Montana Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in Motor Vehicle Accident, you need a Personal Injury attorney dedicated to your case. The experienced Motor Vehicle Accident lawyers at Jones & Cook have a proven record of helping Personal Injury victims get maximum compensation. We are here to take your case, fight for your rights, and help you get the justice you deserve. If you or a loved one needs a Motor Vehicle Accident attorney in Montana, please contact Jones & Cook Attorneys at Law by calling (406) 543-3800 today to be put in touch with a lawyer and schedule your Free Consultation.

At Jones & Cook Attorneys at Law, we accept Personal Injury cases involving Distracted Driving, Trucking Collisions, Motorcycle Accidents, and Drunk Driving. No matter what type of vehicle was involved when your accident occurred, the Motor Vehicle Accident lawyers at Jones & Cook can help you get the compensation you need to make the best recovery possible. Our lawyers work with a network of experts to thoroughly investigate Motor Vehicle Accidents and identify all contributing factors. We use this information to build solid, evidence-based cases that greatly improves the likelihood of a successful outcome. It is important to remember that without an experienced Montana Personal Injury attorney on your side, you are at the mercy of insurance companies who are often more concerned with profits than helping victims of injury. Our legal team will help protect you against the predatory tactics of these companies and are much more likely to receive the full compensation you deserve.

To schedule a Free Consultation with one of our Motor Vehicle Accident attorneys, please contact us today. We maintain an office in Missoula and serve Personal Injury clients throughout Montana and North Dakota, better enabling us to fight tirelessly for the rights of Personal Injury victims. Call Jones & Cook Attorneys at Law at (406) 543-3800, as soon as possible..

Compensation After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Motor Vehicle Accidents

A Motor Vehicle Accident can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision, you may be unsure of what to do next. The Missoula Car Accident and Trucking Collision lawyers at Jones & Cook can help you navigate the legal issues while you focus on your recovery.

Whether it involves Drunk or Distracted Driving, or Motorcycles our legal system offers important ways to hold reckless drivers responsible for their actions. Jones & Cook Attorneys at Law offers clients extensive experience in the complex world of Motor Vehicle Accident law, whether you are a victim of Drunk Driving or have suffered because of a driver’s negligence.

At Jones & Cook Attorneys at Law, we have experience handling a wide variety of Motor Vehicle Accidents. We have the knowledge and resources available to fight for your rights to compensation after you’ve been injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident, including the following:

Car Accidents

In too many Personal Injury cases, Car Accidents are not actually accidents at all, but rather the results of negligent, reckless acts by careless people. At Jones & Cook Attorneys at Law, our Missoula Car Accident lawyers believe these drivers need to be held accountable and that their victims deserve full and fair compensation for their injuries.

Montana Car Accident Laws

Montana Code section 27-2-204 sets the statute of limitations that will apply to almost all lawsuits over car accident injuries. This law gives you three years to ask Montana’s civil courts for a remedy for any kind of Personal Injury caused by someone else. The same deadline also applies to a Wrongful Death claim that brought about if someone is killed as a result of the Car Accident.

For any damage to a vehicle or other property as a result of a Car Accident, Montana Code section 27-2-207 states that any lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the crash. It is important to understand and abide by the statute of limitations as it applies to your situation. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations deadline has already passed, the court will likely be asked to dismiss the case, and they are very likely to agree that a dismissal. Even if you are confident that your case will be resolved through the car insurance claim process, you will want to leave yourself plenty of time to file a lawsuit in case you need to.

