice, which includes seeking full compensation for your total damages and pursuing expedited results outside of court when possible. No matter the scope of your losses, our team can provide valuable legal counsel in your time of need.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

Alcohol affects a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. It can impair judgment, slow reaction time, dull focus, impede coordination, and result in poor decisions. Given the size and speed of vehicles, all it takes is one mistake due to impairment, and disaster may result.

Common factors in drunk driving accidents can include:

• Excessive speeding
• Failure to obey traffic signs
• Wrong-way driving
• Failure to stop in time
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failure to check blind spots

A drunk driving accident case can involve low-speed collisions, rear-ending, head-on collisions, side swipes, T-bones, and more. No matter the category of accident or what factors contributed, our team can help. Especially if alcohol was involved, our skilled lawyers can work diligently to protect your rights and pursue compensation.

What Does the Law Say About Drunk Driving in Montana?

Montana drunk driving accident laws prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is covered under MCA 61-8-1002. Drivers who violate this statute may face criminal penalties.

Some insurance companies may attempt to argue that a sober victim was partially at fault for an accident. However, MCA 27-1-702 notes that you can still recover damages if you were responsible for less than 50% of the accident.

Understanding the Losses Suffered in Drunk Driving Accidents

It’s scary to think that all it takes is one person having one too many drinks, and another’s life can be forever changed. However, this is the case when a person makes the irresponsible decision to drink and drive. Victims of these accidents may incur damage and losses, including:

• Minor injuries. Cuts, scrapes, bruises, fractures, and more can result from accidents. It’s also important to remember that these issues can grow worse over time. For example, cuts may get infected, and fractures may be susceptible to more damage later on.
• Major injuries. Car accidents can cause whiplash, back injuries, neck injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can escalate as well. For example, about 22% of those with brain injuries died from them within five years.
• Medical bills and debt. Injury victims may incur mounting medical bills, which can be exacerbated if their injuries caused them to miss work. The stress of the accident can compound health issues, resulting in additional costly medical needs.
• Lifestyle struggles. Accident victims may deal with reduced mobility, strained relationships, lower life enjoyment, cognitive decline, and many other compounding issues that completely change their personality and routine.

Bliven Law Firm, P.C., deeply sympathizes with personal injury victims. When you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm, we can provide you with the support you need, including representing you in insurance negotiations and courtroom hearings if necessary.

Drunk Driving Accidents by the Numbers

It’s estimated that about 32 people in the United States die in a drunk-driving crash daily. In Montana specifically, about 34% of all fatalities in 2023 were from alcohol-impaired driving. The sad truth is that this issue could be prevented if drivers act responsibly. But when they don’t, you have options.

A skilled Helena drunk driving accident attorney from our firm can work on your behalf to achieve a fair resolution. Whether you have injuries, trauma, debt, or all of the above, we can pursue the full compensation you deserve.

FAQs

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, your health is the priority. Once you can get to a safe place on the road, contact emergency services. You’ll need to report the accident to authorities, but you’ll also want to visit a local medical facility such as St. Peter’s Health. They can provide details about your injuries and how to treat them.

Do All Car Accident Cases Go to Court?

No, not all accident cases go to court. Our firm prefers to negotiate with insurance companies outside of court, as this can result in a faster settlement and save you money on costly court fees. However, if insurers refuse to accept a fair settlement, our team is highly experienced in representing clients in drunk driving accident cases.

What Evidence Can Be Used in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

A drunk driving accident case can use a variety of evidence. This includes chemical analysis of the impaired driver, witness testimony, accident scene analysis, and police reports. Our firm can also gather footage from traffic, body, and dashboard cameras to compile more information about the situation and pursue the facts.

What Is the Blood Alcohol Limit in Montana?

In Montana, the blood alcohol limit is 0.08. However, a driver may be viewed as impaired based on their behavior, such as erratic driving, slurred speech, and other signs. Even slight impairment is grounds for legal action, as this can cause a person to be more prone to distractions and poor decision-making behind the wheel.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

For more than 30 years, Bliven Law Firm, P.C., has brought the type of legal diligence that personal injury victims cherish. We’ve earned many positive reviews for pursuing quick, substantial settlements that meet the full needs of those hurt in car accidents.

Whether your case can be settled outside of court or requires formal legal hearings, our skilled legal team can support you from start to finish. Don’t bear the burden of injuries, medical bills, and personal struggles from an accident alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.