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With few dense urban centers, most people are surprised to learn Montana is the most dangerous state to drive in. With a record 22.6 car accident deaths per 100,000 people, Montana’s roads and highways are some of the most deadly in the entire country. The biggest reasons why are due to low seat belt use, only 74% compared to the national average of 87%, and a culture of drinking and driving. Too often, driving in Montana is a gamble for too many commuters. Below is a list The Montana Advocates have compiled of the top 5 deadliest roadways in all of Montana.

5. US Highway 191: An Icy Gauntlet of Death

During the winter US Highway 191 is so dangerous that locals suggest avoiding driving through the Canyon despite it being the quickest route to Bozeman and the Yellowstone National Park. Running north to south from Bozeman down to West Yellowstone, US 191 is a snaking and twisting reach of carnage and destruction during the snowy season and is responsible for plenty of car accidents each year. Built in the shadows of two mountain ranges and long known as the preferred route for hurried 18-wheelers that skid and slid as they rush to deliver their cargo, driving through this expanse of Montana asphalt is a little like running the gauntlet. Traveling down an iced US 191 is without a doubt a white-knuckle, panic-inducing experience. Any motorist prone to heart palpitations or a weak bladder should probably just take Highway 287 instead.

4. US Highway 12: The Road of Treachery

From forest fires to rock slides to moose crossings, US Highway 12 surely has its fair share of treacherous obstacles for drivers to overcome. But what earns this roadway a spot on this list is the winding and bending dangers of the infamous Lolo Pass. Located on the border of Montana and Idaho, Lolo Pass is a sky high mountain roadway twisting through the Rocky Mountains at an eye-popping elevation of over 5,000 feet. With few guardrails and sharp turns that seem to pop up out of nowhere, Lolo Pass is a dizzying experience that requires absolute attention of any driver willing to test the mettle of its asphalt. Do yourself a favor when traveling on US 12 and just ignore any texts you receive while driving and try not to blink too long because a moment of distraction is all it takes to send you careening off the road and down into the chasm below.

3. US Highway 93: Where the Wild Things Are

Reaching south from the Canadian border straight through Missoula and all the way down to Idaho, US Highway 93 is one of the most deadly roads to travel on in the United States due to the enormous amount of animal crossings. With over 3,000 wildlife crashes reported in Montana for the year of 2015, Highway 93 is ground zero for animal car accidents in the US. The most dangerous section, however, is the 20-mile stretch between the 90 and 110 mileposts, which studies have shown to have the highest concentration of deer, elk, and even bears lumbering across the roadway. So if you ever find yourself traveling down northwest along Flatlead Lake on US 93, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any lonely moose crossing the road.

2. US Highway 2: The Lonely Road

What lands the infamous US Highway 2 in the penultimate spot on this list is how remote much of this roadway is at times. Indeed, the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety lists Highway 2 as one of the most dangerous roads in the country due to its abnormal fatality rate, which is easily the highest in the nation. The reason for Highway 2 is due to how long it takes for emergency vehicles to respond to an accident. Car accident victims must often fend for themselves while they wait on average of 80 minutes for ambulances arrive. And considering that Montanans have a propensity of not using seat belts, Highway 2 is deathtrap just waiting to spring.

1. Interstate 90: Don’t Let the Good Times Roll

It’s little surprise that Interstate 90 sits atop the rankings for most dangerous Montana roads. In fact, I-90 is considered the most dangerous stretch of highway in all of the United States. And the reason why has nothing to do with the road itself or any wildlife wandering over its paved lanes.

Unfortunately, I-90 owes its reputation of recklessness to one thing and one thing alone: drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there was an average of 5 drunk-driving-related deaths per 100,000 people between 2004 to 2013 along Interstate 90. Heavy drinking is a big part of Montana culture and when you mix this with the usual distracted drivers, excessive speeding, and a statewide habit of not using seat belts, Interstate 90 is, by far, the de facto highway of mayhem and destruction in the entire United States.

Call the Attorneys with the Advocates Today

And there you have it. The worst roads and highways in all of Montana. Automobile accidents are a grim reality of the road for far too many people. If you’ve been hurt in an accident through no fault of your own you will need an Advocate on your side. Our car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping victim of an accident victims recover what they are owed according to Montana law. Don’t wait to get back on the road to recovery. Contact the Montana Advocates today. You can either call our office at 406-534-7179 or chat online with a live car accident attorney right now from our homepage. You deserve an Advocate!

