Why Choose Us for Your Legal Needs?
Auto accidents due to others’
negligence can bring about debilitating injuries, ongoing medical treatment, and missed time from work.
If you sustained
injuries in a recent auto accident in Billings, MT, the skilled legal team at Yellowstone Law will fight hard for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our team has a combined 81 years of legal experience, and we are not afraid to litigate your case in the
state court system if that step becomes necessary.
You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our Billings office is conveniently located at 310 Grand Avenue, Billings, MT 59101.
How Much Compensation Is My Billings, MT Auto Accident Case Worth?
The value of your auto accident case in Billings, Montana, depends on the severity of your injuries, the financial losses you incurred, and the effect the accident has had on your life.
While no fixed formula determines the exact worth of a case, understanding the types of damages you may recover can help you estimate your claim’s value. Damages generally include economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for measurable financial losses resulting from the auto accident.
These may include:
- Lost earnings, covering compensation for income you lost while being unable to work after your auto accident, as well as future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
- Property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle and any other personal property that incurred damage in the accident
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including additional costs such as transportation to medical appointments or hiring help for household chores
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that are not easily quantified.
These damages focus on the emotional and psychological toll of the auto accident and may include:
- Emotional distress damages for anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the auto accident
- Pain and suffering compensation for physical pain and discomfort resulting from your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life compensation if your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, activities, or sports you once loved
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages punish the at-fault party for extreme negligence or intentional misconduct.
Most Common Locations for Auto Accidents in Billings, MT
Auto accidents in Billings, Montana, often occur due to driver negligence, such as speeding,
distracted driving, or failing to obey traffic laws. Certain locations in Billings are more prone to accidents because of high traffic volumes, complex
intersections, challenging roadway designs, and negligent motorists.
First, Grand Avenue is one of Billings’s busiest streets, lined with numerous businesses, schools, and residential areas. Accidents often occur here due to heavy traffic, drivers making sudden turns into businesses, or speeding in school zones.
Intersections like Grand Avenue and 24th Street West are particularly dangerous due to high traffic volumes and frequent lane changes.
Next, 24th Street West is a major arterial road that connects many key parts of Billings and is notorious for accidents due to driver inattention or failure to yield.
The stretch near Rimrock Mall is especially hazardous, with a mix of
pedestrian crossings, shopping traffic, and frequent left-turn accidents.
Another high-traffic area, King Avenue West, frequently sees accidents resulting from
speeding, distracted driving, and congestion. The intersections at Shiloh Road and South 32nd Street West are common crash sites, especially during peak shopping hours when drivers are entering and exiting parking lots.
Shiloh Road, a newer addition to Billings’s road network, is designed to manage heavy traffic efficiently, but it still experiences accidents. Roundabouts along Shiloh can confuse unfamiliar drivers, leading to
rear-end collisions or sideswipes – especially at busy junctions.
Finally, I-90 runs along the southern edge of Billings and is a frequent site of accidents due to high speeds,
driver fatigue, or improper merging. The area around the Zoo Drive and Lockwood exits is particularly problematic due to heavy merging traffic.
Most Common Types of Auto Accidents in Billings, MT
Auto accidents in Billings, MT, often result from other drivers' negligence. Negligent behavior can range from distracted driving to reckless decision-making, making certain accidents more common in the area.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents are one of the most frequent types of crashes in Billings, often resulting from distracted driving.
Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or don’t pay attention to traffic may fail to notice when the vehicle ahead slows down or stops.
These accidents frequently occur on busy roads like Grand Avenue and King Avenue West, with all of its stop-and-go traffic.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are another hotspot for negligent driving. Failing to yield the right-of-way, running red lights, or rolling through stop signs can all lead to serious accidents.
In Billings, intersections like 24th Street West and Grand Avenue, or Shiloh Road and King Avenue West, see a high volume of crashes due to these behaviors.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact crashes, often happen when drivers run a red light or stop sign and collide with vehicles crossing their paths. The sides of vehicles provide less protection than the front or rear. Negligence, such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals, increases the likelihood of T-bone collisions.
Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents occur when a driver fails to properly judge oncoming traffic or attempts a turn without the right-of-way. This is a common problem at busy intersections and along high-traffic roads like 24th Street West. Negligence such as impatience or misjudgment often contributes to these crashes.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving, such as using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, is a leading cause of accidents. Whether on major roads like Shiloh Road or quieter residential streets, distracted drivers often fail to notice hazards in time to react.
Most Common Injuries that Victims of Auto Accidents in Billings, MT May Suffer
Auto accidents in Billings, MT, resulting from another driver’s negligence, can lead to many physical and mental injuries that significantly affect the victims’ lives. These injuries often vary in severity, depending on the speeds of the vehicles involved and the type of collision that occurs.
Both the victim’s body and mind can suffer long-term consequences, leaving victims to deal with pain, emotional distress, and financial challenges.
Physical injuries are among the most immediate and visible consequences of an auto accident. Whiplash is a common injury, particularly in rear-end collisions, where the sudden jolt causes the victim’s neck to snap back and forth.
This can lead to chronic pain and stiffness. Broken bones are also frequent – especially in the arms, legs, or ribs – as the strong force of impact can crush or fracture delicate parts of the body.
In more severe accidents, victims may suffer
spinal cord injuries, which can cause partial or complete
paralysis. Head injuries, including concussions or
traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are particularly dangerous and may not always show symptoms right away.
These injuries can lead to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and even permanent
brain damage. Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, often require immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Beyond the physical toll, mental injuries are a significant but sometimes overlooked aspect of auto accident cases. Many victims develop
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause flashbacks, nightmares, or an intense fear of driving.
Anxiety and depression are also common as individuals struggle to cope with the aftermath of the accident, such as physical limitations, financial stress, or loss of independence. For some, the trauma of the accident can also lead to emotional detachment or strained relationships with loved ones.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Billings, MT Auto Accident Case
Dealing with insurance companies after an auto accident in Billings, Montana, can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries due to another driver’s negligence.
Insurance companies primarily focus on protecting their bottom line, often offering low settlements or attempting to deny valid claims. That’s where we at Yellowstone Law come in. We fight the insurance company for you and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
We start by thoroughly investigating your case. This includes
gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene.
By building a strong case backed with solid evidence, we pressure the insurance company to take your claim seriously. We also work with medical professionals and experts to evaluate the full extent of your injuries and calculate the true cost of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost income.
Negotiating with insurance companies can be intimidating, but we have the experience to handle their tactics. Whether they try to downplay your injuries, shift blame, or offer a
settlement far below what you deserve, we’ll push back. Our team knows the value of your claim and will aggressively pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. We have the legal knowledge and courtroom experience to present your case effectively to a judge and jury.
You don’t have to fight this battle alone. By allowing us to handle the insurance company, you can focus on your recovery while we work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life after an auto accident in Billings.
Most Important Steps to Take after an Auto Accident in Billings
After an auto accident in Billings, take specific steps to protect your health, your rights, and your potential claim for
compensation. Acting quickly and carefully after the accident can make a significant difference in your case.
First, seek ongoing medical attention for your injuries. Completing all recommended medical treatment is necessary, as gaps in care can hurt your claim and make it harder to prove the extent of your injuries.
Next, obtain a copy of the police report. This report contains vital details about the accident, including the names of the parties involved, witness statements, and the officer’s assessment of fault. It also serves as critical evidence in proving negligence and supporting your case.
Additionally, gather other evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Keep records of all medical bills, lost earnings, and other expenses resulting from the auto accident.
Finally, contact an experienced Billings, MT, auto accident attorney as soon as possible. At Yellowstone Law, we will skillfully guide you through the legal process, handle communications with insurance company adjusters, and protect your legal rights. Taking these steps early on increases your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Billings, MT Auto Accident Lawyer Today
At Yellowstone Law, we will gather the evidence necessary to prove your auto accident case and set you on course to maximize the compensation you receive in your claim or lawsuit.
For your free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable
Billings, MT, personal injury attorney, please call us at
(406) 259-9986 or contact us online to learn more.
