Section: Montana

There is a lot of good news regarding crime. Nationally, crime has been trending downward for decades. According to FBI crime data, violent crime is dropping dramatically across the country. The US is a big country, and crime levels can vary widely by location. Even just looking at Montana crime rates, cities like Billings, Helena, […]

Embarking on a personal injury claim journey can feel overwhelming, especially because there are many misconceptions about personal injury law that may deter accident victims from pursuing a claim.  Whether or not to file an injury claim is always up to the injury victim, but everyone should be empowered to make an informed decision before […]

It probably comes as no surprise that a large western state like Montana is home to some of the most dangerous animals in North America. With miles and miles of uninhabited plains, forests, and high mountains, wildlife is allowed to flourish, creating sensational scenery and pristine natural habitats for plants and animals alike. Wild animal […]

Montana is a beautiful place to live and recreate all year long. From hiking, off-roading, and fishing in the warmer months to snowboarding and sledding during wintertime, there is always something to do in the great Montana outdoors. Any time you go outside, get active, or hit the road for an adventure, there’s a risk […]

One of the most important considerations in any personal injury claim is the statute of limitations. It’s crucial to know and adhere to the statute of limitations for your type of case—if you fail to do so, you will lose your ability to file a claim. From dog bites to wrongful death, every type of […]

With gorgeous vistas, towering mountain ranges, and stunning wildlife, Montana is a haven for anyone who enjoys being outdoors, including motorcyclists. In fact, Big Sky Country is home to some of the best motorcycle roads in America.  We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite motorcycle routes in the state. They are listed below […]

If you’ve been injured in an accident and are filing a personal injury claim, you have taken the first steps toward recovery. Physical harm, however, is not the only problem that accident victims face. Many personal injury claimants also find themselves struggling with emotional pain and mental distress. In some cases, you may be able […]

Being involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver can be frustrating and challenging. Oftentimes, these accidents lead to serious injuries, property damage, and extensive medical bills, so it’s normal to feel worried if you find out the other driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage. If you were injured in a motor vehicle […]

Montana is home to countless state parks and bodies of water–it’s no surprise that boating, fishing, and swimming are all popular pastimes. Unfortunately, with these activities come inherent risks. According to the United States Coast Guard, Montana saw 32 fatal boating accidents from 2017-2021. Though they’re less common, boat crashes can be just as dangerous […]

Montana is full of beautiful trails that are ideal for hiking, biking, and riding off-road vehicles (OHVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). This makes Big Sky Country a great place for people who love being outdoors. Unfortunately, all types of recreation come with inherent risks, and ATV riding is no exception. The potential dangers of ATV […]

Each year as the weather warms up, thousands of motorcycle riders across the country dust off their bikes and hit the road to enjoy the spring and summer months. As more motorcycle operators appear on Montana streets, it’s important for everyone to be familiar with state motorcycle laws.  Helmet use is one of the most […]

The personal injury claims process can be lengthy, complex, and overwhelming. It’s normal to have questions. Your attorney is your best source of information and legal expertise, but we’ve compiled the answers to some of the questions we hear most below. Do I need a personal injury attorney? Not every accident requires an attorney. Some […]

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may want to get compensation for your loss from the responsible party. Knowing where to start, however, can be difficult. Although you do not have to be a lawyer to pursue a bicycle accident injury claim, it certainly helps to at least have one on your side. […]

What is the Statute of Limitations in Montana? A statute of limitations is a law that controls how long after an incident you can file a claim for compensation or liability. Statutes of Limitations exist in every single state for almost all torts. That means, if you were in an accident, you only have between […]

How Do You Determine Auto Accident Negligence? Law students spend a large portion of the first year of law school learning about all sorts of different torts intentional or otherwise. However, in practice, most cases of personal injury are based on negligence. Common law negligence has evolved over the centuries to include four elements. 1. […]

Nobody thinks they need a personal injury lawyer until they are suddenly injured in an accident. Accidents come in many shapes and forms, and no two accidents are ever the same. This is why it is important to take action immediately if you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by the negligence and recklessness of […]

Purchasing car insurance can be a daunting task in Montana. Insurance companies offer options ranging from varying coverage amounts to electing road-side assistance. Trying to figure out which possibilities are best for your situation can be overwhelming. Car insurance is a requirement, but nobody wants to pay too much for options they don’t need. We’re […]

