Every year, the highways of Missoula, Montana, see their share of devastating truck accidents. The victims—ordinary drivers and their families—are left to deal with injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty.
If you or a loved one has experienced the impact of such a crash, you're likely overwhelmed by questions. How will you cover the mounting medical bills? What if you can’t return to work?
We can provide the answers you need during this challenging time.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we understand how life-altering truck accidents can be. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries from a truck accident in Missoula, don’t hesitate—reach out to our experienced Missoula truck accident attorney today at (205) 957-4995 for your free, no-obligation consultation. Your path to justice starts with a single call.
Why Choose Our Missoula Truck Accident Lawyers
When selecting a legal team after a truck accident, you need a firm with a proven track record.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have secured over $1.5 billion in compensation for accident victims nationwide. Our success is built on a foundation of strategic litigation, an in-depth understanding of personal injury law, and unwavering dedication to our clients.
Local Knowledge
We understand the importance of having local knowledge when handling cases in Missoula.
Whether you're navigating an accident on I-90 or dealing with a collision on Reserve Street, our attorneys know the local roads and the courts.
What Sets Us Apart
We offer more than just legal representation—we provide our clients with personalized attention and 24/7 availability. We are known for our aggressive approach in negotiations and at trial, fighting hard to ensure our clients receive every dollar they are entitled to under the law.
Our commitment has earned us national recognition and numerous awards for excellence in personal injury litigation.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
After a truck accident in Missoula, one of the most pressing concerns is often, “How much compensation am I entitled to?”
While every case is unique, the damages you can recover generally fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Let’s break these down so you can better understand what might be available in your case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover your tangible financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and any future medical care you may require.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income you’ve lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to work.
- Property damage: The costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
An experienced attorney will gather all relevant documentation—such as bills, pay stubs, and repair estimates—to ensure we fully account for all your economic losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for the intangible effects of the accident:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: This covers the psychological impact of the accident, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD that may result from such a traumatic event.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, you may receive compensation for this loss.
In Montana, non-economic damages are not capped, meaning there’s no legal limit to how much you could receive in this category.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver or company acted with extreme negligence or recklessness—such as driving under the influence or knowingly ignoring safety regulations—the court may award punitive damages.
Unlike other damages, punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. According to Mont. Code Ann. § 27-1-220, courts will award punitive damages in rare cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious.
Where Do Truck Accidents Happen in Missoula?
Missoula's roads, particularly highways and busy intersections, are common sites for serious truck accidents.
Due to the area's geography and heavy traffic routes, several key locations are notorious for collisions involving commercial vehicles based on local crash data.
Highways and Major Roads
- Interstate 90 (I-90): As the primary east-west corridor through Missoula, I-90 sees a high volume of truck traffic daily. Accidents often occur near Exit 101, where vehicles merge and diverge, creating dangerous traffic flow patterns. Additionally, winter weather conditions can make this stretch even more treacherous.
- Reserve Street: One of Missoula’s busiest thoroughfares, Reserve Street connects residential areas with commercial zones. The high traffic volume, combined with frequent stop-and-go conditions, makes this street a hotspot for rear-end and side-impact collisions, especially with large trucks.
- Broadway Street and Brooks Street: These central roads see a mix of local traffic and delivery trucks navigating through the city. Tight corners and congested intersections here have led to several accidents involving larger commercial vehicles struggling to navigate city traffic.
Montana Truck Accident Statistics
In Montana, commercial trucks account for approximately 12% of all fatal crashes, according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
With Missoula being a key hub for truck traffic along I-90, the area sees a higher rate of severe truck accidents than other parts of the state.
Types of Truck Accidents and Injuries
Truck accidents can take many forms, each with its own dangers.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
- Jackknife Accidents: Occurs when the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, usually caused by sudden braking or loss of control. This can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multi-vehicle pileups.
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks with high centers of gravity are more prone to tipping over, especially during sharp turns or at high speeds. These crashes often result in vehicles being crushed under the truck or trapped in debris.
