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Missoula Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in Missoula, MT, you need an Advocate on your side.

A Missoula Car Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

If you are facing physical pain, emotional anguish, and steep financial damages after a car crash, you may be feeling like your life has flipped upside down. Car accidents are always unfortunate and often tragic, but there is good news: you are not alone. 
The Advocates personal injury law firm is here for you. We have represented thousands of car accident victims over the last 30 years, so we understand the struggles you are facing and are ready to take on your case.
Our team in Missoula will be by your side from day one, answering your questions, helping you access the resources you need, and fighting to get you full compensation for your personal injury claim. Consultations are always 100% free—contact us today.

The Next Steps In Your Missoula Car 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

Treatment

Seek medical treatment as soon as you can

Property Damage

Get the damage on your car assessed and fixed

Treatment Completed

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

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, 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 build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

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 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 payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

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 investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.
In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few 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 you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.
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 suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Car Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the 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
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters

We only get paid if we win your case!

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Montana Car Accident Statistics

View of Missoula from Mount Sentinel, in Missoula, Montana.

Where are car accidents most likely to occur?

  • The Montana counties with the highest number of car accident fatalities are Missoula, Yellowstone, and Flathead counties.
  • According to the Missoula Police Department, the area with the highest and most severe crash rates is U.S. 93/Reserve St.
  • Urban and rural roads have similar numbers of car accidents, but accidents in rural areas are far more likely to be fatal.
  • Fatal crashes are evenly split between daylight and night hours.

Montana state car accident statistics  

  • From 2017-2021, an average of 220 people died on Montana roads each year.
  • According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), male drivers and passengers make up about 63% of the state’s traffic fatalities.
  • Fourteen percent of all reported crashes in Missoula are alcohol-related.
  • There were 86 speeding-related fatalities in Montana in 2021.
  • Distracted driving contributes to more than 30% of all Montana car accidents annually.
Early morning fresh snow fall on rural road in northwest Montana

Common causes of Missoula car accidents

  • Impaired driving: Montana is one of the worst states in the nation for drunk driving accidents.
  • Distracted driving: Montana is the only state in the country with no texting and driving ban.
  • Adverse weather conditions: Montana is prone to snowy and icy conditions that can lead to accidents.
  • Improper passing: Illegal passing on two-lane highways can lead to head-on collisions, which often cause devastating injuries.

Common car accident injuries 

Depending on the nature of your accident, car accident injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. Some common vehicle collision injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Broken bones and teeth
  • Whiplash
  • Lacerations and bruising

Montana Traffic Laws

Man eating an hamburger while driving his car

What is considered “distracted driving” under Montana law?

According to MDT, distracted driving is classified as any non-driving activity that has the potential to distract a driver from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Cell phone use 
  • Eating 
  • Putting on makeup
  • Adjusting the music
  • Looking at maps

The state of Montana is currently the only state in the country that does not have statewide distracted driving laws of some kind. However, many cities have enacted their own laws regarding cell phone use while driving, including Missoula.

What are Montana’s penalties for impaired driving?

A driver who is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs faces serious consequences. Depending on the substances the driver used, the level of their intoxication, and who else was in the car, a first-time offender may face:

  • Jail time of up to one year
  • Minimum fines of $600 (can be more than $2,000)
  • Driver’s license suspension
  • Administrative and court fees
  • Required ignition interlock

Repeat offenders or those who injure or kill someone in a drunk driving accident may face as many as 30 years in prison and $50,000 in fines.
Drivers are charged with a DUI when their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher (5 ng/ml for THC).

Suspend Liscense
Man and woman arguing, standing together on the road with their cars on the background after the car accident

What responsibilities do drivers have after an accident in Missoula?

Montana law states that any person who knows or should have reasonably known that they have been involved in an accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death, must stop their vehicle and report the accident.
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, be sure to do the following:

  • Move your car out of traffic (if possible).
  • Check for injuries.
  • If anyone has serious injuries, call 911.
  • File a police report.
  • Exchange contact information and insurance information with the other party.
  • Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
  • Seek medical attention, even if you do not believe you are injured.
  • File a car accident claim with your own car insurance provider.
  • Consider contacting an auto accident attorney.

What damages can I seek in a Missoula car accident case?

Every personal injury case is different—there is no way to accurately gauge how much a case is worth without knowing the factual details and circumstances of the accident.
As a general guideline, some commonly sought personal injury damages are listed below:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and loss of future earnings
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Funeral and burial expenses in the case of wrongful death

The best way to know how much your case is worth is to speak with a personal injury attorney. The Missoula Advocates offer free consultations to help you determine whether you have a valid case.

Insurance tax forms.

What is the statute of limitations for car accidents in Missoula?

For any personal injury case, a plaintiff only has a certain amount of time to file their claim. After that time period is up, they lose their right of action. This is referred to as the statute of limitations.
In Montana, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is generally 3 years. This may seem like a long time. However, the legal process can move very slowly—you may not have as much time as you think. 
As soon as you think you may have a case, contact a personal injury lawyer so they may begin working on your claim.

When Should I Hire a Missoula Personal Injury Attorney?

Not every accident requires legal services. If your crash resulted in serious injuries or fatalities, however, it is a good idea to contact an auto accident attorney. Your attorney can help you understand your options, keep your medical bills from going to collections, and start building your case.
The Montana Advocates are skilled negotiators and know the tricks insurance companies use to avoid offering accident victims fair compensation. We will fight for your legal rights and protect your best interests.

In addition to fierce legal representation, The Advocates offer support in finding the local resources you need. We can help you access medical care or find excellent auto repair shops in the Missoula area.
Contact our Missoula law office today for a free initial consultation. You deserve an attorney who will put you first. You deserve an Advocate.

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