In Montana, personal injury cases—including those arising from car accidents—typically rely on proving negligence. This means the injured party (the plaintiff) must show the jury that the defendant failed to act as a reasonably careful person would have under the same circumstances. To support this claim, the plaintiff might present evidence such as speeding, running a red light or stop sign, or making an unlawful turn. The plaintiff must also demonstrate that this careless conduct directly caused the crash and led to real, measurable harm.

Most car crashes occur because a driver acts carelessly or fails to use reasonable caution. Common examples include:

Violating traffic laws – Such as driving too fast, behaving recklessly, making unsafe lane changes, following too closely, or ignoring stop signs and traffic lights.

Driving under the influence – Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Driving while distracted – Paying attention to anything other than the road, whether it’s using a phone or tablet, adjusting the radio, eating or drinking, grooming, chatting with passengers, or looking at scenery.

Aggressive behavior behind the wheel – Cutting in and out of traffic, making incomplete stops, excessive lane switching, or tailgating.

Fatigued driving – Getting behind the wheel without adequate rest.

Unsafe driving in poor weather – Not adjusting for rain, snow, sleet, ice, or other adverse conditions.

At times, collisions arise from factors outside the driver’s control, including:

Vehicle failures – Defects or mechanical problems involving things like brakes, tires, or other components, or a lack of proper maintenance.

Hazardous road conditions – Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, debris, or missing/damaged road signs or signals.

Data shows that a wide range of car accidents occur throughout Montana, including:

• Rear-end crashes – Frequently caused by following too closely, driving aggressively, or not paying sufficient attention to surrounding traffic.
• Side-impact (T-bone) collisions – Often happen when a driver ignores a stop sign or red light, or fails to yield properly.
• Head-on impacts – Common in left-turn situations or when a fatigued driver drifts into oncoming traffic.
• Sideswipe incidents – Typically linked to unsafe lane changes or overly aggressive maneuvers.

After any accident—car crashes included—your top priority should be protecting your health. If you’re able to do so safely, remain where you are until emergency personnel arrive. Once they’re on the scene, rely on their judgment. They handle these situations every day and know what symptoms to look for and what treatment is appropriate. If they recommend transport to the hospital by ambulance, it’s wise to follow their advice.

If you’re able to walk away from the accident, you should still get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible, whether at an emergency room, urgent care clinic, or your regular doctor’s office.

During your medical evaluation, make sure to report all symptoms—not just the obvious ones like cuts, bruises, or fractures. Mention anything unusual, including neck or back stiffness, dizziness, balance issues, or other discomforts. Many injuries with long recovery times don’t appear immediately. Providing doctors with a full picture of what happened helps them identify hidden injuries early and take steps to minimize complications.

In Montana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury car accident lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident, but it's crucial to act quickly as insurance deadlines are much shorter, and exceptions exist for minors or wrongful death, so contacting a local lawyer is best to protect your rights. 

Under the law, you have a right to seek full and fair compensation for any injury or loss resulting from the accident, such as:

• Lost wages and income
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Any physical or mental pain and suffering resulting from the accident
• Any unreimbursed medical expenses
• Any property damage or loss

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially since most auto insurance companies employ skilled attorneys to limit the claims they pay. To ensure your rights are fully protected, it’s important to hire experienced legal counsel who can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, gathering all relevant facts and evidence.
• Assess your case and guide you on whether pursuing a settlement or going to trial is the best option.
• Identify the need for expert witnesses and prepare them to present strong, persuasive testimony to maximize your potential compensation.
• Handle all necessary paperwork and filings throughout the legal process.
• Represent your interests in every aspect of your case, including depositions, motion hearings, and trial proceedings.