When you are injured in a car accident, it can disrupt every aspect of your life.
A car accident can happen in an instant, but its effects can last a lifetime. One moment, you might be driving down a familiar Billings road like King Avenue West or Grand Avenue, and the next, you are trying to make sense of the chaotic situation left by the collision. The experience can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next.
The time after a crash is often filled with questions and worries. How will you pay for your medical bills? What happens if you cannot work? How do you deal with insurance companies? These concerns are valid. At Rimrock Law, we provide clear guidance and steadfast support to people who have been hurt in accidents.
Our dedicated Billings car accident lawyer is here to help you understand your rights and options, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Why Choose Rimrock Law for Your Billings Car Accident Claim
Choosing the right legal team to stand with you after a car accident is a significant decision. You need advocates who not only understand Montana law but also understand what you are going through. The team at Rimrock Law is committed to providing compassionate and effective representation to our neighbors in Billings and across Montana. We believe in a team approach, combining our knowledge and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
We are deeply rooted in the Montana community and are dedicated to helping its people. When you work with us, you are not just another case file. You are a member of our community who deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and keep you informed every step of the way. Our goal is to handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing.
Here are a few reasons why people in Billings trust Rimrock Law:
- Focused Experience: Our attorneys have handled hundreds of personal injury and car accident cases throughout Montana. We use this experience to navigate the complexities of your claim.
- A Commitment to You: We are dedicated to our clients. We fight to protect your rights and seek the full compensation you may be entitled to, never backing down from a challenge.
- Clear Communication: We cut through the legal jargon and speak to you in plain English, ensuring you always understand what is happening with your case and what to expect next.
Our entire team is here to support you through this difficult time. We are proud to serve the people of Billings, from the Yellowstone River to the Rimrocks, and we are ready to be your voice.
We have resolved dozens of car accident claims over the last two decades resulting in multi-million dollars in recovered damages.
Cases Resolved
- $500K recovered for an injured young woman stemming from an automobile accident that occurred just outside of Billings, Montana.
- Middle six-figure recovery for a passenger of a vehicle driven by a friend that was involved in an accident with a semi-trailer on I-90 in Western Montana.
- Near seven-figure recovery for an injured logging employee who was injured in an automobile accident while driving to work in Western Montana.
- Mid-six-figure recovery on behalf of an injured couple who were injured by a negligent driver in Western Montana.
While we can’t guarantee a value for your case, we will fight for full and fair compensation in your case. Contact us today to discuss your situation and options for financial recovery.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Billings, Montana, Car Accident?
After a car accident, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They might seem friendly and eager to help, often presenting a quick settlement offer. While it can be tempting to accept the money and move on, the first offer is rarely the best one. It is important to remember that the insurance company’s primary goal is to protect its own financial interests by paying out as little as possible.
Initial settlement offers are often calculated before the full extent of your injuries is known. Some injuries do not show symptoms for days or even weeks after a crash. If you accept an early offer, you give up your right to seek further compensation for that accident. This means if you later need surgery or long-term physical therapy, you will be responsible for those costs yourself. The first offer almost never accounts for future medical needs, lost earning capacity, or the full impact of your pain and suffering.
Before accepting any offer or signing any documents from an insurance company, it is wise to discuss your situation with a Billings car accident attorney. A lawyer can help you understand the true potential value of your claim by evaluating all your losses, including current and future medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages. We can handle communications with the insurance company for you, protecting you from pressure tactics and ensuring your rights are upheld.
Laws that Impact Car Accidents in Montana
Dealing with the legal system after a car crash can feel like trying to find your way through a maze. Montana has specific laws that directly affect your ability to recover compensation. Understanding these rules is a key part of building a successful claim. A car accident attorney can guide you through these legal standards, but having a basic knowledge can empower you.
Montana’s At-Fault Insurance System
Montana operates under an at-fault insurance system, sometimes called a tort system. In simple terms, this means the person who is legally responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying for the resulting damages. To receive compensation, you or your attorney must prove that the other driver was careless and that their carelessness caused your injuries. Under Montana law, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance to cover damages they may cause.
Montana’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
A "statute of limitations" is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Montana, the law sets a strict time limit on your right to take legal action after a car accident. According to the Montana Code Annotated 27-2-204, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you fail to file your claim within this three-year window, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation through the court system forever. While three years may seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time. It is crucial to contact an attorney well before the deadline approaches.