With nearly 7.5 million cases of COVID-19 in the U.S, it’s no doubt the pandemic has reshaped society in many ways. The amount of negligence that continues to arise due to the virus has caused even more people to contract Covid-19 and either experience long-lasting symptoms or worse, they pass away.

As we continue adjusting to the norms of the pandemic, an increasing number of personal injury lawsuits are being filed against companies throughout the country. For example, many employees and customers are seeking recovery for financial and emotional damages caused by the drastic effects of COVID-19.

If you recently contracted the virus at work, you may be wondering whether or not you speak with a personal injury lawyer. In the following article, we will go over some of the most common questions involving COVID-19 personal injury lawsuits in the workplace.

1. What should I do if I was infected at work?

For people who are infected with COVID-19 at work, your best option to recover any damages is to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney right away. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance provided by companies to cover employees who suffer any work-related injuries or illness on the job.

A workers’ compensation lawyer will help you determine whether your sickness arose during the course of employment and how to retrieve fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages or emotional distress you endured due to the virus.

2. How long do I have to file a COVID-19 personal injury lawsuits against an employer?

Like most personal injury lawsuits, states require civil tort claims to be filed two years after an injury. For injuries or deaths that occurred early in the pandemic, the statute of limitations will not expire until March of 2022.

3. If I file a lawsuit for a workplace transmission of COVID-19, will workers’ compensation exclusivity apply?

To put it simply, it depends on the state your job is in. State laws vary greatly when it comes to determining whether illness or death from COVID-19 is exclusively covered by workers’ compensation programs in your state. Several states, such as California, have adopted a rebuttable presumption that certain employees who test positive for COVID-19 contracted the virus at work for workers’ compensation purposes.

However, most states have not adopted a reputable assumption and instead can deny claims suggesting employees contracted the virus outside of the workplace. Although, many states are starting to recognize an exception to workers’ compensation exclusivity in instances where negligence or intentional harm is inherent. These instances include:

-Employees were denied access to proper protection equipment

-Employees were given false information about the safety of the workplace and the likelihood of contracting the virus

4. Can my employer receive tort immunity if they follow mitigation guidelines?

While most state laws vary depending on the type of business involved, several states have passed laws limiting tort liability for in-state business. However, the laws pertaining to the extent at which tort immunity applies greatly depends on whether the business followed local health department guidelines as well as if gross negligence or intentional torts are involved. Many COVID-19 complaints contain allegations of intentional wrongdoing on behalf of the defendant businesses.

Did you know that millions of cars have been recalled due to faulty airbags? Airbags are designed to help keep drivers and passengers safe from serious injuries, but what happens if they don’t work?

In the last 30 years, car manufacturers have worked tirelessly to make motor vehicles safer to drive. For the most part, airbags have helped save many lives. In fact, airbags dropped the number of traffic fatalities by 29% in the U.S.

While they are certainly one of the most important safety features in a vehicle, defective airbags can cause serious, if not life-threatening, injuries.

In the following article, we will outline what can go wrong with airbags, common airbag-related injuries and how we can help you recover compensation for an airbag injury.

What are the Top 4 Airbag Defects?

A defective airbag can pose an imminent threat to a driver or passenger’s safety during a collision. But before we discuss some of the most common defects, it’s important to understand just how airbags work.

When a vehicle collides with another object, the speed of the vehicle reduces significantly. In those few seconds that your car decelerates, an accelerometer (which is an electric chip that measures acceleration or force) detects this rapid change. If the change in speed is drastic enough, then the airbag is triggered to deploy.

When this sensor stops working properly, the results can be alarming. Here are 4 common airbag defects you should know:

1. Airbags can deploy at the wrong time
2. Airbags can fail to deploy at all
3. Not all airbags deploy
4. Airbags can release too aggressively

If an airbag deploys incorrectly during an accident, you can suffer serious injuries from this malfunction. Even worse, a well-known airbag brand named Takata created a faulty airbag that exploded at the time of deployment and ended up claiming the lives of 16 people, leaving hundreds more injured. All of which could have been avoided with the proper safety inspection during the manufacturing process.

Common Airbag-Related Injuries

There are a number of factors that can cause airbag-related injuries. A few being the speed in which the airbag is deployed, the chemicals used in the device and the timing and effectiveness of deployment.