How Will a Motorcycle Accident Affect My Car Insurance Premium? Motorcycle insurance works the same as vehicle insurance. Most likely you will simply add your motorcycle as an additional vehicle to your existing car insurance policy. You do not have to do it that way, but most companies offer discounts if you combine policies. 1. […]

With spring right around the corner, more and more bicyclists will begin to appear on Montana streets and highways. No matter if you are one of these bicyclists, a pedestrian, or regularly drive a vehicle, it’s important to know the laws governing bicycles and their riders in Montana. This guide will help you learn these […]

Nowadays, it is a rare event to meet someone who does not have a Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram account. In the space of a single decade, it seems the entire world has joined the online social media phenomenon. Social media is a great way to stay connected to friends and family, keep up to date […]

  If you were recently involved in a collision, you may be asking yourself: Do I need a lawyer for my accident? The most important thing you should know is that you not only have the right to speak with an attorney before making any decisions involving an insurance claim, you have the right to […]

One of the most common injury suffered by motor vehicle victims in Montana is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). A Traumatic Brain Injury is a broad category of injuries to the brain which can cause damage to a variety of regions, such as those controlling vision, hearing, or even basic motor functions. How and where […]

How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Montana Being in an accident can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved. But when it comes to motorcycle crashes, this type of collision can have the most devastating effects. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to be fatally injured in a crash than passenger car occupants, […]

Did you know that more than 3 million people are injured in accidents each year in the U.S.? While some injuries are more severe than others, even seemingly minor strains such as whiplash can have long-lasting effects if left untreated. Whiplash, also known as a neck, shoulder or back sprain, is one of the most […]

After an auto accident who pays for the damages? The short answer is the insurance company, but which one: theirs or yours? That depends on who was at fault and with whom you file a claim. First-party insurance claims are filed with your insurance, whereas third-party insurance claims are filed with the other driver’s insurance. […]

How Do You Treat Whiplash? Have you heard the phrase, “Your internet search is not a replacement for my medical degree?” This article is intended to be a starting point for whiplash treatment. The letters after my name above do not qualify me to give medical advice. I am not a medical doctor. I am […]

You are going to need to go to the doctor before you can take your case to court. The doctor, the doctor’s notes, and the doctor’s bills are some most important pieces of evidence you will need to prove that you were injured in the accident. That means that you must pay your medical expenses […]

It can be dangerous walking down the street, especially in high traffic areas with little to no pedestrian walking space. If you were a pedestrian hit by a car and you were injured, insurance should cover your medical expenses in one way or another. 1. Your Own Auto Insurance If you also drive when you […]

Stop your car, and stay at the scene of the accident Hitting a person with your vehicle is treated like any other auto accident at first. Always stop driving as soon as you realize you have hit someone. It is hard to claim that the accident was the pedestrian’s fault if you do not even […]

It can be a little tricky to predict early on exactly what a car accident settlement will be. How is one supposed to know if a settlement offer is appropriate or if you are being low-balled by the insurance company? The process to determine the amount of a settlement can be complex and only by […]

Recovering Losses After a Montana Hit-and-Run Accident Every 45 seconds a hit and run occurs somewhere in the United States. Many hit-and-runs occur between midnight and 4 a.m., when they are 5 times more likely. They can also happen in broad daylight. At 6:30 in the morning of March third of this year, tragically a […]

Winter is upon us, and so is the snow. Snowplows will be out to make the roads safe, but driving while they’re out means following basic snowplow safety. Follow our tips to remain safe around them this winter. Do Not Pass a Snowplow Snowplows typically operate well below the posted speed limits so it’s tempting […]

Animal-Related Car Accidents: How to Avoid Hitting an Animal As the temperature begins to drop, wildlife will inevitably venture closer and closer to roads and human civilization. Such familiarity means that deer, moose, and elk will be crossing the road, and drivers need to be prepared to avoid crashing into our animal friends. Car accidents […]

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 17 percent of vehicle crashes occur during winter conditions. However, during a Montana snowstorm it can feel like every single turn of the steering wheel might result in an accident. The Advocates can help you if you have been injured in a car accident, but […]

