Billings Personal Injury Lawyers
Comprehensive Guidance Through Personal Injury Claims in Montana
Since 1980, Edwards & Culver has developed and strengthened its reputation as one of Montana’s leading civil litigation practices. Our performance on behalf of injury clients accounts for much of our record of success.
Our basic mission is simple: we’re committed to helping ordinary Montanans pursue recovery for the losses and injuries they’ve suffered through the negligence, greed, or wrongdoing of corporations, insurance companies, energy companies, or anyone else who may be responsible for their damages.
WE REPRESENT CLIENTS THROUGHOUT MONTANA
We advance the expenses involved with the investigation and proof of your claims, and we only recover our costs and attorney’s fees if we win. Call 406-747-4851 or use our contact form to request a consultation. Our personal injury attorney in Billings, MT, can help you.
Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle
Our personal injury lawyers in Billings handle a number of cases on behalf of Montanans. We understand the challenges victims and families face. Bills accumulated due to treatment at Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital, time off work, and physical pain can make handling a personal injury claim seem daunting. That’s where we come in.
Our attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Aviation accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Railroad accidents
- Products liability
- Dangerous property conditions
- Slip-and-fall claims involving dangerous property conditions
- Dog bites and other injuries caused by dog attacks
- Workplace accidents
- Workers’ compensation matters for people hurt on the job
- Mining accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Gas explosion accidents
- Fire accidents
- Gas explosions
- Oil rig accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home negligence and abuse
- Disabling injuries
- Brain injuries
- Wrongful death
- Fatal car accidents
- And more
No matter if your accident happened on Beartooth Highway, at Rimrock Mall, or somewhere in the downtown area, our Billings personal attorney can support you throughout your claim.
Understanding Personal Injury Cases in Billings, Montana
In Billings, the heart of Montana, accidents caused by someone else’s negligence can have life-altering consequences. From painful injuries to mounting medical bills and lost income, the aftermath of a personal injury can leave victims and their families facing significant challenges. Local resources, such as the City of Billings and the Montana Legal Services Association, provide helpful information and support for those navigating these tough situations.
Personal injury cases can arise from a wide range of incidents, including car accidents on Billings’ busy streets, workplace injuries in local industries, or unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Understanding the legal process for pursuing a personal injury claim is essential, as Montana law has specific requirements and time limits for filing.
We understand the overwhelming stress that comes with recovering from an injury while managing the complexities of legal matters. Our team can provide guidance, advocate for your rights, and help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the incident. We’re dedicated to helping residents in Montana’s trailhead reclaim their lives and move forward after an injury.
What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident
A driver who knows or reasonably should know that a crash caused an injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage must immediately notify local police, the county sheriff, or the highway patrol by the quickest available means. After stopping, the driver must provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license upon request to the other person involved.
Unless law enforcement investigated and reported the crash, an operator involved in an accident causing injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage must also file a written report with the department within 10 days.
A negligence claim examines four basic elements: whether another party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, caused the injury, and caused resulting damages. These elements guide the evaluation of responsibility for medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and other injury-related losses.
Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney in Billings
When you’re recovering from a serious accident in Billings, it can be difficult to know how to select the right legal help for your situation. Many people start by looking for a personal injury lawyer that Billings residents trust, but they aren’t always sure what separates one firm from another.
Key factors to consider when looking for an injury lawyer include:
- Experience: Look for a firm with a strong background handling personal injury cases similar to yours.
- Time and attention: Make sure the attorney has the capacity to give your case the focus it deserves.
- Communication: Choose a lawyer who explains things clearly and keeps you updated throughout the process.
- Reputation: Client reviews and professional standing can offer insight into how the firm operates.
- Track record: Past results can reflect the firm’s ability to handle claims effectively.
- Fee structure: Understand how the attorney is paid, what happens if a case is successful/unsuccessful, etc.
It’s also helpful to look at whether the firm regularly appears in local courts such as the Yellowstone County District Court, understands Montana’s injury laws, and fosters a trustworthy relationship with clients.
What If I’m Partially to Blame for My Injury?
Even if you’re partially at fault for the accident that caused your injury, you’re still able to pursue compensation under Montana’s shared fault laws. Simply stated, the comparative fault rule allows the plaintiff to receive compensation if they’re 50% or less at fault for the accident.
For example, if you were involved in a car accident where you were rear-ended but were also texting, the defendant could argue that you share fault for the accident. The court will need to determine at what percentage you’re at fault, and will then deduct that percentage from the total compensation. If you were awarded $10,000, but were ruled 20% at fault, then you would only receive $8,000 in total recovery. If you’re judged to be 51% or more at fault, you can’t collect any damages at all.
Call (406) 747-4851 for a Personal Injury Lawyer’s Advice
To learn how we go to work for the victims of negligence in Montana, contact us for a free consultation. We take full advantage of our mobility to visit and inspect accident scenes around the state or meet with clients, witnesses, and experts wherever they happen to live and work. We serve clients throughout Montana.
For a free consultation about your legal options in the aftermath of an accident or injury caused by negligence in Montana, don’t hesitate to contact Edwards & Culver at our office in Billings. Call (406) 747-4851 today! Our personal injury lawyer in Billings, MT, is dedicated to justice.
Commonly Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Montana?
In Montana, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation. Acting sooner is important, as evidence can be lost and memories may fade over time. Speaking with an accident attorney early can help you file your claim properly and within the required timeframe.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages may cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded for especially reckless behavior. The exact damages available depend on the details of your case.