Below are the most common types of airbag injuries:

• Burns to arms, hands and chest
• Damage to the lungs
• Abrasions to the upper part of the body
• Spine injuries
• Bone fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Eye injuries

If you recently suffered an injury due to a faulty airbag, you should speak to a medical doctor right away. These injuries can worsen over time and create even more problems later down the road.

How to Sue for an Airbag Injury

You have the right to pursue a legal claim if you were injured by a defective airbag. This type of injury claim is called a product liability case, where our attorneys will hold the people responsible for your injuries accountable for their faulty product.

Here at The Advocates, we know the ins and outs of product liability law and will make sure you are fairly compensated for your pain and suffering. Your initial consultation is on us. Simply call our office today at 307-466-0003 or Chat with Us on our homepage. Don’t wait.

Your recovery is our top priority.  

Over the last year, the FDA has requested that all products containing ranitidine, more commonly sold under the brand name Zantac, be pulled from the market immediately.

The recall was ordered due to concerns that ranitidine medications may contain dangerously high levels of a cancer-causing chemical called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The FDA has ordered that all prescription and over-the-counter ranitidine drugs must be taken off the shelves.

If you or a loved were developed any kind of cancer after taking Zantac, you should speak with a Zantac lawyer to see if you can file a lawsuit.

What Type of Cancers are Linked to Zantac?

In 2019, an online pharmacy in Connecticut reported that it had found the cancer-causing chemical NDMA in several batches of Zantac and its generic brand, ranitidine.

Less than a year later, the FDA announced that the medication shows a risk to public health and may be causing different types of cancer in consumers. Exposure to NDMA can cause any of the following cancers:

• Bladder cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Stomach cancer

Many doctors have diagnosed people with cancer after taking Zantac. The list above is not limited to the different types of cancer caused by the prescription drug. If you developed any kind of cancer after taking Zantac, it’s in your best interest to speak with an attorney right away.

Do I Qualify for a Zantac Lawsuit or Settlement?

In order to potentially quality for a Zantac lawsuit, you have to first prove use. This means that you have to show that you took Zantac or ranitidine. If you were prescribed ranitidine, then it can be easily proven that you took the medication in a copy of your pharmacy records. If you regularly took Zantac, you will need any medical records or even receipts/statements that support this.

Second, you will need to prove an injury was caused by taking the medication. If you were diagnosed with one or more cancers listed above, you can request a copy of your medical records from your doctor or hospital (or you can work with an attorney to obtain your medical records for you).

Considered the most important part of filing a Zantac lawsuit is being able to prove that your medication use and cancer diagnosis are related. There are many factors that go into this, which is why it’s vital to at least speak with a Zantac lawyer about your case.

Speak with a Zantac Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were recently diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac, you will need to speak with an attorney right away. You may be entitled to compensation for any injuries associated to the use of taking the medication.

Our Zantac lawyers at The Advocates can provide the legal knowledge you will need to determine if you qualify to file a lawsuit. Should you qualify, we will represent you and your case until you get the recovery you are rightfully owed. You can contact us today at 307-271-6404 or use our Live Chat Here.

You deserve an Advocate.

Trucks and semis are vital components of commerce and the economy. They provide an invaluable option for countless businesses from coast to coast. The never-ending flow of goods does, however, have a dark side. When truck accidents occur, the sheer magnitude of their size and weight become fatal liabilities.

Statistics show that in traffic accidents involving cars and trucks, passengers in the car are four times more likely to suffer fatal injuries than operators of the big rigs. Weighing in upwards of 80,000 pounds and with twice the needed stopping distance of a car, trucks are dangerous to share the road with and Montana, especially, is notoriously known for its truck accidents. Here are the five worst truck accidents in Treasure State history from the Montana truck accident lawyers with The Advocates.

Fiery Collision Near Whitefish, Montana

One of the most tragic truck accidents in Montana history occurred when a school bus collided with a fuel tanker truck during a January snow storm in 1984. The local high school wrestling team was returning from a match on Saturday evening when the double tanker truck jackknifed across the highway right in front of them.

Nearby onlookers said a large fireball completely surrounded the bus as soon as the truck hit with flames quickly engulfing the interior. Although the driver of the truck survived, nine people in the school bus, including a coach, his wife and small child, sustained fatal injuries while another 19 people were injured as well. This is the worst truck accident in Montana State history.

Great Falls Collision Blamed on Foggy Wet Conditions

Fort Benton High School lost five students and their musical director who were en route to a music competition in March of 1957. The head on truck crash occurred at 7:30 am on a foggy, wet morning. While the driver of the truck escaped with only minor injuries, unfortunately none of the passengers in the car survived.

