Frequently Answered Questions

Should I hire an attorney?

Insurance companies are not concerned with ensuring you receive fair treatment and compensation, or whether your rights are protected. While some claims involving minor scrapes and bruises may be handled without hiring an attorney, an experienced attorney can make a significant impact in most claims, such as:

• Increased Claim Value – when you have an experienced attorney on your side, insurance companies take your claim more seriously and tend to pay more compensation to avoid the risk and costs of litigation. An experienced attorney also knows which evidence to gather and provide to the insurance companies to ensure you are receiving maximum compensation.
• Decreased Stress – an experienced attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company so you can focus on what’s most important: your treatment and recovery. An experienced attorney will also ensure you receive any advance payments (payments made before any settlement agreement is reached) that may be available to help alleviate any financial burden you may be facing while you are treating or out of work.
• Leveling the playing field – The insurance companies have attorneys working for them to help minimize your claim value. An experienced attorney can help ensure you are treated fairly and receive maximum compensation for your damages.
• More money in your pocket – A common misconception is that attorneys end up with more money than the client. That is false. In reality, those who retain an experienced attorney end up with more money in their pockets, even after paying the attorney’s contingency fee, than they would have had if they handled their own claim (see further info about attorney fees below). If we believe you will have a better result handling your claim without an attorney, we will tell you that during your consultation and provide guidance to get the best result you can.

What does it cost to hire an attorney?

Our attorneys work for you on a “contingency-fee” basis. That means we only get paid a percentage of whatever we recover for you and you pay nothing out of pocket. By charging our clients on a contingency-fee basis, we can ensure that everyone has access to an attorney without the fear of breaking the bank.

Should I handle my insurance claim on my own?

While it may make sense in some circumstances to handle your own claim, it is always best to consult with an attorney first. Our firm offers free consultations, and we are happy to discuss your options with you, free of charge, so you can make your own informed decision.

When is the best time to consult with an attorney?

It is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible and before you speak with an insurance company. Filing a claim with an insurance company or giving them a recorded statement without consulting with an attorney can greatly impact your chances of receiving fair compensation.

What if I have already contacted the insurance company?

That’s okay, we can still help. While your contact with the insurance company at an early stage can affect your claim, contacting an attorney sooner rather than later can mitigate that risk and get your claim on the right track. When you hire our firm, we will immediately write to the insurance company ensuring that they direct all further communications through our office so you can focus on your treatment and recovery.

Who should pay my medical bills?

Montana and many other states only require drivers to have $25,000.00 in liability insurance. Some states have even smaller minimum insurance limits. Oftentimes, health care providers begin billing the negligent party’s liability insurance. Depending on how much coverage is available, that can quickly eat up any liability insurance, leaving you with nothing in the end. It often makes sense to have your treating providers bill your private health insurance until you know if there are sufficient liability limits. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help you decide the best path forward and can evaluate any liens asserted by your private health insurance or other entity to determine if they are entitled to be reimbursed and, if so, for what amounts.

Why should I hire Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston?

Our attorneys have over 90 years of combined experience representing victims and fighting the powerful forces working hard to minimize their ability to be fairly compensated. Our experienced attorneys level the playing field, protect your rights, and hold powerful insurance companies accountable.

But we are more than just experienced attorneys — we are your neighbors. Our firm is rooted in the Montana community, and we are deeply invested in the well-being of the people we serve. When you hire us, you are not just a case number. We take the time to understand your unique situation, guide you through every step of the process, and fight hard to get you the result you deserve.

Our track record speaks for itself. We have helped countless clients across Montana recover the compensation they were owed — compensation that insurance companies tried to deny or minimize. We don’t back down, and we don’t settle for less than what our clients deserve.

And through it all, we make the process as stress-free as possible for you. We handle the insurance companies, the paperwork, and the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most: your health, your family, and your recovery. When you hire Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston, you gain a team that is in your corner every step of the way.