Auto Accident Injury in Great Falls, MT
The shock and the paperwork can overwhelm anyone after an auto accident in Great Falls. It’s a scenario no one anticipates, yet it unfolds daily on our roads.
Taking action by consulting with a local attorney can dramatically change your journey. It’s about more than just legal representation; it’s about empowering yourself. By the end of this guide, you’ll be better prepared to decide if hiring a lawyer is the right step for you.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Great Falls, Montana
In recent years, Montana has experienced a notable rate of fatal car accidents. Specifically, the state reported a death rate of 19.6 per 100,000 people due to these incidents. This statistic underscores the importance of road safety and vigilance in Great Falls.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries you may not know.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
Securing a police report is crucial for all parties involved in an accident in Great Falls. First, confirm whether the Great Falls Police Department responded to the accident scene. You may have dealt with the Montana Highway Patrol.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
In 2020, the National Safety Council reported an average of $101,000 for accidents with disabling injuries. However, costs vary based on injury severity in Great Falls.
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in Montana
Liability Laws for Great Falls
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
In Great Falls, auto accidents operate under the “fault” system. The responsible driver bears the financial responsibility for resulting damages, covering property and personal injuries. Furthermore, Montana follows a comparative negligence. This doctrine allows recovery of damages to change based on a percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations in Great Falls
Each state has its tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while others may give you up to six years.
In Great Falls, you have a three-year window to file a lawsuit.
This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Great Falls, MT
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Montana state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to contact an attorney in your area!
