Tipp Coburn Lockwood, P.C. Legal Blog
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Reserve Street Has Missoula’s Highest Crash Rate: Do You Need a Lawyer?
When Reserve Street’s Traffic Dangers Turn Into Personal Tragedy If you’ve been involved in a crash on Reserve Street, you’re not alone in wondering whether you need legal help. This busy commercial corridor has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous roads in the area, with countless accidents occurring each year at its numerous intersections and retail entrances. The combination of heavy traffic, frequent lane changes, and distracted drivers creates a perfect storm for serious collisions that can leave victims facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term injuries. Understanding your rights after an accident on this notoriously hazardous stretch of road can make the difference between fair
Montana’s Bobby’s Law: 3-Year Minimum for Fatal DUI in Missoula
When Tragedy Strikes: Understanding Montana’s Toughest DUI Law If you’re facing charges related to a fatal DUI incident in Montana, you’re confronting one of the most serious legal situations imaginable. The weight of what has happened, combined with the reality of Montana’s Bobby’s Law and its mandatory 3-year minimum sentence, can feel overwhelming. This law, which was enacted in 2025 (signed by the governor on April 25, 2025), fundamentally changed how Montana prosecutes certain fatal DUI cases by creating a new aggravated vehicular homicide-while-under-the-influence offense that carries a mandatory minimum three-year prison term for offenders meeting the law’s criteria (for example, a BAC of at least 0.16 or those under
3 Years to File Your Montana Semi-Truck Injury Claim: Missoula Lawyers Help
Time is Running Out: Your Semi-Truck Accident Claim Has a Deadline Did you know that one in five fatal large truck crashes involves only a single vehicle, yet 62 percent of fatal truck crashes involve two vehicles? If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident in Montana, you’re facing more than just physical recovery—you’re racing against a legal clock. Montana law gives you three years to file your injury claim, and that deadline approaches faster than most accident victims realize. The shock, pain, and overwhelming medical appointments after a collision with a commercial truck can make it easy to lose track of time. But missing this critical deadline means losing
34% of Montana Traffic Deaths Involve Alcohol – Why Missoula Needs DUI Lawyers
When One Third of Montana’s Traffic Deaths Involve Alcohol, Every Driver Needs to Know Their Rights The sobering reality hits hard: 34% of traffic fatalities in Montana involve alcohol impairment. You might be reading this after a devastating night where poor judgment led to an arrest, or perhaps you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident that changed everything. The weight of facing DUI charges feels overwhelming, especially when you consider that judges tend to sentence more harshly in DUI cases involving accidents. If you’re facing these charges in Montana, understanding your rights and options becomes critical to protecting your future. 💡 Pro Tip: Document everything you remember about your
1,800 Auto Accidents Hit Missoula Annually: Do You Need a Lawyer?
When Every Second Counts After Your Montana Crash With approximately 1,800 auto accidents occurring in Missoula each year, the chances of being involved in a collision are higher than most drivers realize. If you’re reading this after a crash, you’re likely dealing with injuries, insurance companies, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming question of whether legal representation could make a difference in your recovery. The reality is that car accident claims require proving four key elements: the other driver’s duty of care, their breach of that duty, causation between their actions and your injuries, and the actual damages you’ve suffered. Understanding these requirements and your rights under Montana law can
Need a Missoula DUI Lawyer for 0.16% BAC Charges?
Facing Aggravated DUI Charges with 0.16% BAC in Montana? Getting charged with a DUI is already overwhelming, but when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reads 0.16% or higher, you’re facing what Montana law calls "aggravated DUI" – a far more serious offense with enhanced penalties. If you’ve been arrested with a BAC that’s double the legal limit of 0.08%, you need to understand that prosecutors view this as a significant public safety concern, and the consequences reflect that severity. The good news is that while the charges are serious, there are defense strategies available, and understanding your situation is the first step toward protecting your future. 💡 Pro Tip: Document
Must Missoula Property Owners Remove Sidewalk Snow Within 24 Hours?
When Winter Weather Creates Legal Responsibilities for Property Owners Montana property owners face a critical question every winter: how quickly must they clear snow and ice from sidewalks to avoid liability? The answer affects both property owners who must maintain safe walkways and pedestrians who rely on clear paths during harsh winter months. Understanding your legal obligations for snow removal can mean the difference between fulfilling your civic duty and facing a costly lawsuit after someone slips and falls on your property. 💡 Pro Tip: Document your snow removal efforts with time-stamped photos or a maintenance log – this evidence could prove invaluable if someone claims you failed to maintain
How Long to Get Your License Back After DUI in Montana?
Facing License Suspension After a Montana DUI? Here’s What You Need to Know Getting your license back after a DUI in Montana typically takes at least 6 months for a first offense, but the timeline varies significantly based on your specific situation. The shock of losing your driving privileges can feel overwhelming – suddenly, getting to work, picking up your children, or even running basic errands becomes a major challenge. Understanding Montana’s license reinstatement process is crucial for planning your path forward and minimizing the disruption to your daily life. 💡 Pro Tip: Start gathering documentation for your ACT (Assessment, Course, and Treatment) requirements immediately after your arrest – completing
What Legal Rights Do You Have in Winter I-90 Auto Accidents?
When Winter Weather Turns I-90 Into a Legal Battleground Every winter, thousands of Montana drivers face treacherous conditions on I-90, where snow, ice, and fog transform routine commutes into potential disasters. If you’ve been involved in a winter weather accident on this major highway, you might assume that nobody can be held responsible when Mother Nature intervenes. However, Montana law tells a different story. Drivers have a legal responsibility to adjust their driving behavior in poor weather conditions, and failure to do so can result in liability for crashes. Understanding your rights after a winter accident on I-90 is crucial for protecting yourself legally and financially. 💡 Pro Tip: Document