Montana’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Sometimes, the fault for an accident is not 100% clear. What happens if you are found to be partially responsible for the crash? Montana follows a legal rule known as “modified comparative negligence.” This rule, found in the Montana Code Annotated 27-1-702, allows you to recover damages as long as your share of the fault is not 51% or greater.
If you are found to be partially at fault, your final compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, your award would be reduced by $20,000, and you would receive $80,000.
This rule makes it very important to have a strong advocate who can protect you from being assigned an unfair amount of blame for the accident.
Experience
Over 80 years of law and resolving civil litigation cases across the nation.
Success
We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for clients.
Reputation
Matt Braukmann, James Dallner and Phill Lorenzo have been practicing law for a combined 80 years. Together and individually, they have built a reputation of trust, integrity, grit – everything you want in a civil litigation lawyer.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Prove Negligence in Car Accident Cases
The foundation of nearly every car accident claim is a legal concept called “negligence.” Negligence is a legal term for carelessness or a failure to act with reasonable caution, which results in harm to another person.
To have a successful personal injury claim in Billings, your attorney must prove that the other driver was negligent. This is not about simply saying the other person was wrong; it requires presenting evidence to establish four specific elements.
Our car accident attorneys work to prove these four key elements:
- Duty: The first step is to show that the other driver owed you a "duty of care." All drivers on Montana roads have a legal duty to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner to avoid harming others.
- Breach: Next, we must prove that the driver "breached" or violated that duty. This could involve actions like speeding, texting while driving, running a red light, or driving under the influence.
- Causation: We must then connect the driver's breach of duty directly to the accident and your injuries. In other words, we must show that the accident would not have happened and you would not have been hurt if not for the driver's careless actions.
- Damages: Finally, we must demonstrate that you suffered actual "damages," or losses, as a result of the accident. These damages include things like medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering.
To prove these elements, our legal team conducts a thorough investigation into the accident. We gather and analyze evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photos of the scene to build a clear and compelling case on your behalf.
Compensation Available to Car Accident Victims in Billings
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. This financial recovery is intended to help you pay for the costs associated with the crash and to compensate you for the ways the injury has impacted your life. While no amount of money can undo what happened, it can provide the financial stability needed to move forward.
In a Billings car accident claim, you may be able to seek compensation for two main types of damages.
The types of compensation that may be available include:
- Economic Damages: These are the tangible, out-of-pocket financial losses you have incurred because of the accident. They are straightforward to calculate and can include past and future medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, loss of future earning capacity if you are disabled, and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages are for the intangible, personal losses that do not have a specific price tag. They are meant to compensate you for the human cost of the injury, such as physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring or disfigurement.
Our team at Rimrock Law works diligently to identify all of your losses to ensure we are seeking the full and fair compensation you need to help you rebuild your life.
FAQ for Billings Car Accident Lawyer
Here are answers to some common questions we receive from people in situations like yours.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or did not have enough insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or their insurance policy is not enough to cover your damages, you may still have options. You may be able to file a claim under your own insurance policy if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is an optional coverage in Montana that we recommend for all drivers. An attorney can review your policy to see if this is a viable path for you.
Will I have to go to court to get compensation for my car accident?
Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. A settlement can often be reached more quickly and with less stress than a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to trial to fight for your compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a Billings car accident lawyer?
At Rimrock Law, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us any attorney fees upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery. This arrangement allows everyone to have access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
My car was totaled in the accident, but I still owe more on my auto loan than the car is worth. What can I do?
This is a difficult situation known as being “upside down” on your loan. The insurance company is only obligated to pay the actual cash value of your car at the time of the crash. If you have “gap insurance,” it may cover the difference between what the insurance pays and what you still owe. If not, you may still be responsible for the remaining loan balance. A car accident lawyer can explore all avenues for property damage recovery to ensure you receive the maximum possible amount for your vehicle.
Discuss Your Case with Our Experienced Billings Car Accident Lawyers
The road to recovery after a car accident can be long and challenging. At Rimrock Law, we are committed to being the advocates you can count on in a crisis. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an accident can take on you and your family. Our mission is to lift the legal weight off your shoulders so you can put your energy into healing. While we handle the fight for fair compensation, you can focus on getting your life back.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Billings or anywhere in Montana, let us help. We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your future.
Contact Billings personal injury attorneys at Rimrock Law today, call at (406) 606-1650 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.