Montana Uniform Accident Reporting Act

According to Montana’s Uniform Accident Reporting Act, if a driver knows, or reasonably should know, that they have been involved in any of the following types of accidents, the crash must be reported:

An accident causing property damage to an apparent extent of $1,000 or more.
An accident in which the vehicle strikes the body of a deceased person
An accident resulting in injury to or death of any person

The driver must report the accident to the local police department if the accident occurred within a municipality. If the accident did not occur within a municipality, the driver must report the accident to the office of the county sheriff or to the nearest office of the Montana Highway Patrol. You must also file a written accident report with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division within 10 days after any crash in which:

damage to property in excess of $1,000 is sustained
A person is killed or injured

Help for Car Crash Victims in Montana

At Jones & Cook, our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with motor vehicle claims in Montana. We have the legal knowledge and trial skills that will enable you to recover compensation for your losses. If you or a loved one has been injured, you may be confused about what steps to take next. We will help you understand the law and what kind of claim may benefit you most.

Jones & Cook Attorneys at Law is dedicated to working for our clients. We will handle the legal issues while you recover from injuries and other losses. Call us today at (406) 543-3800 to schedule a Free Consultation.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is described as operating a motor vehicle while engaging in any activity that takes one’s attention from driving. Any type of distraction can significantly impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, with a considerably increased risk of causing or being involved in a collision. These distractions can fall into three primary categories:

Visual Attention

Turning to look at a passenger, reading a map or in-vehicle navigation system, looking down at a phone or looking in a mirror to apply makeup are all examples of distractions that would affect visual attention. A mere moment or matter of seconds is all it takes for a driver to miss an obstacle in the road, drift from a lane or fail to notice a change in traffic, causing a crash.

Mental Attention

Many different activities may affect a driver’s mental attention, such as texting, talking to a passenger, driving with too little sleep or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Judgment and reaction time will be affected if mental attention is decreased.

Manual Attention

If a person takes one or both hands from the wheel while driving, he or she will be unable to respond quickly in the event of a road hazard or other emergency. A driver may lose control of the vehicle with insufficient time to react or may drift from the road or lane. Texting, using a cellphone, eating, lighting a cigarette and personal grooming are examples of distractions that affect manual attention.

We Hold Montana Distracted Drivers Accountable

Distracted Driving poses severe dangers, accidents, and serious injuries which can easily lead to a lawsuit. When an injury accident occurs, law enforcement has the authority to procure cell phone records from the time of the crash. If it is determined that the at-fault driver was using a cell phone at the time of the accident, that information could be used to prove negligence in a subsequent lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a Car Accident caused by Distracted Driving, including, texting while driving, call our Missoula Motor Vehicle Accident attorneys as soon as possible. At Jones & Cook, our team of highly-skilled Personal Injury attorneys are available to discuss your potential claim. Call (406) 543-3800 to schedule your Free Consultation.

Drunk Driving

In Montana, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving a motor vehicle carries very steep fines and penalties for anyone who is convicted of a DUI or driving with 0.08 percent of alcohol in their systems. A driver is in violation of Montana law when they are driving or in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a combination of the two, or has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent. If the driver has prior convictions for the same offense, they will receive even higher penalties, including a long driver’s license suspension and jail sentence. If a driver commits four DUIs within a a ten-year period, it is considered a felony and the offender could face a prison sentence.

Montana DUI Fines and Fees

The state of Montana will impose a hefty fine on all DUI violations. A first-time violator can expect a minimum $600 fine upon conviction, this doe not including court costs and other fees. A second conviction will carry a $1,200 fine. If you are guilty of driving under the influence a third time, the fine rises to $2,500.

Severe Injuries Caused by DUI Accidents

Drunk driving accidents can cause serious, life-threatening injuries for all parties involved. Victims of a DUI accident may suffer injuries that can cause permanent damage, including:

Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord injuries
Nerve damage
Paralysis
Serious Burns
Amputation
Death

Injuries sustained from a Drunk Driving accident can have long-term consequences for you and your family. You may not be able to work, resulting in lost income. These Catastrophic Injuries will require multiple medical treatments with expensive rehabilitation and therapy. The Missoula law firm of Jones & Cook can help you file a Personal Injury claim can secure damages to help you recoup these costs.

If you have lost a loved one due to a Drunk Driving accident, our attorneys can file a Wrongful Death claim seeking damages, providing your family compensation for the loss of your loved one. If you or a loved has been the victim of a drunk driver’s negligence, contact the Montana law firm of Jones & Cook at (406) 543-3800, to schedule a Free Consultation.

