Rush hours and road rage have become the inevitable parts of our everyday lives. Even if you’re not a driver, as a pedestrian, you still get to experience the craziness of the traffic. Unfortunately, car accidents have become a reality across the United States and no country is an exception.
Montana, with its wide landscapes and challenging road conditions, is yet another state that faces numerous driving challenges. Car accidents are frequent and there are even specific legal regulations surrounding this topic.
As the number of accidents increases, itćs important to also be aware of what to do in case it happens to you or someone you know as well. Like we mentioned, Montana does have some specific regulations you should be aware of.
In the below paragraphs, we’ll discuss why car accidents happen and how to face them so you make sure you take advantage of all the resources Montana has at its disposal.
Keep reading to learn more as you never know when such information might come in handy.
Why are car accidents a problem in Montana?
Before we give you some actionable tips, let’s first take a look at what makes the state of Montana susceptible to traffic accidents.
For instance, this year, over a course of 6 months, there were more than a 100 fatalities caused by car accidents, most of which took place due to drivers being under the influence.
Geographic and climatic challenges
Known as “Big Sky Country,” Montana is known for its scenic highways and open plains. While beautiful, these landscapes often pose risks for drivers. The state’s extensive rural areas mean that emergency response times can be delayed, and remote roads may not be well-maintained.
Additionally, Montana experiences harsh winters, with snow and ice contributing to hazardous driving conditions.
High fatality rates
Montana has consistently ranked among the states with higher-than-average car accident fatality rates. According to recent statistics, the state’s fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled is one of the highest in the nation.
Tourism and increased traffic
The state is also a popular tourist destination and that also adds to its traffic challenges. During peak seasons, the high number of visitors who are not familiar with local roads increases the likelihood of accidents.
How Montana handles car accidents legally
This US state has a very specific framework for dealing with car accidents. There are several legal regulations you should be aware of in order to be able to survive the aftermath of a car accident unharmed.
As some of the regulations can be a bit hard to understand, especially some of the legal jargon, it’s advisable to consult a Montana car accident attorney. With an attorney, you’ll find it easier to deal with the insurance company and legal assistance will help speed up the process.
Fault-based system
The first important thing to know is that Montana operates under a fault-based system, meaning that the driver who is responsible for the accident is liable for any resulting damages.
This includes property damage, medical expenses, and other losses. Fault is typically determined through police reports, witness statements, and other evidence gathered at the scene.
Montana law allows for comparative negligence, meaning a victim’s compensation can be reduced if they are found partially at fault for the accident.
Insurance requirements
Montana requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage amounts:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 for property damage
If you’re not sure whether you meet these requirements, make sure to check with your insurance company.
While these minimums are intended to provide basic protection, they may not cover all expenses in a severe accident, so make sure to check this with your attorney.
Statute of limitations
Victims of car accidents in Montana need to be aware of the statute of limitations, which is three years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims.
For property damage, the statute of limitations is two years. Failing to file a claim within these timeframes can result in losing the right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s best to take swift action and not waste a minute filing an official claim.
Reporting requirements
Another useful thing to remember is that the law mandates that drivers report accidents to law enforcement if they result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Additionally, drivers are required to provide their name, address, and insurance information to other parties involved and assist injured individuals by seeking medical help or notifying emergency services.
This means that you can’t simply resolve the car accident by making a deal with the other driver. Instead, if your car accident does involve injuries or expensive property damage, it needs to be reported.
What victims are required to do
As a victim, you also have certain responsibilities. There are several things you need to take care of to be able to reach a successful settlement.
If you fail to go through all the required steps, you risk the insurance company using that against you in the settlement process.
Seek medical attention
The first priority after an accident is addressing any injuries and that means your injuries but also injuries of any other parties involved. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Medical records serve as crucial evidence in personal injury claims and help establish a clear link between the accident and the injuries sustained.
Document the accident
As a car accident victim, you should collect as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. This includes taking photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gathering contact information from witnesses and noting the time, date, and location of the accident can also strengthen a claim.
Notify insurance companies
Montana law requires that accidents be reported to the victim’s insurance company promptly, as mentioned above. Victims should provide accurate information but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
Anything you say can be used by the insurance company against you.
The bottom line
Hopefully, you’re now better informed about the intricacies surrounding car accidents in Montana. As said, the state is prone to a high number of car accident fatalities due to its geographic location and weather conditions.
Understanding the legal framework will definitely help you a lot,especially if you get some legal assistance on the side. The main thing to remember is that acting promptly is of the essence.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help and make sure to take all the necessary steps should you ever find yourself in an accident.
