Billings, MT, Car Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Yellowstone Law for Your Billings Car Accident Case?

At Yellowstone Law, we’ve spent decades helping Montanans rebuild their lives after serious injuries. Over the years, we’ve sat with families facing staggering medical bills, missed paychecks, and the shock of how quickly life can change. Seeing that kind of pain up close leaves a mark—it changes you both as a lawyer and as a person. We care deeply about our clients because when we sit across the table from someone hurt in a crash, we see neighbors, friends, and people who remind us of our own families. We see ourselves in that chair. And we know that if it were one of us, we’d want someone fighting for us with unwavering determination and respect. Helping clients isn’t only about money—it’s about protecting people and making our communities safer. Legal action doesn’t just help one person; it can hold negligent drivers accountable, challenge unsafe business practices, and push insurance companies to treat people fairly. That’s why we do this work. It’s how we help ensure that what happened to you doesn’t happen to someone else. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Billings, let us stand by you. We’ll handle the legal fight while you focus on what matters most: healing and moving forward.

Billings Car Accident Statistics

Montana’s roads and highways can seem deceptively quiet, but crash data underscores a stark reality. In one recent year, Montana saw over 17,000 crashes, resulting in approximately 213 fatalities and more than 2,500 injuries statewide, according to data from the Montana Department of Transportation Crash Data Portal. Yellowstone County, home to Billings, consistently reports the highest number of crashes in the state. Annual county totals typically exceed 2,000 collisions and hundreds of injuries. Billings experiences frequent collisions along its major thoroughfares, especially around intersections like King Avenue West and Shiloh Road, as well as stretches of I-90 near Zoo Drive and Airport Road. Local officials repeatedly cite these sites as crash hotspots. Montana’s fatal crash rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled continues to rank among the highest in the country, often more than 40% above the national average. This is largely attributed to higher speeds on rural roads and longer emergency response times in remote areas.

Where Do Car Accidents Occur in Billings?

Billings is Montana’s largest city and a hub of commerce and travel. With over 100,000 residents and countless visitors passing through, certain areas see far more accidents than others. Some of the most dangerous spots include:

• King Avenue West near Shiloh Crossing, a commercial corridor prone to rear-end and intersection crashes.
• Grand Avenue, running east-west through residential and business districts, where heavy traffic and frequent turns contribute to collisions.
• Main Street in the Heights, where a mix of local and highway traffic creates risky intersections.
• Interstate 90, particularly around Zoo Drive and the South Billings Boulevard exits, where high speeds and merging traffic lead to serious wrecks.
• Broadwater Avenue and 24th Street West, both major urban arterials with significant congestion during rush hours.

Car accidents can happen anywhere in Billings—from quiet neighborhood streets to the city’s busiest corridors. Understanding where crashes often happen can help highlight patterns and risks specific to our community.

Do I Have a Valid Car Accident Claim?

Car accident claims are generally built on the legal concept of negligence. Negligence means another person or entity failed to act as a reasonably careful person would under similar circumstances. To have a valid car accident case in Montana, four essential elements must be proven:

1. Duty of care – The at-fault party owed you a duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws.
2. Breach of duty – They violated that duty through careless or reckless behavior.
3. Causation – Their actions directly caused your injuries.
4. Damages – You suffered physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result.

If these elements exist in your situation, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Should I Do if an Insurance Company Calls Me?

It might seem harmless when an insurance adjuster calls after your accident. They may sound polite, even sympathetic, and say they’re trying to “get your side of the story.” But it’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses focused on their own profits, not your best interests. Anything you say can be twisted or taken out of context to reduce what they pay you. Adjusters may try to:

• Push you into giving a recorded statement
• Get you to admit fault, even partially
• Convince you to accept a quick settlement that’s far less than your case is worth

It’s wise to let a lawyer handle these calls for you. At Yellowstone Law, our Billings car accident lawyers communicate with insurers on your behalf, protect your rights, and steer you around the pitfalls that could damage your claim. Letting us take over these conversations means you can focus on your health while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Billings Car Accident Case?

Many people assume only the driver who hit them can be held responsible. In reality, liability for a car crash in Billings can extend beyond one individual. Depending on the details, several parties could be accountable:

• Another driver who was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly
• Employers, if the driver was working when the crash occurred
• Car manufacturers, if a defect or mechanical failure contributed to the wreck
• Government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions or poor signage
• Maintenance shops, if improper repairs or negligence led to mechanical failure

Every case is different, so Yellowstone Law will investigate all possible avenues for liability. Our firm knows how to trace accidents back to their true cause, uncover all liable parties, and pursue compensation from every potential source.