Motorcycle Accidents

No matter how safe riders are on their motorcycles, there are still many factors that can lead to accidents, such as:

Inattentive Drivers

The low profiles of motorcycles compared to cars and trucks makes them more difficult for many drivers to see—especially those who aren’t paying close attention to their surroundings. Thousands of Motorcycle Accidents are caused by Montana drivers who turn in front of the path of
a motorcycle because they don’t see them.

Road Hazards

Montana State and local government is responsible for keeping roadways in good condition and free from hazards, like potholes and loose asphalt or gravel, which can be dangerous for riders.

Poor Communication

Riders often travel together in groups, but these groups must practice good communication to prevent riders from colliding or moving into other riders’ lanes of travel.

Montana Motorcycle Helmet Laws

In Montana, anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. This law applies to both operators and passengers. The helmet must meet the requirements that are set by the Montana Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation.

If you are caught riding a motorcycle without a helmet, you could receive a traffic citation. If you are involved in a Motorcycle Accident when you are not wearing a helmet and are under the age of 18, it could be difficult to file a Personal Injury claim. In some cases, even if you are over the age of 18, not wearing a helmet could be used against you.

Motorcycle Accident Liability

To be awarded damages after a Motorcycle Accident, you must show who is liable. There could be a single party responsible or there may be multiple parties. As with most other types of Personal Injury claims, determining liability in a Motorcycle Accident is based on negligence. You must prove that the defendant behaved irresponsibly or negligently in a way that caused the accident.

If you are involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Montana, it is important you remain calm and call 911. Even if you do not feel that you have sustained a serious injury, it is important to have a police report of the incident. Do not leave the scene before the police arrive and do your best to make sure the other people involved wait as well. Get the contact and insurance information from anyone who was involved in the accident. Write down information about the vehicles involved, including the makes, models, and license plates. If there were any witnesses, collect their contact information. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, the damaged vehicles, and anything else that could be relevant. It can also help to have pictures of any injuries that you sustained so that you have proof of how severe your injury was immediately after the accident. If you receive medical attention or see a doctor, keep any documents or bills from your medical visits.

Missoula Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a Montana motorcycle accident and believe it was caused by another person’s negligence, you deserve compensation. At Jones & Cook Attorneys at Law, our Personal Injury attorneys have a proven track record taking on Motor Vehicle Accident cases. Call our Missoula office at (406) 543-3800 to set up your Free Consultation.

Trucking Collisions

Commercial truck and tractor trailer accidents can be far more devastating and complicated than a typical Car Accident. Litigation for accidents involving a tractor trailer require a thorough investigation, expert witnesses, and the use of discovery procedures after the suit is filed. Prompt investigation of the accident scene is crucial because the trucking company will have its own investigators on scene.

At Jones & Cook, our investigators will visit the accident scene and take photographs of physical evidence, document eyewitness accounts, skid marks, accident debris, as well as oil, gas, and radiator fluid stains at the wreck scene. Our legal team will also obtain police reports, motor carrier records, witness statements, photographs, and safety logs.

Trucking Accident Causes

The size, weight and momentum of a moving eighteen wheeler makes trucking accidents nearly always catastrophic, resulting in serious Personal Injury or death. An important part of any Personal Injury case is determining who is at fault for the cause of the accident. Common causes of Truck Accidents include:

Dangerous weather conditions
Defective equipment
Defective roadways
Driver fatigue
Excessive speed
Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks
Intoxication
Lack of driver training and experience
Negligent drivers of other vehicles
Poorly maintained truck
Unreasonable schedules

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Truck Accident in Montana, Jones & Cook can help. We have an office in Missoula and have helped countless Truck Accident victims recover the monetary compensation they deserve. Please contact our office today to schedule your Free Consultation by calling (406) 543-3800.

