According to a Traffic Report by the WHO, there are over 1.2 million road accident related fatalities every year. Around 50 million people are injured or disabled. More than 50% of these accidents are with drivers between the age of 15 and 44 years. In 2008, more than 100 vehicles were involved in fatal crashes in Montana alone and 69 precious lives were lost.


Common causes of car accidents

Car crashes can be traumatic and may lead to life long physical impairment. Many cars meet with accidents on highways, where heavy vehicles like trucks are involved, and are fatal.

The most common causes of car accidents are:

• Texting or talking on the cell phone while driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Faulty tires
• No use of seat belts or faulty seat belts
• Violation of traffic rules
• Speeding
• Bad weather
• Unexpected collision with objects (person or animal)

Many accidents result from bad/negligent driving. Reasons can be as simple as talking to a fellow passenger, shifting radio stations, eating a burger or applying make up. Car crashes and construction accidents are leading causes of lifelong injuries. A Montana law firm should be contacted without any delay.


What to do after an accident

An accident can be traumatic and many people panic after getting involved in one. You need to know what exactly to do after an accident.

• Stop near the scene of action
• Telephone emergency numbers or 911 for first aid
• Inform the police
• Do not argue with passengers or drivers. Save your story for your lawyer and the jury
• Gather factual evidences such as names, vehicle identification numbers, telephone numbers, addresses and driver’s license number
• Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the accident or else you might loose your driving license
• Use your camera and take pictures, which can be used as evidence in court
• Get in touch with your insurance company immediately

After an accident, the other party may offer to pay some compensation or make a quid pro quo kind of an arrangement. Do not sign any paper that would free the other party from future responsibility. By doing this you can jeopardize your insurance company’s subrogation rights. You should immediately contact a Montana personal injury attorney for legal procedural assistance.

Making your claim

Life appears to come to a standstill after an accident. There may be huge financial outlays required for treatment, fractured income, a job loss, emotional trauma and property damage. Immediately get in touch with an experienced Billings car accident attorney who will be able to sort out your legal rights, educate you about your options and guide you to make future decisions.

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