Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- In a car accident, the seatbelt, airbags, and force of a vehicle can cause serious injuries to your body.
- Your priority should be to get medical care as soon as possible.
- Neck pain, back pain, headaches, changes in range of motion or mobility, or changes in mental are symptoms that require medical care.
- At Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston, our personal injury lawyers have the resources to help you recover the damages you deserve after being injured in a collision.
A car accident can leave you shaken, injured, and overwhelmed with mounting medical bills, vehicle damage, and unanswered questions about what to do next. Delaying action or navigating the aftermath alone can lead to lost compensation, lingering injuries, and unnecessary stress.
At Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston, we offer compassionate guidance, legal representation, and a free consultation to help you regain control and pursue the compensation you deserve—contact us today to get started. Let us help you learn what to expect physically after a car accident and how to get compensation for your losses.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Montana?
After a car accident, your priority should be your health and well-being. Car accident injuries may be difficult to initially diagnose, especially if you have adrenaline moving through your body. Consider taking the following steps after a collision:
- After you have moved to safety, contact 911 immediately. Follow the dispatcher’s recommendations and wait for first responders to arrive.
- Get to the hospital for medical care. Serious injury after a car crash may include internal bleeding or whiplash, which requires medical attention.
- Take photos of the surrounding area, injuries, and vehicles.
- Get the contact information for all parties involved, including other drivers, passengers, and bystanders.
- Take a video recording of yourself and your injuries, describing what you remember happening before and during the accident.
- Contact your insurance company to inform them of the accident.
How to File a Report in Western Montana
In remote areas of Montana, where cell phone service may not be available, it is critical to know what steps to take. If you cannot immediately call for help, get to a safe place to notify the police. You are legally required to alert the police if there is an injury or death, property damage of $1,000 or more likely, or you strike the body of a deceased person.
What Happened to the Vehicles During the Accident?
A motor vehicle accident may cause significant damage to a vehicle. One of the aspects of an insurance claim is assessing the damage to the vehicle. The insurance adjuster may order a property damage assessment through a local mechanic. The vehicle assessment may lead to:
- Repairs to get the vehicle back to a safe condition that is the same or similar to the way it was prior to the collision.
- A total loss declaration in which the insurance company determines the damages to the vehicle are too costly to repair.
If you disagree with the insurance company’s vehicle damage assessment, you may dispute it.
What Physical Symptoms Should I Watch Out for After a Car Accident?
With numerous types of injuries possible, it is critical to seek medical care even if you feel okay after the collision. Look for injury symptoms that may indicate severe injuries or other physical injuries including:
- Neck and shoulder pain that could indicate whiplash.
- Changes to range of motion and flexibility, soreness in any joint, shoulder pain, neck injuries, or back pain,
- Pain that does not improve or even worsens, which may indicate soft tissue injuries.
- Head injuries of any type, including those that could result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Symptoms may include headaches, changes in mental health, or decreased focus.
- Back or shoulder pain, which may be from injuries to ligaments, spinal cord injuries, or sprains.
Always seek medical attention after an auto accident. After your initial medical visit if you experience ongoing discomfort or intensifying pain, seek medical treatment again. A medical professional will be able to check for common concerns, including:
- Herniated discs
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries, including those related to internal organs
- Pinched nerve pain
- Abdominal pain due to soft tissue injury
It is important to seek medical care for any pain after a collision. Even the most common car accident injuries can be difficult to diagnose right after the accident.
Why Does It Take a While for Injury Symptoms to Appear?
Injury symptoms are not always immediately noticeable. After a car accident, your body instantly goes into action to preserve life. Adrenaline minimizes the sensation of pain so that you can seek help or get out of the way. Shock can also mask many injuries, including soft tissue damage, spinal injury, and organ damage.
As your hormones settle, injury symptoms become more apparent. Common symptoms include the increasing pain and even the development of chronic pain. Long-term damage may happen if you do not seek immediate medical attention.
Why is Seeking Medical Care So Important After an Auto Accident?
Seeking immediate medical care is essential for several reasons:
- Medical care may minimize long-term damage.
- It may protect your mental health and emotional well-being. Getting immediate help may offset the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder or other complications.
- Immediate care establishes what injuries you have from the accident and creates medical documentation that can be used to support your case.
How Can I Get My Medical Bills Paid For After a Crash?
After seeking medical care, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions, including attending all appointments, and undergoing needed physical therapy.
Your health insurance may initially cover your medical expenses. Over time your law firm will help you build a claim that holds the at-fault party responsible for your losses.
What Should You Avoid Doing After a Car Accident?
Follow these recommendations from your personal injury lawyers:
- Do not admit to fault.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Get the follow-up care recommended to you.
- Avoid signing any documents from insurance companies.
- Speak to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Are There Any Legal Obligations I Need to Fulfill After an Accident
There are steps you must take after a car accident, including:
- Stop at the scene.
- Exchange contact information and insurance information with the other party.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
Should I Consult an Attorney After My Car Accident?
Yes. Car accident attorneys will help you in numerous ways, including:
- Assisting in the legal processes.
- Handling insurance company claims and negotiations.
- Offering guidance on the insurance claim process.
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters.
Why Work With Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston
Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston bring experience to every case. With over 90 years of combined legal service, we can confidently help you navigate your car accident.
Testimonials
“I thought I had a reasonable idea how to approach my case but I found out I really didn’t know anything about how my lawsuit works. Mike and Sadie led me through this process and were very concerned not to settle too soon to make sure that my injuries were taken care of. They were very knowledgeable about the opposing side and gave me good counsel about how this will play out. They were able to get me a very fair settlement. I highly recommend them to anyone who has been injured.” – Ray M.
“I recently needed the services of Joyce & MacDonald. The level of expertise was superior. They went above & beyond and kept me informed every step of the way. The outcome of my claim was more than expected and I would highly recommend Michael Haynes & the firm of Joyce & MacDonald.” – Cheryl L.
“As a long standing client of this legal firm, I can attest to their high level of commitment to their clients. I’ve always received excellent results with very professional communication and respect. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and confident attorney they can trust to help in their time of need.” – Amanda S.
Need Support With Your Car Accident Claim?
Contact Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston now to request a free case evaluation. Let our personal injury lawyers help you navigate these complicated cases. Call 406-723-8700 now or fill out our contact form online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Montana follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver determined to be at fault for the accident is responsible for compensating the other party for damages and injuries. If you are less than 51 percent at fault, you can still file a claim against the other driver. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your fault percentage.
In Montana, drivers must carry minimum liability insurance, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident. While these are the legal minimums, it is advisable to purchase additional coverage, including first party coverage.
In Montana, you typically have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.
After a car accident in Montana, you may be eligible for various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
While there is no fixed formula, an experienced attorney can help to maximize your pain and suffering compensation based on the severity of your injuries, impact on daily life, and emotional distress.