Compensation After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Regardless of the type of Motor Vehicle Accident occurred, the Auto Accident lawyers at Jones & Cook can help you get the compensation you need to make the best recovery possible. Our lawyers work with a network of experts to thoroughly investigate Motor Vehicle Accident and identify all contributing factors. We use this information to build solid, evidence-based cases that greatly improve the likelihood of a successful outcome. It is important to remember that without an auto accident attorney on your side, you are at the mercy of insurance companies who are often more concerned with profits than helping victims of injury. With our legal team on your side, you will be protected against the predatory tactics of these companies and are much more likely to receive the full compensation you deserve. Call our Missoula, Montana office today at (406) 543-3800 to schedule a Free Consultation.

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(406) 543-3800
416 EAST PINE STREET MISSOULA, MT 59802
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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a car accident?

Immediately after a car accident, you should call 911 if anyone is in need of immediate medical attention and to make sure anyone involved is okay. You should get to the side of the road and out of traffic, if possible. While you are waiting for the police to arrive at the scene, you should take pictures of the accident to document what occurred, as well as the contact information of everyone involved and any witnesses because your claim’s success will rely heavily on evidence.

Who pays for my car accident medical bills and lost income?

The at-fault party will pay damages once your lawsuit and trial have been resolved. However, they are not required to pay your medical bills and lost income on a constant basis.

Do I need a lawyer to pursue a car accident claim?

Pursuing a car accident claim can be complex and confusing. While you are recovering from your injuries and the trauma of an accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about navigating the legal process alone. Having an experienced car accident attorney can let you take care of yourself and recover while we handle the legal side of things. Additionally, insurance companies are known to give lowball offers to their clients. Our car accident lawyers know how to navigate these offers and can negotiate with the insurance company for you.

How do I get my car or truck repaired?

The at-fault driver is legally responsible for repairing or replacing your vehicle. Insurance companies may try to get you to take your car or truck to one of their “preferred shops.” You’re not obligated to use one of these shops. You can have your car repaired at a shop of your own choice. If your vehicle can’t be repaired, the insurance company owes you the value of a similar vehicle in like condition in the area in which you live. This is important because some insurers offer to pay based on sale prices in faraway cities, hoping you won’t know any better. If you have collision insurance, your own insurance company has to pay for the repairs to your vehicle less your deductible.

Can I recover compensation even if the liable party has no insurance?

If you are in an accident and the at-fault driver has no insurance or very minimal coverage, you can still recover compensation if you have uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured coverage will pay for your bills and expenses in the event that the at-fault driver has no coverage at all. On the other hand, if the at-fault driver has insurance, but has extremely low liability limits, your underinsured insurance will cover what the at-fault driver’s insurance company cannot.

Can I collect injury compensation beyond the insurance policy limits?

If you seek to collect compensation beyond the insurance policy limits, there are multiple routes you can go such as taking your lawsuit against different defendants, receiving compensation under an umbrella insurance policy, or collecting from the defendant. Suing different defendants is common in product liability cases where multiple parties such as the manufacturer, distributor, and store selling the product can be held negligible.

Can I sue a trucking company for an accident caused by their driver?

Liability for trucking accidents can be complex and confusing. In most trucking accidents, there are multiple parties that can be held responsible for your accident. These include the trucking company, the truck driver, and any other third-party that could have impacted your accident, such as the manufacturer of the truck and its parts. When it comes to trucking claims, establishing liability is necessary in order to receive the compensation you deserve. That is why you should hire experienced Montana truck accident attorney Bradley J. Jones, who knows how to investigate the accident and hold the negligible parties accountable.

Can I Collect Worker's Compensation for My Personal Injury?

Yes. However, if you later receive a settlement from another party, worker’s compensation may be able to come back to you for any payments that were made by them on your behalf.

What is negligence?

Negligence, sometimes also called negligent behavior, is most commonly defined as any sort of act carried out without a reasonable amount of care and attention. Negligence can result in injury or bodily harm to other people. When this happens, the victim of the negligent behavior has legal cause to claim compensation for damages.