The front end of the truck was severely damaged but newsmen arriving on the scene reported the passenger car was utterly demolished. Too often, these roadway giants severely damage smaller vehicles, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Five Truck Pile-up with a Fatal Twist

A flatbed truck hauling lumber lost control on eastbound I-90 in the early morning hours of December 19, 2018.  The truck broadsided, spilling its load and completely blocking the eastbound lanes. Neither the driver nor passenger sustained injuries, however, moments later a second semi-truck veered left trying to avoid the crash and jumped the median landing across the westbound lanes. This driver exited the truck and, fearing being struck by westbound traffic, he jumped over the guard rail. Tragically, the semi truck driver did not realize it was over a 100’ drop and sustained fatal injuries in the fall.

At this point, a third semi-truck went into a broadside skid, partially ejecting the driver, who was left with serious injuries. Two more semi trucks soon followed and crashed right into the carnage, killing one of the truck drivers. The icy conditions also led to a first responder slipping and falling 40’ off the bridge deck, also sustaining serious injuries.

Passing Lane Error Leads to Head On with Oil Tanker

Just outside of Roundup, Montana on April 29, 1955, one of the most tragic truck accidents occurred on Highway 6 that evening.

In an ill-advised attempt to pass a second automobile, the driver in the first car of the truck accident leaned into oncoming traffic and collided head on with an oil tanker. The head on collision left three passengers with fatal injuries including the driver’s sister and two others. Both the driver of the second car and oil tanker truck escaped without injury.

Truck Spills Military Projectiles on Highway 212

One of the most recent tragic truck accidents in Montana closed over 60 miles of highway for more than 24 hours. On February 9^th, of 2019, Highway 212 was shutdown for an entire day when a pileup of three semi trucks occurred. The truck accident happened between Hammond and Boyes when two semi-trucks collided head on, forcing a third truck to swerve and wreck into a ditch.

According to Montana sheriff officers, one of the trucks spilled military projectiles across the roadway. The truck spill forced a wide and lengthy closure of Highway 212. Nevertheless, crews worked fast and diligently to clear the scene. The military even had to detonate some of the ordinance. Miraculously, no injuries occurred in this potentially explosive situation.

The Advocates of Montana

Being in a truck accident can be incredibly traumatic for anyone involved. Worrying about insurance claims, lost wages and the headache of an ongoing legal case is a lot for one person to deal with alone. A truck accident attorney who specializes in truck and semi truck accidents will be able to help you navigate the ins and outs of building a strong truck accident claim.

We at the Advocates believe everyone deserves a dedicated and diligent truck accident lawyer to help guide you through the difficult process of obtaining just compensation after being in a truck accident. From handling insurance adjusters and compiling medical records to assisting in renting a car, your truck accident attorney will be there for you every step of the way. Call us today 24/7 at 406-272-6986 or take advantage of our live online chat on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate!

Few things are more quintessential Americana than the road trip. A veritable scenic wonderland awaits intrepid motorists across our great nation. Those lucky enough to call Montana home are surrounded by some of the most diverse and amazing scenery to be found anywhere. Lewis and Clark described its natural beauty as “scenes of visionary enchantment.” If you’re ready to pack up for some spectacular natural beauty via the highways and byways then here are some of the most scenic drives in Montana from the car accident lawyers at the Advocates.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

No list of scenic drives in Montana could be complete without including this spectacular route through the heart of Glacier National Park. The 50-mile passage originally opened in 1933 and was the first National Park route specifically designed with the automobile tourist in mind. Passing by luscious cedar forests and waterfalls as it winds its way up toward ancient glaciers and the wind swept alpine circa of Logan Pass at 6,647 feet. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep and even grizzly bears are common sights.

Snowplow crews take around 10 weeks to clear the upper road of 80 feet or more of snow allowing motorists access. The road typically opens in early June and stays open through mid-October. The visitors center at Logan Pass is also a very popular stop offering amazing day hikes and ranger led activities as well as education about the local animals and geographic features.

Beartooth Highway

Designated an “All-American” road in 2002, this amazing 68-mile route reaches heights of nearly 11,000-feet and features breathtaking views of snowcapped peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and plateaus. Running between Red Lodge and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Highway features numerous scenic lookouts allowing an in-depth appreciation of the views.

