Montana Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney In Montana

Drunk driving crashes can leave survivors with life-altering, catastrophic injuries. Some injuries can lead to millions of dollars in expenses over the course of a lifetime. Fortunately, you may be able to hold a drunk driver accountable for causing wrongful death or injury with the support of a Montana drunk driving accident lawyer.

Did you know that Montana and Oregon rank among the worst states in the country for fatal drunk-driving accidents per mile driven? According to the Montana and Oregon Department of Transportation, drunk driving was responsible for 58 percent of statewide fatal car accidents in 2019.

Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

Drunk or drugged drivers have compromised judgment and coordination. As a result, a person under the influence of drugs or alcohol is less able to drive safely. Impaired drivers are more likely to speed and make dangerous maneuvers.

When crashes occur, the resulting injuries can be serious. Possible drunk driving accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe burn injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations and cuts
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Musculoskeletal injuries (whiplash injuries)
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries

Montana and Oregon dram Shop Laws and DUI Liability

Montana and Oregon is one of the states in the U.S. that has a “dram shop law”. The Montana and Oregon dram Shop Act could affect who is liable for paying your damages after a DUI crash.

In Montana, shop owners, stores, hosts, bars, and other venues may be liable for a DUI crash under either of the following circumstances:

• The patron is under 21 years old. A business may be liable for damages if it knew the patron’s age or did not make an attempt to ascertain the patron’s age.
• The patron is visibly intoxicated. A business may be liable for damages if it overserved a visibly intoxicated patron who caused a wreck.

You may be able to hold an establishment responsible for a DUI accident if any of the above is true. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about whether Montana and Oregon dram shop laws apply to your case.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Drunk driving accidents may result in serious injuries. Some car accident injuries can result in millions of dollars in expenses. For example, a younger person with a C1-C4 (high tetraplegia) spinal cord injury could incur more than $4 million in health care and living costs alone over the course of a lifetime. This figure does not include lost income, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering.

If a drunk driver harmed you or a loved one, then you should consider speaking with an attorney from our firm. Our lawyers have helped many clients throughout the state recover from drunk driving accidents.

Recovering compensation from a car accident settlement or verdict could help pay for expenses that include:

• Economic Damages
• Health care and rehabilitation
• Home and car modifications
• Loss of income
• Loss of future earnings
• Non-Economic Damages

Listed above are economic damages. There are also non-economic damages to consider. These damages are often called “pain and suffering damages”. You may also be able to obtain compensation for your non-economic damages.

Contact Our Drunk Driving Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Questions about liability after a drunk driving accident? Schedule a free consultation to speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer with our firm today.

Why You Should Hire an Injury Lawyer

If you were injured in a drunk driving collision, your top priority should be to hire a drunk driving accident attorney. In 2023, roughly one in seven arrests made by law enforcement across Montana involved alcohol-related DUI offenses, with authorities reporting close to 4,000 total arrests for impaired driving that year.

The decision to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer ensures that your drunk driving case holds the negligent driver accountable for the harm they cause. Almost nine out of 10 fatal crashes in Montana take place on rural roads.

Whether you were harmed along Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 93, or Montana Highway 200, accidents on Montana’s busy and often rural roads can lead to devastating injuries. Whether you were harmed along Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 93, or Montana Highway 200, understanding the state’s drunk driving laws and your rights is key.

FAQs

How Do DUI Accident Claims Work in Montana?

A DUI accident claim in Montana starts with a police investigation that gathers evidence such as test results, witness statements, and crash reports. Your attorney reviews this information to determine liability and calculate damages, including medical costs, lost income, pain, and suffering. Most cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, but if fair compensation isn’t offered, your lawyer can take the case to court to pursue a judgment.

What Challenges Can I Face in an Injury Claim?

Injury claims can be complicated by disputed liability, limited insurance coverage, or incomplete evidence. Insurance companies may minimize payouts or shift blame. Having an experienced attorney helps you overcome these challenges and build a strong case supported by medical documentation and other forms of evidence. If you are falsely accused, your lawyer can set the record straight about who is accused.

Can I Pursue Compensation if the At-Fault Driver Faces Criminal Charges?

Yes. A criminal case is separate from your civil injury claim. Even if the at-fault driver faces DUI charges, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages through a personal injury claim. A conviction can also strengthen your civil case. The police reports tied to the criminal investigation can support your civil claim.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a DUI Crash?

Common injuries in DUI crashes include broken bones, spinal cord damage, concussions, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. Victims may also experience lasting emotional trauma and chronic pain, often requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation to recover physically and financially. An injury lawyer can account for these and other damages when pursuing compensation.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Montana, you deserve to work with a law firm that understands how to hold negligent drivers accountable. At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we have represented victims of impaired driving for more than 30 years and recovered compensation for our clients’ medical bills, lost income, and lasting trauma.

Our dedication has earned recognition among the Top 10 and Top 25 Trial Lawyers. When you choose our firm, you can expect clear communication, prompt responses, and consistent updates throughout your case. We offer free consultations to review your accident, explain your legal options, and outline how we can help you seek justice. Contact Bliven Law Firm, P.C., online today to take the first step toward securing the recovery you deserve after a drunk driving crash.

Kalispell Office

704 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901

Boardman Office

202 North Main Street
Suite 1
Boardman, OR 97818