Montana Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents can be fatal and damaging when severe. In the rural, non-congested setting of Montana, car accidents might seem uncommon, but they occur more often than you would think. Surprisingly, the number of cars in Montana outnumbers the population by almost one million.
If you’re ever involved in a car accident, you may face serious injuries, loss of income, long-term financial problems, disability, and even death. Receiving compensation may be necessary to adjust to the financial, psychological, and physical burdens you and your loved ones will face.
At Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, we are determined to get you what you need. Our positive reputation is based on our numerous satisfied clients. Call Beck, Amsden & Stalpes today for your free consultation. Our Montana car accident attorneys will fight for you.
What to Do Following A Car Accident in Montana
Car accidents can be frightening, dangerous, and costly. Immediately following an accident, you might feel a sense of shock or dismay. However, the success of your claim actually starts with what you do immediately following an accident. Below are some steps our Montana car accident attorneys recommend taking immediately following a car accident:
Gather evidence
Take photos of the accident. Collect the other party’s plate number, phone number, and full name. If there is CCTV footage of the accident or witnesses around, try to get that information. In case of a dispute, the third-party account can be imperative to corroborate your story
Report the incident
Call an officer so you can get an official police report. If you were unable to get a report on-site, you can file for a police report. In some instances, you are required by law to file a police report. These instances include if a person was injured/killed or if the damage to the property exceeds $1,000 and was sustained within 10 days after the accident.
Seek a medical professional
Get an official medical evaluation for any bodily damage such as broken bones, head trauma, or internal bleeding. A medical visit will not only assure you that you have not sustained serious injuries, but it can also be an important piece of evidence when proving damages in your case.
Consider filing an insurance claim
Filing an insurance claim will constitute a third-party claim against the other party’s insurance company to cover your damages. The benefit of filing a claim is that in theory, your insurance provider should act on your behalf. However, you should make sure to have your facts straight, as the insurers might ask you to make an official statement.
What Does Hiring An Attorney Do For You?
The steps stated above can be overwhelming especially when you’re dealing with the stress of your accident. When insurance companies are not cooperating, hiring an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. The benefits of an attorney include:
- Compiling necessary documentation – Your attorney will build your case by gathering all needed documents to evaluate your claim and submit them to court if requested. Such documents include medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. This initial assessment will determine the merits of your claim and what is a viable strategy to get the compensation you are seeking.
- Negotiate with the other party’s insurance company – Sometimes, insurance companies will refuse to take ownership of fault over a claim. More often, insurance companies tend to argue certain incidents do not fall under the insurance policy. Having a skilled lawyer can be vital to navigating these crucial conversations.
- Prepare your case for trial – If the other party refuses to settle, an attorney will make sure you are prepped and ready for trial. The seriousness of the court can be daunting, no matter what the circumstance.
In Montana in particular, the standard of personal injury claims in car accidents is known as comparative negligence. What this means is that even if the other side presents arguments to claim that you were partially responsible, you will still be able to recover if your Montana personal injury lawyer can successfully argue that your negligence was less than the negligence of the other party.
Contact our Montana Car Accident Attorneys to Fight For You
A car accident injury can be devastating to your and your loved ones. Hiring a trusted Montana car accident lawyer will make sure there is an advocate for your position every step of the way. At Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, we will fight to get you the compensation and justice you are seeking. Contact our Montana car accident lawyers today for your free consultation.