The highway famously follows the 1872 footsteps of General Philip Sheridan over Beartooth Mountain returning from inspecting the newly formed Yellowstone National Park. Understandably so, snow storms can happen year around at the upper altitudes, so checking the local road conditions is always a good idea before heading out. Normally the road is open from May until October before turning into a popular snowmobile route in the winter months. This drive was famously described as “the most beautiful drive in America,” by late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt.

Paradise Valley

This 62-mile paved loop south of Livingston meanders along the Yellowstone River in one of Montana’s most scenic valleys. Flanked on the east by the looming Absaroka Range and on the west by the Gallatin Range a few miles off is a wonderful contrast to the open fields and grasslands of the valley, making it one of the most scenic drives in Montana. The picturesque Mallard’s Rest Fishing Access Site is a very popular spot to take a break and try your luck with the fish just picnic down by the river.

Off a gravel road about a block near milepost 42, you’ll find the Yellowstone River in a lazy horseshoe around the campground with the Absaroka mountains as the backdrop. If you’re headed to Yellowstone on Highway 89 then this side trip through the valley offers a respite from the heavy traffic and some of the prettiest views in the area.

Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway

Connecting Libby and Eureka, this 67-mile route follows the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa. Formed in 1974 by the Libby Dam, the narrow gorge of the lake extends all the way north into British Columbia. The name sounds like it has Indian origins but actually a local woman from Eureka combined the first three letters from the river and Canada then adding U.S.A. to win a naming contest hosted by the Corp of Engineers.

Wedged between the Purcell Mountains and the Salish Mountains the steep and rocky canyon walls are perfect habitat for bighorn sheep which are frequently seen in the area. Set aside some extra time If you are a fisherman as Lake Koocanusa is famed as one of the best landlocked salmon fishing spots in the northwest and the Kootenai River is considered a blue-ribbon trout stream with trophy-size rainbow trout. Other popular attractions include sightseeing in local ghost towns and Libby Dam, rock climbing, boating and numerous campground and picnic spots including one on an island.

Kings Hill Scenic Byway

Starting just southeast of Great Falls and heading 71-miles down to White Sulphur Springs, this popular byway passes through the Lewis and Clark National Forest and Little Belt Mountains. Pristine mountain lakes, wild streams and deep forests offer a wide variety of terrain and wildlife habitat encompassing this byway. For adventurous drivers the gravel roads seen crisscrossing the main road leads to over 450 miles of rugged mountain scenery, high lakes, trailheads, campgrounds and many old historic mines.

Much of the wildlife present when Lewis and Clark made their passage still live in the area including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, cougars, lynxes, wolverines and black bears to mention a few. The Showdown Ski Area sits just south of Kings Hill Pass as well some interesting historical museums littering the small towns makes this byway one with something for everyone.

The Montana Advocates

Car accidents can be traumatic for anyone involved. Worrying about insurance claims, lost wages and the headache of an ongoing legal case is a lot for anyone to have to deal with, let alone a family with a member recovering from a serious medical condition because of their accident. The best personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents is a life saver in overwhelming situations like that.

Here at the Advocates, our car accident lawyers believe everyone deserves a dedicated and diligent professional to help guide you through the difficult process of obtaining just compensation after a car accident. From handling insurance adjusters and compiling medical records to assist in renting a car, our Montana personal injury lawyers will be there to assist every step of the way. Call the Advocates today 24/7 at 406-272-6986 or use our live online chat right away on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate!

 

Without a doubt, Montana has some of the most scenic countryside you’ll find in the continental United States. From the towering mountains of the Rockies in the west to the expansive skies found above the eastern prairies, Montana is the perfect place to take a tour on your next holiday. Just remember to be safe and avoid being injured in a motorcycle accident. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best motorcycle rides you can take in the Big Sky Country of Montana.

#5. US Highway 12 – Onward From Missoula to Lewiston

Coming in at number 5 is the curvy highway of US 12 running through the Lolo and Nez Perce-Clearwater National forests. What makes this motorcycle route so scenic is that it closely follows the winding bends of both the Lochsa and Clearwater rivers. On this ride you’ll take in rolling hills, rocky mountain cliffs, and the dense and lush pine forests of Orofino. There are plenty of camping spots and opportunities to see all of the wildlife Montana has to offer from deer to elk, bears, moose, to eagles and hawks, and maybe even a gray wolf if you are lucky. US Highway 12 from Missoula to Idaho is a true sight to see from the seat of a motorcycle.

