Trusted Montana Auto Accident Attorneys
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An auto accident is a significant, often life-changing event, that can create much more than physical pain. It can be traumatic and lead to emotional and mental health complications. It may also be financially straining now and well into the future. Insurance companies are not always fair when it comes to paying medical bills after you’re injured in an auto accident. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to make the insurance claim process challenging to reduce the at-fault driver’s responsibility.
When you are facing financial, emotional, and physical injury, file a personal injury claim with the guidance of a well-qualified car accident attorney. Filing a claim is the first step in securing fair compensation, especially in the case of wrongful death or serious injuries. Our law firm will guide you through every part of your Montana car accident.
Types of Auto Accidents in Montana Our Firm Handles
Any time another person is responsible for your injuries because they caused the collision, you should contact a Montana car accident attorney. Some of the types of car accident cases our firm handles include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- T-bone collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Chain reaction crashes
- Distracted driving accidents
- Single vehicle accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
Establishing Fault in Montana Auto Accidents
Montana is an “at-fault” state. This means the person the court determines caused the accident is responsible for the injuries and damages of the other individuals.
Under Montana Code Section 27-1-702, the state is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that if you are found partially at fault for an accident, you can still seek compensation from the other party. However, the value of your claim will be lessened by the percentage of fault you have.
For example, if you are found by police or insurance companies to hold 10 percent of the blame in a car accident, the damages awarded to you are reduced by 10 percent.
Montana law allows you to recover damages for car accident injuries and other losses you have sustained.
Why Work With Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston
Qualified legal representation is critical in car and truck accidents in Montana. At Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston, we offer individualized attention to your unique needs. We are local attorneys, which means we can provide guidance and support right after your motor vehicle accident. We have built a strong, positive reputation in the community.
When you hire us as your auto accident lawyer, we will pursue a claim against the at-fault party to recover all damages allowable under the law. We are also experienced trial attorneys and will take your car accident claim to court if you are not receiving the compensation you deserve. Do not hesitate to meet with our firm to see how our car accident attorneys can help you.
Testimonials
“Michael W. Haynes represented me in the navigation of an insurance claim due to a car accident. Michael was very knowledgeable and proficient in his efforts, demonstrating a professional balance between diplomacy and assertiveness that was very effective. He was respectful and practiced transparency in his dealings with me, answering questions thoroughly and in a timely manner, so I felt “in the know” throughout the process, which lessened my anxiety considerably. Through his efforts my claim was settled successfully.” – Wanda J.
“I went to Joyce & MacDonald law firm when I had a personal injury and was lucky enough to meet and work with Mike Haynes and the competent staff there. Mike immediately put my mind at ease with his knowledge, kindness and thoughtfulness during my entire ordeal making it stress-free. He kept me updated throughout. Through his hard work and perseverance, my case was resolved in a timely manner with a favorable outcome. I would highly recommend Mike Haynes and the entire Joyce MacDonald Law Firm.” – Susan M.
“I highly recommend Joyce & MacDonald PLLP for your legal needs. They are trustworthy, understanding, professional and go above and beyond for their clients. I will continue to use Joyce & MacDonald PLLP with complete confidence in the future.” – Hannah F.
Let Us Focus on Your Claim While You Recover from Your Injuries
If you have injuries and losses brought on by the negligence of others, our car accident lawyers can provide you with a free consultation. This free case evaluation enables us to look at all details of your case to determine who could be responsible. Contact Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston now to learn more. Fill out our contact form now or call 406-723-8700 to request a free consultation with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
After an auto accident, take action to protect your health, mental well-being, and your case. Consider these tips:
- In most injury cases, going to the hospital for a complete medical evaluation can be critically important. Some injuries, including brain injuries, may not be apparent immediately.
- Avoid saying, “I’m sorry.” Even if you believe you are responsible, do not apologize. You do not know who caused the accident.
- Injury victims should document the incident and their losses during the accident. They should take photos and gather names and contact information.
These steps capture some of the most important information for injury victims throughout this legal process. Your next step is to seek legal advice from a car accident lawyer with a proven history of fighting for their clients.
Under Montana Code Section 27-2-204, injury victims have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit against those who caused their injury.
You will want to contact a car accident attorney to help pursue a fair settlement with the insurance company while the evidence is clear and available and within the statute of limitations.
The at-fault party has no legal responsibility to cover your losses beyond the three-year statute of limitations. For injury cases in Montana, contact the attorneys at Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston as soon as possible.
Personal injury law does not require you to have an attorney. Car accident victims may seek legal representation to minimize the risk of being mistreated. If you have property damage, medical bills, emotional trauma, or pain and suffering, choose an attorney with a track record of fighting for clients.
Under the law, you may receive full compensation for any losses another party causes in a motor vehicle accident. However, the burden of proof is on you. That means you must determine your losses and document their value based on available information. Some types of compensation you may be able to receive include:
- Medical treatment needed
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
In a wrongful death case, loved ones who are the next of kin to the victim may have the right to seek compensation for their suffering as well.
Remember that you must be able to prove all losses you have after a motor vehicle collision. To do that, our attorneys work to gather any available evidence that documents fault in the case and demonstrates your financial losses. This type of evidence may include:
- The police report
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Accident recreation specialist reports
- Vehicle crash analysis expert reports
The cause of a motor vehicle accident is an essential factor in determining who is at fault and who to seek compensation from. According to the Montana legal system, the at fault party is responsible for damages sustained as a result of the collision. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Fatigued driving
- Intoxicated driving
If you are in an accident with someone you believe caused the incident, document everything you remember from before, during, and after. That could be very important to share, especially when fatalities are involved.
