Missoula Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney In Missoula

Accidents happen on the roads around Missoula for various reasons, from speeding on I-90 to distracted driving through busy downtown intersections. While most accidents in the area result from driver negligence, it is also possible for accidents to happen because of illegal misconduct like drinking and driving. If you or a family member is hurt in such an accident, you need to consult a Missoula drunk driving accident lawyer at your first opportunity.

Representing Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Missoula, MT

The team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. has more than 30 years of proven experience representing injured clients in Missoula and throughout Montana in all types of injury claims. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accidental injury and death not only in Montana, but also throughout the United States. We can help you understand the state laws that apply to your situation and your options for recovering compensation.

You have limited time to build and file an injury claim after any accident in Missoula. While the state may prosecute a drunk driver for breaking the law, this criminal case does not focus on recovering compensation for your damages. Our team can help you file an auto insurance claim and/or personal injury case, seeking maximum compensation for the economic and non-economic losses you suffered from your accident.

Building Your Drunk Driving Accident Case in Missoula

According to the Montana Highway Patrol’s 2022 annual crash report, the most recent year with available data, there were 22,004 total crashes in Montana, resulting in 220 fatalities and 4,945 injuries. The Montana Department of Transportation reported that there have been 165 total traffic accident deaths in Missoula County between 2014 and 2023, and 30% of these deaths have been attributed to drunk driving.

Montana is a “fault” state for vehicle accidents, meaning that if a driver is at fault, they are liable for all resulting damages. If you believe another driver caused your recent accident, you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you prove fault for the accident and help you assess the full scope of the damages you suffered. It’s important to have an attorney help you establish fault in your civil case, even if the state pursues criminal charges against the defendant.

Every driver in Montana is required to have auto insurance, and filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company is likely to be your first option for recovering your damages after an accident. However, most insurance companies will attempt to settle claims for as little as possible, so you must hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

When you must file a personal injury claim to recover your damages, it is possible to seek compensation for any economic and non-economic losses you suffered from the accident. You may have trouble accurately calculating these losses without an attorney’s help, so you must consult experienced legal counsel right away so your attorney can accurately assess the value of your case.

Suffering injuries because of a drunk driver in Missoula can be traumatic and frustrating, and having the right attorney representing you can dramatically improve the outcome of your legal proceedings. A skilled Missoula drunk driving accident lawyer is an invaluable asset in this difficult situation. The team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. is ready to help with every stage of your case, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can assist with your recovery.

FAQs

How Do You Prove Fault for a Drunk Driving Accident in Missoula?

To prove fault for a drunk driving accident in Missoula, you need to identify the driver who caused the accident and then show that they are directly responsible for causing your claimed damages. Fault for the accident may seem obvious to you, but you still need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to assist you with formally holding the defendant accountable for the harm they have caused.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident in Missoula?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a drunk driving accident in Missoula could include your vehicle repair or replacement costs, medical expenses, lost income, and lost earning power if the accident caused permanent harm. You also have the right to claim pain and suffering compensation, and you could be awarded punitive damages due to the illegal nature of the defendant’s actions.

Can I File an Auto Insurance Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident in Missoula?

Yes, you can file an auto insurance claim for a drunk driving accident in Missoula if the at-fault driver has auto insurance coverage. State law requires every driver to have an auto insurance policy that meets minimum coverage amounts for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Your attorney can guide you through the claim-filing process and resolve any disputes you encounter.

What Are the Penalties for Drunk Driving in Montana?

The penalties for drunk driving in Montana can include a fine, driver’s license suspension, incarceration, and civil liability for damages caused to others. These penalties increase significantly when a defendant has caused serious or fatal harm and/or if they have a record of prior convictions for drunk driving.

Why Should I Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to maximize your chance of success with your recovery efforts. The state may handle prosecuting the drunk driver for breaking the law, but you will need an experienced attorney’s help to hold them accountable for the damages they inflicted. You’re more likely to succeed with your case and maximize your compensation with a skilled attorney representing you.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Misspula Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

The team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., excels at resolving complex injury cases for clients in Missoula. Even if the fault for your recent accident seems clear, you have a short time in which to build and file your injury claim. Our team is confident we can help you maximize your recovery. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Missoula drunk driving accident lawyer. We look forward to helping with your case.