#4. The Secret Backroads of 141

This especially scenic motorcycle ride begins in the town of Avon, just west of Helena, and ends 32 miles north at Highway 200. On this route you’ll come across the true heartland of the great state of Montana. Along Route 141 you’ll come across lush farmland with roaming cattle, the beautiful Garnet Mountains, rolling hillsides, and enough picaresque landscape views that you’ll be surprised how often you pull over to take a photo of the skyline. Route 141 is one of Montana’s best kept secrets.

#3. The (Pre)Historic Highway 89

Mile for mile, you won’t find a more spectacular route to take than Highway 89 from Yellowstone National Park to the northern Glacier National Park. The motorcycle ride is certainly a long one, taking 6 to 7 hours to travel the route’s 350 miles, but it’s more than worth it. Not only will you get a chance to behold Montana’s current natural wonders—green pastures, mountain backdrops, and crystal lakes—you can experience wonders of the past as well. Stop in the town of Choteau to take in marvels of the prehistoric age where you can see the very first dinosaur egg ever discovered. This motorcycle ride is the perfect way to spend time at two of the world’s most beautiful and renowned national parks. Be sure not to miss out.

#2. Beartooth Pass

Beartooth Pass is easily the most dangerous of the motorcycle rides to be featured on this list. With its extreme ups and downs (nearly 12,000 feet in some stretches of road), US Highway 212 will surely leave your knuckles white with nervousness. Don’t expect many guardrails to keep you from careening off the side of the road, so take it slow and steady when you can. On your way up the 50 or so miles from Red Lodge to Silver Gate, you’ll see all Montana has to offer. From frigid tundra to secluded forests, snaking rivers, and absolutely stunning mountaintop views. Find out why many riders consider Beartooth Pass to be the quintessential motorcycle ride in all of Montana.

#1. The Glacier National Park Loop

Whether you start in the town of West Glacier or further east in Saint Mary, riding the looping circle through the Glacier National Park will be one of the best motorcycle experiences of your life. Stretching close to 150 miles along Highway 2 and Highway 89 and then back along the Going-To-The-Sun Road you’ll see the Glacier National Park as few people get to see it. Just riding upon the Going-to-the-Sun Road alone is worth the price of admission for motorcycle riders up to the challenge. With a small window during the summer to traverse this road, you won’t want to miss the Mount Everest of motorcycle rides. Just be sure to plan carefully and be ready for steep and dangerous ascents through the Rocky Mountains. Happy trails!

Speak with an Advocate Today!

While Montana is certainly known for its wild animals—bears, wolves, and even the occasional angry moose—common dog attacks remain a problem in the Big Sky Country. Indeed, the state of Montana sees hundreds of dog bites each and every year. Many people may find it hard to believe but dogs remain a greater threat in Montana than any other type of animal. With so many dogs running about, dog bites are a continued health risk for all Montanans. Here are the top 5 dog attacks in Montana history:

#5. Livingston Dog Bite, Montana, 2013

One restaurant employee got a nasty surprise when he decided to return to work late one night. After grabbing a drink at a bar after a long shift, a local Livingston man returned to the restaurant he worked at to grab his laptop before returning home. After preparing a late-night salad, the man came face to muzzle with a trained police dog. The man attempted to assuage the dog by greeting it with, “Hey, puppy.” But the K-9 unit attacked anyway, biting down on the man’s thigh. When he tried to pull the dog off of him, the dog bit down on his wrists. After the dog’s partner determined the man wasn’t a dangerous burglar attempting to thieve away croutons in the middle of the night, the man was rushed to the hospital. Remarkably, the police department refused to apologize for the excessive use of force. It’s no wonder that the man soon filed a lawsuit against the police department after being discharged from the hospital.

#4. Missoula Dog Attack, Montana, 2017

Every once in a while, police officers are the ones who suffer a dog bite while on the job. Late one night in 2017, two Missoula police officers noticed a man stumbling drunkenly toward his car. When the inebriated man got behind the wheel of his car and fired up the engine, the officers had no choice but to act. After requesting that the man get out of the vehicle, the man instead stomped on the gas, colliding with the car parked in front of him. When one of the officers attempted to physically remove the man, he was attacked by the man’s dog. The officer involved in the dog attack was bitten twice by the dog and treated at a local hospital. The drunken man fared far worse as he was charged with a felony and several misdemeanors.

