When faced with the serious aftermath of a truck accident in Montana, having an experienced legal team on your side is necessary. At Wall, McLean & Gallagher, we focus on thoroughly investigating truck crashes, navigating the complex web of state and federal trucking regulations, and fiercely protecting your rights against powerful insurance companies. Our dedicated truck accident attorneys understand the unique challenges these cases present and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and begin the path toward recovery.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents
Truck accidents in Montana are a serious concern because of the unique challenges they present compared to typical car crashes. Due to their large size and weight, trucks can cause far more severe damage and devastating injuries in a collision. Montana’s vast rural highways and mountainous terrain add additional risks, making truck accidents particularly dangerous for everyone on the road.
The Role of State and Federal Trucking Regulations
Truck accident claims in Montana are often complicated by state and federal trucking regulations, including strict rules on driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo handling. These laws are designed to improve safety, but also mean insurance companies and trucking firms have specialized legal teams ready to minimize liability.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in MT.
Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, and understanding what led to the crash is vital for building a strong claim. Factors like driver actions, vehicle condition, and cargo can all play a role. When an accident happens, critical evidence can quickly disappear or be altered, which is why having someone on your side to investigate promptly is so important. An early investigation helps secure details that prove liability and protect your rights against insurance companies and trucking firms.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding or Reckless Driving
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
- Poor Truck Maintenance
- Impaired Driving
Identifying the exact cause can affect who is held responsible and shape the outcome of your claim. That’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney act quickly to gather and preserve evidence is crucial after a truck accident.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents come in many different forms, and each type can affect your claim in unique ways. The size and weight of commercial trucks make these accidents especially dangerous, often leading to severe injuries and significant property damage. Understanding the different types of truck accidents can help you better navigate the legal process and know what to expect when pursuing compensation.
Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
- Jackknife Accidents: When the truck’s trailer folds sharply against the cab, often caused by sudden braking.
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks tipping over due to high center of gravity, sharp turns, or unstable loads.
- Rear-End Collisions: Trucks hitting vehicles from behind, usually at high speeds, leading to serious damage.
- Underride Accidents: Situations where a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often causing catastrophic injuries.
- Tire Blowouts and Mechanical Failures: Sudden tire failures or equipment problems causing loss of control.
Injuries Often Seen in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Montana are often far more devastating than typical car crashes, largely due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks. The force of impact can cause severe and life-altering injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long recovery times. This is what sets truck accidents apart: the level of damage and trauma experienced by victims is usually much greater and can have lasting consequences.
Common injuries from truck accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Internal Organ Damage
- Wrongful Death Cases
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Montana
Right after a trucking accident, it’s important to stay calm and know what to do next to protect your safety and your legal rights. The moments following a crash can be confusing and stressful, but following the right steps can make a big difference in your recovery and in building a strong claim. You may not realize the full extent of your injuries immediately, so getting evaluated by a medical professional is crucial even if you feel okay.
Here are some essential steps to take immediately after a trucking accident:
- Ensure your safety and move to a safe location if possible
- Call 911 to report the accident and get emergency services on-site
- Seek medical attention right away, even for minor symptoms
- Collect information from the truck driver, including name, insurance, and employer details
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident beyond basic facts
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney for legal advice and support
Following these steps helps protect your health and ensures you have the evidence and guidance needed to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable in a Montana Truck Accident?
Liability in a trucking accident can be complicated because multiple parties may share responsibility. It’s crucial to have a thorough investigation to uncover all factors that caused the crash and to identify every party that could be held accountable. This investigation ensures no responsible entity escapes liability and maximizes your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Several parties can be held liable in a truck accident, including:
- The Truck Driver: Negligence, like speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue, often places fault on the driver.
- The Trucking Company: Responsible for driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with regulations.
- The Truck Manufacturer: Liability can arise from defective parts or vehicle design flaws.
- Cargo Loaders: Improper loading or securing of cargo can cause instability or accidents.
- Third-Party Maintenance Providers: Responsible for any negligent vehicle repairs or upkeep.
State and federal trucking regulations also play a big role in these cases. These laws set strict standards for driver hours, vehicle safety, maintenance, and cargo loading. Violations of these regulations can prove negligence and bolster your claim, but they also add complexity to the legal process. At Wall, McLean & Gallagher, our attorneys understand these rules and how to use them to hold all liable parties accountable.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
After a truck accident, you deserve full compensation for the losses and hardships you face, especially when dealing with major trucking companies and their insurance providers. Truck accidents often result in significant injuries, expensive medical treatments, and property damage that can disrupt your life for months or even years. With an attorney by your side, you can ensure that you pursue all the compensation you are entitled to and hold those responsible accountable for the consequences of their negligence.
Compensation you may be able to pursue includes:
- Medical expenses, including future care
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
Maximizing your compensation is crucial to help you regain financial stability, cover your medical and daily living costs, and recover from the impact of the accident as fully as possible.
How Wall, McLean & Gallagher Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Montana, don’t wait to find a solution. The financial and physical challenges that follow these crashes can be overwhelming, especially when facing large trucking companies and their powerful insurance teams. Having skilled legal help on your side can make all the difference, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Montana Truck Accident Attorneys Today
At Wall, McLean & Gallagher, we are committed to standing up for Montana truck accident victims. We understand the complicated trucking laws and the tactics used by these companies to minimize payouts. If you were in a truck accident in Helena, Anaconda, or anywhere in Montana, contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.