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Billings Truck Accident Lawyers

Collisions with trucks are common in Billings and the rest of Montana. The Advocates are truck accident lawyers well-versed in what it takes to help truck accident victims get fair compensation.

A Truck Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case 

Interstate 90 runs through Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula — the three biggest cities in Montana. Everyday people just going to work frequently use this interstate, and crashes with commercial vehicles happen daily.   

There are various types of trucks, and nearly all of them are bigger than passenger vehicles. A crash with one of these mechanical beasts can have devasting results, leaving accident victims with personal injuries.  

Besides the physical pain and suffering, there are also the medical bills resulting from treatment and the headache-inducing legal process victims must undergo if they want a fair settlement for the accident. It is a lot for one person to take on.   

The good news is you do not have to. The Advocates are experienced Billings truck accident attorneys. Our law firm has deep roots in the state, which is why nothing brings us greater joy than providing legal advice and a defense against trucking companies for our fellow Montanans. Contact us today for free consultation.

The Next Steps in Your Billings Truck Accident Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Property Damage

Get the damage on your vehicle assessed and fixed

Treatment

Seek medical treatment as soon as you can

Finish Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your attorney will compile your medical records

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.  

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.  

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We don’t get paid unless we win your case and you receive a settlement.  

For more information on how settlements and payments work, please see our contingency fee information page.

If the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.  

Your attorney will gather evidence, monitor your medical treatment progress, keep an accurate record of all relevant documents and facts to support your claim, negotiate and correspond with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will zealously pursue your claim through resolution.   

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process depends on many factors, including but not limited to the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and much more.  

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to several years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which, if you do not resolve or file a lawsuit within the prescribed time, you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you focus on healing. Generally, once all evidence has been gathered and your medical treatment has been completed or you are back to feeling yourself again, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a settlement on your behalf.  

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a lawsuit in the litigation phase. Your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator. 

A Team of Truck Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case  

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.  

We can help you: 

  • Understand the claims process 
  • Investigate your accident 
  • Work together with you towards a full resolution of your injuries 
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters 
  • Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at fault party

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Understanding Montana Truck Accidents

Early morning fresh snow fall on rural road in northwest Montana

Two-vehicle fatal crash data 

The Department of Transportation published a detailed graphic showing truck accident data across the U.S. from 2013 to 2022.  

In truck accidents involving other vehicles, 69% of motorists died when hitting the front of the truck. This makes sense. Not many people could service a head-on collision with a semi-truck or any other type of big rig.   

An interesting aspect of Montana is how many of these fatal crashes occur on non-interstate roads. 83% of truck-related fatalities occur on rural roads. They are far less frequented than the interstate and urban streets, so the question is, why?  

Several factors contribute to this:  

  • Road conditions: Guardrails, median barriers, and wider shoulders are all defining characteristics of a well-maintained, paved road. Rural roads have sharper turns, a lack of proper signage, and poor lighting, which dramatically increase the likelihood of truck drivers making a mistake.  
  • Speeding: Dirt roads usually have signs indicating the speed limit, but that does not mean trucks abide by it. Trucks pulling tractor-trailers may feel a little too comfortable speeding on rural roads, which only increases the risk of a fatal crash for themselves and others.  
  • Lack of services: Rural roads seem to go on forever, especially at night. Emergency services are already stretched thin for rural towns. Imagine how hard it is for them to respond to a vehicle collision twenty miles away from the nearest town.

The most common causes of truck accidents   

  • Driver fatigue: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) showed that 13% of truck drivers were fatigued before their crashes. Commercial drivers can be on the road for unfathomable hours and exceed their hours of service. Naturally, they get tired, leading to poor judgment and delayed reactions to sudden changes in driving or weather conditions.   
  • Mechanical failures: Over time, the wear and tear on a big rig can lead to critical issues such as tire blowouts.  
  • Speeding: Speeding trucks have longer stopping distances, less time to react to sudden changes in the road, and a greater inability to see what is in their blind spots.  
  • Distracted driving: Truckers are just as susceptible to modern distractions as any other driver. Four seconds of looking at a text is all that is needed for the truck owner to cause an accident.
Tired truck driver feeling sleepy and sick

Most common truck accident injuries   

If you walk away from a truck accident with nothing but a few bumps and bruises, then consider yourself lucky. Most victims face catastrophic injuries. Here are some of the most common: 

  • Lacerations and contusions 
  • Burns 
  • Broken bones 
  • Neck and back injuries 
  • Internal injuries 
  • Traumatic brain injuries 
  • Psychological injuries 
  • Wrongful death of a loved one

Understanding Trucking Accidents and Personal Injury Law in Billings

Microphone in courtroom close-up

How fault is determined in a Montana trucking accident   

Montana uses a modified comparative negligence model with a 51 percent bar.

The amount of damages a plaintiff can recover is reduced by their percentage of fault. If you are 20% at fault for the accident, your settlement will be reduced to 80% of the original amount.

If the plaintiff’s percentage of fault is more than 50%, they can’t recover any damages.

Statute of limitations for trucking accidents   

In Montana, claimants generally have three years from the date of the trucking accident to file a personal injury claim for negligence. Begin the process before this expiration date. The more time that passes, the more difficult it may be for your legal team to gather the necessary evidence.

Policeman writing up report on incident where their was a person injured

What to do after an accident   

Experiencing a truck accident can be chaotic and stressful. Consider yourself lucky if you have the ability to follow these steps afterward. Stay as calm as you can, a difficult task with the amount of trauma and adrenaline you will be experiencing, but necessary nonetheless:

  • Prioritize safety: Safety is paramount. First, check yourself and others for injuries. If the immediate danger is gone, move to a secure location away from traffic.
  • Notify the authorities: Call the police immediately to report the incident and request an official police report.
  • Get medical attention: Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries appear minor.
  • Exchange details: Get the truck driver’s information, including their insurance details, driver’s license number, license plate, and the trucking company’s contact information for the truck and any attached trailer.
  • Collect evidence: Document by taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Also, gather the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses.
  • Consult a personal injury lawyer: Consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and next steps.   
  • Keep detailed records: Maintain thorough documentation of the accident, medical expenses, and all related communications.   
  • Do not admit fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault, as this could affect your potential claim.

When Should I Hire a Billings Truck Accident Lawyer?

We strive for excellent legal representation, so we cannot understate the importance of beginning the legal process shortly after your accident.   

It is much easier than you might think. Call The Advocates for a free case evaluation with one of our vehicle accident attorneys. They only take on personal injury cases related to injuries stemming from truck or car accidents, so they have the time and expertise needed to fight against the insurance companies and win your case.  

We can also help you access medical care and transportation if your vehicle is damaged. For us, it is not just about what goes on in the courtroom. Our clients and their well-being are at the heart of everything we do in Montana. 

The legal process is not quick. The verdict is never guaranteed. That is just the way the system is. But The Advocates personal injury lawyers will put their heart and their soul into your auto accident claim. You deserve it. You deserve an Advocate. 

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