#3. Dog Bite in Kalispell, Montana, 2016

A 9-year old girl was bitten by a mix-breed Labrador after mistakenly throwing a ball into a neighbor’s yard. The girl hopped the fence to recover the ball from the dog’s maw, politely asking the animal to drop it. The dog proceeded to drop the ball, but only so it could bite the young girl’s face. The girl was rushed to a local hospital where she was given over 40 stitches to repair her face. Remarkably, the city of Kalispell did not require the dog’s owner to put the animal to sleep, despite the animal leaving the girl with permanent disabilities.

#2. Dog Attack in Bozeman, Montana, 2017

Two pit bull dogs attacked an elderly Bozeman woman in 2017 in an attack that left her brain dead before ultimately taking her life. The victim was one Melissa Barnes, 65, who was bitten by dogs belonging to her neighbor and tenant. Police investigators believe the dogs were likely playing with Barnes when she fell over. The dogs were then triggered and began to attack the woman. Barnes spent several days in a coma before eventually succumbing to her injuries. The dogs in question were euthanized shortly after the attack and the owner was cited for violating the county’s dog control regulations. The story made headlines due to the rarity of dog attack deaths.

#1. Ulm Dog Attack, Montana, 2006

By far the most tragic dog attack in the history of Montana happened in the tiny town of Ulm. A 4-year old toddler named Dominic alone in his relative’s back yard when one of his uncle’s Rottweilers attacked the boy. The boy’s mother checked on him after a few minutes and found one of the Rottweilers standing over his mauled body. The boy was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, but it was too little, too late. The boy soon passed away. The dog was euthanized after the attack at the request of the family.

2020 Montana Car Accident Facts

Unfortunately, car accidents are all too common in Montana. From drunk driving to distracted drivers, a car crash can occur when you least expect it. Indeed, each year in the United States there are upwards of 6 million car crashes. While Montana sees but a fraction of these crashes, suffering an injury due to a car accident remains a very real threat for motorists in the Big Sky state. The Advocates have compiled the above statistics to help inform Montana drivers and passengers of the risk they face on the state’s roads and highways. The best practices a motorist can implement whenever they get behind the wheel is to drive defensively, never drink and drive, and to always buckle your seatbelt. Stay safe, Montana.

Speak with an Advocate Today!

 

A strange paradox has emerged with the recent Coronavirus quarantine: fewer cars on the road has caused more deaths.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), while miles driven during the pandemic have dropped by a whopping 18%, motor-vehicle deaths only dropped by 8%. This translates to an increase of “motor vehicle fatalities per miles driven” by 14% compared to this time last year. Indeed, there were 1.22 deaths for every 100 million miles driven in March compared to just 1.07 in March of 2019.

If there are less cars on the road due to the quarantine, then why is it suddenly more dangerous to drive on the roads? What gives? Ken Kolosh, the statistics manager for the National Safety Council, is just as confused when he spoke to NPR.

“What really strikes me is the incredible speed of the changes we’re seeing on the roadways. Looking at other recessions what you usually see is a decrease in the number of deaths, or the injuries and fatality rate holding steady or decreasing slightly.”

Experts believe that empty stretches of highway encourage motorists whom are out and about on the road to speed and drive recklessly.

“Per mile traveled, our roads are less safe than they were prior to Covid-19,” said Kolosh. “A lot of drivers are taking the open roads as an invitation for an open season on speeding and other dangerous behaviors.”

The most likely cause of the uptick in motor-vehicle deaths is due to lead-footed drivers blowing through posted speed limits. The president of the NSC Lorraine Martin sees the rise in deaths as an “apparent open season on reckless driving.” Martin pressed the need for responsibility during the quarantine.

“Right now, in the midst of a global pandemic and crisis, we should take it as our civic duty to drive safely. If we won’t do it for ourselves, we should do it for our first responders, our law enforcement and our healthcare workers, who are rightly focused on coronavirus patients and should not be overwhelmed by preventable car crashes.”

The National Safety Council provided safety tips for drivers over the Memorial Day on how to avoid automobile crashes during the pandemic:

• Follow all posted speed limits, regardless of the density of traffic
• With more people staying home, watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists
• If you are a pedestrian or bicyclist, remain vigilant; reduced traffic doesn’t mean no traffic
• Drive defensively by wearing a seatbelt, not driving inebriated or with little sleep, and avoid distractions such as your cell phone
• Lecture your teenage drivers about safe driving

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