Types of Car Accidents We Often See in Billings

Car crashes happen in many different ways, but they all carry the risk of serious and life-changing injuries. Some of the most common types of car accidents in Billings include:

• Rear-end collisions – Often caused by following too closely or distracted driving
• Head-on crashes – Extremely dangerous and more likely to cause fatalities
• T-bone accidents – Common at intersections when drivers run lights or fail to yield
• Sideswipe collisions – Often occur during lane changes without checking blind spots
• Multi-vehicle pileups – Particularly on highways like I-90, where high speeds amplify damage
• Single-vehicle accidents – Sometimes caused by mechanical defects or poor road conditions

Proving fault and securing fair compensation takes careful investigation and strong evidence. Your lawyer will handle this work for you so you can focus on getting better.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Montana

When you drive in Billings, you count on others to follow the rules of the road and pay attention behind the wheel. But too often, crashes happen because someone didn’t. A driver takes a call instead of watching the light turn red. A company skips a safety check on brakes. Road crews leave hazards unfixed for months. These choices can turn everyday trips into scenes of wreckage and lasting injuries.

• Distracted driving, especially texting or using mobile devices
• Drunk or impaired driving
• Speeding, particularly on highways or rural roads
• Failure to yield at intersections
• Tailgating and aggressive driving
• Fatigued driving, which impairs reaction times
• Mechanical defects, such as faulty brakes or tires
• Improper vehicle maintenance, like a service shop missing critical repairs

Even in single-vehicle crashes, someone else’s negligence might be to blame. At Yellowstone Law, we dig deep into the facts to identify what or who caused your accident.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can leave survivors facing injuries that linger long after the crash is cleared away. Some injuries may heal over time, while others bring chronic pain or permanent disabilities. Common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries, often from rear-end impacts
• Broken bones, ranging from simple fractures to complex breaks
• Head injuries, including concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage, which may result in partial or total paralysis
• Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
• Lacerations and abrasions, which can leave lasting scars
• Emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD

Prompt medical treatment protects your health, documents your injuries, and supports your legal claim.

What Compensation Is Available to Car Accident Victims in Billings?

If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, Montana law allows you to seek compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. Car accident damages generally fall into two categories:

• Economic damages – These cover direct financial losses, such as medical bills, hospital stays, rehabilitation costs, lost income, property damage, and future medical expenses.
• Non-economic damages – These compensate for the personal impact of your injuries, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.

In tragic cases where a car accident leads to a fatality, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other losses tied to their loved one’s passing. No two cases are identical, and the value of your claim depends on many factors. Our team at Yellowstone Law works to calculate the true cost of your injuries and fights for full, fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Billings, Montana

Is there a deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Billings?

Yes. Montana has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents. Generally, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to recover damages.

How much does a Billings car accident lawyer cost?

At Yellowstone Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect fees if we secure compensation for you. This ensures anyone who needs legal help can afford it.

What if I’m partly at fault for my crash?

Montana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found partially responsible, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. Let our team protect your interests and minimize unfair blame.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

It’s best not to speak directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim. Instead, direct calls to your lawyer so they can handle communications on your behalf.

How long does a car accident case take to resolve?

The timeline varies based on the complexity of your case, the severity of injuries, and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate. Some cases resolve in months; others, especially those involving serious injuries, may take longer. Yellowstone Law keeps you informed at every step.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you’ve been in a car crash in Billings, your first priority should always be your health. Seek medical care right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, might not show symptoms immediately. Once you’re safe, there are other steps you can take to protect your legal rights:

• Hire a lawyer. A skilled Billings car accident attorney can handle insurance negotiations, preserve evidence, and fight for maximum compensation.
• Keep all medical appointments. Skipping care can hurt both your health and your case. Insurers may argue your injuries weren’t serious if you don’t follow medical advice.
• Document your recovery. Consider writing in a journal or recording videos describing your pain levels, emotional struggles, and how the accident has changed your life.
• Save evidence. Keep accident reports, medical records, bills, and any photos from the scene.

Taking these steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

How Can a Lawyer Help With My Billings Car Accident Case?

A skilled lawyer does more than fill out paperwork—they’re your advocate and protector when the stakes are high. Here’s how Yellowstone Law can help:

Investigating your accident

We dig deep to uncover every detail about how your crash happened, who’s responsible, and what evidence supports your claim.

Building a strong claim

From gathering medical records to working with accident reconstruction experts, we assemble the evidence necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Negotiating with insurance companies

We deal directly with insurers so you can focus on healing. We know the tactics insurers use to undervalue claims, and we don’t back down.

Taking your case to court if needed

While many cases settle, we’re fully prepared to present your case to a jury if that’s what it takes to achieve justice for you.

Contact the Billings Car Accident Lawyers at Yellowstone Law Today

When someone else’s negligence changes your life, you deserve more than apologies and lowball offers. You deserve a team that sees the value of your story, fights for what’s fair, and refuses to let insurance companies decide your future. The personal injury lawyers in Billings at Yellowstone Law, we believe every Montanan deserves respect, honest answers, and the chance to rebuild without being manipulated or bullied into accepting inadequate offers. We’ve recovered over $150 million for people across the state, but what matters more is the relief clients feel knowing someone is finally in their corner. If you’re wondering what comes next, let’s talk it through together. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Call Yellowstone Law at (406) 259-9986 or contact us online for a free, confidential conversation.