If you have the bad luck to be hit by an underage driver, do not despair. Treat the accident as you would any other accident, and let the consequences fall where they may for the young person. Always Report an Accident with an Underage Driver Any time you are in an accident, report it to […]

If you have recently been in a car accident you may be wondering how many people you have to tell and if you should file an accident report. While you may get away with keeping the incident from your spouse, you cannot really get away with keeping it from everyone. You should always call the […]

At The Advocates we can help if you have been injured in a car accident, but we would all feel better if everyone stayed safe this winter. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one the best things you can do to avoid an accident before you even back out of your driveway is […]

Montana is a well-known destination for motorcycle riders.  What better way to experience “big sky country” than on a motorcycle?  From the eastern prairies and farmlands to the mountainous foothills and river valleys, Montana is a beautiful place to behold!  A survey during the summer tourism season found that ten percent of visitors came by […]

Tips to Avoid Endangering First Responders During Traffic Stops In the late evening of November 18, 2016, Utah State Trooper Eric Ellsworth was sent to protect passing vehicles from a downed power line on State Road 13 in Northern Utah. After arriving at the scene, Trooper Ellsworth directed traffic away from the downed power lines. […]

Winter driving comes with all sorts of hazards. Even if you plan to stay close to civilization during the long winter months in Montana, it pays to be prepared in case of sudden weather changes or unexpected vehicle problems. The best advice The Advocates can give is to always carry these items with you in […]

Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion A brain injury or concussion in a car accident is considered a closed head injury. A closed head injury is a brain injury that is damaging to the brain but not the skull or dura, which helps protect the brain and spinal cord. Closed head injuries can […]

I am a motorcycle accident lawyer, and to me whether or not you should wear a motorcycle helmet is a silly question. Of course you need a helmet. Your body is hurtling down the highway at 80 miles an hour with nothing between your skull and the pavement. It is a litigator’s nightmare. However, lawmakers […]

People fall down. It happens. Gravity is a burden everyone faces on a daily basis. Slip and fall accidents can not only cause you long-term pain, they can interrupt your life and damage your financial well-being. Most people are unsure of what to do after suffering a slip and fall accident. It’s normal to have […]

Nobody expects to be in an accident when they travel in a car. Yet, every day, millions of people all throughout the United States are hurt in car accidents, and few are prepared for the aftermath. Car accidents happen in the flash of an instant and can be jarring events, leaving even the hardiest of […]

Everyone at some point in their life becomes a pedestrian. No matter if you stroll, jog, run, sprint, or just casually amble, there’s no escaping the rules, responsibilities, and not to mention the risks that come with being a pedestrian in the great state of Montana. Don’t fret. Montana has relatively common sense right-of-way laws […]

While no two car accidents are ever the same, some are more deadly than others. Certain factors determine the severity of a particular car accident. The speed of the impact. The make and models of the vehicles involved. Whether or not the passengers were wearing seat belts. All of these factors contribute to the most […]

The Essential Guide to Post Concussion Syndrome One of the least understood disorders that affects millions of Americans each year is post concussion syndrome. Post concussion syndrome victims frequently experience the debilitating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and depression. Victims can expect symptoms to persist for weeks or even months at a time. For most […]

How To File an Injury Claim After a Bicycle Accident If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may want to get compensation for your loss from the responsible party. Knowing where to start, however, can be difficult. Although you do not have to be a lawyer to pursue a bicycle accident injury […]

Montana Dog-Bite Injury Checklist If you are worried about potentially being attacked by a dog or domestic animal in Montana, this checklist from The Advocates can help you stay safe. Dog-Bite Injury Checklist: 1. Get Yourself to a Place of Safety If you have been attacked by a dog, your first priority should be to […]

How to Determine Negligence in a Montana Slip and Fall Case? Law students spend a large portion of the first year of law school learning about all sorts of different torts intentional or otherwise. However, in practice, most cases of personal injury are based on negligence. Common law negligence has evolved over the centuries to […]

Just to be clear, this is a list of don’ts. Things not to do if you have been in an accident and are thinking you might have a personal injury claim. The Internet is public and forever. Insurance companies and opposing parties can and will use your social media posts, photos, and comments against you. […]