Car Accidents
Injured In A Car Accident In Missoula Or Western Montana? Our Personal Injury Attorneys Will Fight For You.
A motor vehicle accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. Our personal injury attorneys at Tipp Coburn Lockwood, P.C. in Missoula represent victims who have suffered accident injuries in semitruck, motorcycle or car accidents throughout western Montana. They will thoroughly review your case’s evidence and vehemently pursue your right to compensation for the harm you have suffered.
We Handle All Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Our firm was founded in 1959, and since then, our attorneys have handled more than 7,500 cases. These cases have covered the full spectrum of motor vehicle accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-swipe and side-impact accidents
- Vehicle rollovers
- Head-on collisions
- Red light accidents
We have also handled single-car and multi-vehicle accidents as well as accidents caused by a driver who was ultimately charged with a DUI or distracted driving charge. Motor vehicle accident injuries can vary greatly, depending on the number and type of vehicles involved.
We can represent cases involving only cars, or a combination of cars, large trucks, and motorcycles. In cases involving large trucks or commercial vehicles, both the driver and the trucking company can potentially be found liable. This makes it particularly important to work with an experienced car accident attorney who has the experience and resources to investigate the cause of the accident.
Montana Car Accident Laws And Comparative Fault
Montana is a comparative fault state. As such, in order to recover damages in a lawsuit, the injured party must have less fault for causing the accident than the other party. If an injured party is more than 50% at fault for the accident, he or she is barred from recovery. If an injured party shares in the fault, but is less than 50% at fault for the accident, he or she can recover damages but the award will be reduced by the percentage that the injured party was at fault.
Injured? Claim your free case review today!
Montana’s Filing Deadlines And Statute Of Limitations For Car Accidents
Montana’s statute of limitations, or deadline, for filing a lawsuit for bodily injuries against another driver in a motor vehicle accident is three years from the date of the accident. A lawsuit for damage to your vehicle or other property against another driver must be filed within two years of the accident.
If You’re a Hit-And-Run Victim, We Can Help
Catching the driver who flees the scene of your car accident can seem like an impossible task, especially without help.
We have the skills and resources to find unknown drivers responsible for car accidents. Security cameras, residential surveillance videos, cell phone cameras, eyewitnesses, and traffic videos can all help us identify the driver who caused your injuries.
At the same time, our personal injury lawyers can file your insurance claim for the hit-and-run accident. The claims adjuster may find a reason not to believe you and deny your claim. Rather than add extra strain to an already frustrating situation, let our personal injury attorneys deal with your insurance company.
The sooner you contact us after your hit-and-run accident, the better our odds of catching the other driver.
Call Us Before You Call Your Insurance Company
You should immediately call your insurance company after a car accident, right? Not necessarily. Claims adjusters work in the interests of insurance companies, not drivers. If they can find a way to reduce your claim or deny you coverage, they may use it against you.
Call our personal injury lawyers in Missoula before you call anyone else. We will advance your insurance claim and hold your provider responsible for the coverage you are owed. The case can be taken to court if needed. We offer free consultations for you to get started.
What Compensation Am I Entitled To After A Car Accident?
- Medical expenses, including future expenses for long-term care
- Loss of income if your injury rendered you unable to work
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Property damage
Rather than paying on valid claims, insurance companies for at-fault drivers use two main tactics to reduce or eliminate your recovery. First, they will attempt to apportion some, or even all, of the responsibility for the accident to you and away from their insured. Second, they will attempt to reduce your recovery by diminishing the extent of your injuries. With thorough preparation and by being proactive, we will work to prevent that from happening.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Car Accident Attorney
Our personal injury lawyers offer free case evaluations and consultations. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a motor vehicle accident, you can schedule your free appointment by sending an email through our website or by calling 406-812-7634.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We represent clients facing both misdemeanors and felonies, including but not limited to:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- Drug offenses (possession, distribution, trafficking)
- Sex crimes (sexual assault, rape)
- Theft, burglary, and trespassing
- Assault and criminal endangerment
- Homicide and attempted homicide
A public defender is a court-appointed attorney for those who cannot afford a private lawyer and must meet certain income requirements. However, public defenders often have large caseloads, which can impact their availability and approach. A private criminal defense attorney offers personalized attention, tailored legal strategies, and greater availability.
Hiring a private defense attorney offers:
- Customized legal strategy
- Personalized service
- Strong communication
- A willingness to take your case to trial if necessary
- Focus on minimizing or avoiding serious penalties and a criminal record
Penalties vary by charge but may include:
- Jail time (up to 1 year for misdemeanors)
- Prison time (1 year or more for felonies)
- Fines
- Probation
- Loss of rights (e.g., firearm ownership, voting)
- Mandatory sex offender registration (for certain crimes)
Yes. A skilled defense attorney can build a strong case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate plea deals, or fight for a dismissal—all of which can help prevent a conviction and keep your record clean.
Yes, we offer free initial consultations. Call us at 406-812-7634 or send us an email using our online contact form to schedule yours.
Our firm was founded in 1959 and has represented over 7,500 clients across Montana. We are affiliated with The National Trial Lawyers and the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Clients consistently highlight our:
- Professionalism and dedication
- Prompt case resolution
- Respectful and compassionate service
- Willingness to go the extra mile
Visit our testimonials section for more feedback from previous clients.
We are based in Missoula, Montana, and serve clients across the state.
To begin your defense, schedule your free consultation by calling 406-812-7634 or contacting us online.