- Rear-End Collisions: Trucks have much longer stopping distances due to their size. If a truck fails to stop in time, it can rear-end a smaller vehicle, causing devastating injuries to the car’s occupants.
- Underride Accidents: This deadly type of collision occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the truck’s trailer, often leading to fatal injuries. While some trucks have underride guards, these accidents still occur with alarming frequency.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Brain injuries are common in high-impact collisions and can lead to permanent cognitive or physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Ranging from whiplash to complete paralysis, these injuries can alter a victim’s life permanently, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in severe crashes, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, often requiring surgery and extended recovery periods.
- Internal Injuries: The immense force of a collision often causes damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen, and may not be immediately apparent.
- Amputations: The crushing forces involved in truck accidents can lead to the traumatic loss of limbs, significantly impacting a victim’s quality of life.
Relevant Legal Concepts
- Montana's Comparative Negligence Law (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-1-703): This statute allows for compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident, as long as your responsibility does not exceed that of the other party involved.
- Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-301: Governs speed limits and how they apply to commercial trucks. Speeding or reckless driving by truckers often plays a significant role in causing accidents.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can feel like an uphill battle. While their commercials may show a friendly face, the reality is that insurance providers are businesses focused on protecting their bottom line. This means they will often try to reduce or deny your claim, even if you’re entitled to compensation.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use
- Lowball Settlements: After an accident, the insurance adjuster may offer you a settlement that seems quick and easy—but it’s likely far less than what you deserve. They count on victims accepting these low offers out of desperation or frustration.
- Disputing Liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties (the driver, trucking company, and even the truck manufacturer). Insurance companies might argue over who is at fault in an attempt to shift responsibility and avoid paying.
- Delaying the Process: By dragging out the claims process, insurance companies hope to wear you down. They may request unnecessary documentation, dispute medical treatments, or argue that your injuries aren't as severe as claimed.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we take on the insurance companies so you don’t have to. We are well-versed in the tactics insurers use, and we’ll aggressively negotiate on your behalf. Our legal team will:
- Investigate the accident: We’ll gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert witness analysis to build a strong case.
- Engage in negotiations: We aim to secure a fair settlement without lengthy court battles. However, if the insurance company refuses to cooperate, we won’t hesitate to take the case to trial.
- Handle communication: By allowing us to manage discussions with the insurance company, you avoid making statements that they can use against you.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, your actions in the days and weeks following the crash can significantly impact your ability to pursue a claim. Even if you've already seen a doctor and started the healing process, there are still steps you should take to strengthen your case.
Steps to Protect Your Claim
- Follow Your Treatment Plan: If you miss appointments or fail to follow prescribed treatments, the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren't as severe as you claim.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a file of all your medical bills, repair costs, and any receipts related to the accident. These will be crucial when calculating the full extent of your financial losses.
- Document Your Recovery: Consider keeping a journal to record how your injuries affect your daily life. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and any limitations in your mobility or activities. Such details can support your claim for non-economic damages.
- Obtain a Copy of the Police Report: This document provides an official record of the accident and is a key piece of evidence when determining fault. Review it for accuracy and bring it to your attorney's attention if you notice any discrepancies.
- Avoid Social Media: Anything you post on social media—even if it’s unrelated to the accident—can hurt your case. Insurance companies may use your posts to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. It's best to wait until the case resolves.
- Limit Communication with Insurance Adjusters: Be cautious when speaking with the other party’s insurance company. They may attempt to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. Let your attorney handle all communications to protect your interests.
Bring This Information to Your Lawyer
Once you've gathered the necessary documents and followed the steps above, your next move should be contacting a qualified truck accident lawyer. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will take this information and use it to build a strong case for maximum compensation. Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.
Get the Justice You Deserve with Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. With our experience in handling complex truck accident cases, we understand the toll these accidents take on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a truck accident, don’t wait—call us today at (205) 957-4995 for your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life after this devastating event. Justice is just a phone call away.