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Montana Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers | 18-Wheelers, Commercial Trucks, Rideshare Crashes on I-90, I-15 | Former Insurance Defense Insider Exposing Tactics | Multi-Million-Dollar Results | Attorney911 — The Firm Insurers Fear | Call 1-888-ATTY-911

We understand that being involved in a motor vehicle accident in Montana can be an overwhelming and life-altering experience. The immediate aftermath often leaves individuals feeling scared, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next. Perhaps you’re in physical pain, facing mounting medical bills, dealing with a damaged vehicle, and struggling to understand how you will provide for your family while recovering. We want you to know that you are not alone; we are here to guide you through this challenging time with compassion, clarity, and unwavering advocacy. Many clients we have served in Montana and across Texas have expressed similar feelings of helplessness before contacting our firm. We’re in your corner, ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

At Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we focus our practice on helping injured individuals and their families navigate the complex legal landscape that follows a motor vehicle accident. Under the leadership of Ralph Manginello, with over 25 years of experience, we have proudly served the communities of Montana and across the great state of Texas, securing significant multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. We understand the local challenges and personal impact these incidents have on residents of Montana.

Our core mission is to protect your rights and ensure that insurance companies do not take advantage of your vulnerable situation. We know their tactics because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who spent years working for national defense firms, learning firsthand how they value claims and devise strategies to minimize payouts. Now, that invaluable insider knowledge is your unfair advantage. If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Montana, call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Protecting Your Rights After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Montana, Texas

Car accidents, 18-wheeler collisions, and drunk driving incidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on the roads of Montana and throughout Texas. While we all hope to avoid them, the reality is that thousands of individuals are injured every year. The chaos that follows an accident—the immediate medical needs, the police reports, the phone calls from insurance adjusters—can feel like a whirlwind. This is precisely why having a dedicated and experienced legal team on your side from day one is crucial.

We have seen countless cases where individuals in Montana, attempting to manage their recovery while dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters, inadvertently made statements or signed documents that severely compromised their ability to receive fair compensation. Our commitment at Attorney911 is to handle all legal and administrative burdens, allowing you to focus entirely on your physical and emotional recovery. We understand the specific nuances of motor vehicle accidents in Montana, including local traffic patterns, common accident hotspots, and the way local law enforcement typically handles crash investigations.

Immediate Action: The Critical First 48 Hours After an Accident in Montana

The steps you take immediately following a motor vehicle accident in Montana can significantly impact the outcome of your potential injury claim. Evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade. Insurance companies begin building a case against you from the moment the accident is reported. Delaying legal action can jeopardize your right to maximum compensation. That’s why we emphasize the importance of our 48-hour protocol.

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis): Prioritizing Safety and Documentation

Your safety and well-being are paramount after an accident in Montana. While adrenaline can mask pain, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:

  • Safety First: If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle and yourself to a secure location away from traffic on roads such as US-83 or TX-37. This prevents further injury or secondary collisions.
  • Call 911: Always report the accident, even if it seems minor. This creates an official record. Request medical assistance if anyone involved is injured, no matter how slightly. In Montana, emergency responders are equipped to handle diverse accident scenarios.
  • Seek Medical Attention: If you feel any pain or discomfort, no matter how insignificant, get to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center immediately. Local facilities in the Montana area can provide initial assessments. Adrenaline often masks the true extent of injuries, which may become apparent hours or days later. Insurance companies will scrutinize any delay in medical treatment.
  • Document Everything: Your phone is your most powerful tool. Take comprehensive photos and videos of:
    • Vehicle Damage: Capture all angles of damage to all vehicles involved.
    • Accident Scene: Photograph road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and any relevant road signs or hazards unique to Montana.
    • Visible Injuries: Document any cuts, bruises, swelling, or other visible signs of injury.
    • Vehicle Position: Show how the vehicles rested after impact.
    • Messages: Screenshot any text messages or social media posts visible on your phone relating to the incident (do NOT delete anything).
  • Exchange Information: Obtain the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance company and policy number, and vehicle information (make, model, license plate).
  • Identify Witnesses: Gather names and contact information for any witnesses near the accident site in Montana. Ask what they observed and if they are willing to provide a statement. Their unbiased accounts can be invaluable.
  • Call Attorney911: Before speaking to any insurance company, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance. Our team is available 24/7.

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation): Securing Crucial Details

Evidence begins to disappear or degrade rapidly after an accident. This period focuses on preserving what remains:

  • Digital Preservation: Secure all texts, calls, photos, and videos related to the accident. Do NOT delete anything from your phone. Screenshot anything relevant and email copies to yourself for backup.
  • Physical Evidence: Keep damaged clothing, glasses, or other personal items. Do NOT repair your vehicle until it has been thoroughly inspected and documented by our team.
  • Medical Records: Begin the process of requesting copies of all ER and hospital records. Keep all discharge paperwork and follow up with your primary care physician or a specialist in Montana within 24-48 hours.
  • Insurance Communications: Note any attempts by insurance companies to contact you. Do NOT give a recorded statement, sign any documents, or accept any settlement offers. Simply state, “I need to speak with my attorney first.”
  • Social Media Privacy: Make ALL your social media profiles private immediately. Do NOT post about the accident, your injuries, or your activities. Advise friends and family not to tag you in posts or comment on your accident. We have seen insurance companies use seemingly innocent posts to undermine legitimate claims. As Lupe Peña often says, “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life – they’re building ammunition against you.”

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions): Preparing for the Legal Battle

With initial critical steps handled, this phase is about making informed strategic decisions for your case:

  • Legal Consultation: Use this time for a detailed consultation with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney. Have all your collected documentation ready. Our free consultation at 1-888-ATTY-911 is designed to provide clear answers and a strategic roadmap.
  • Insurance Response: Redirect all insurance company inquiries to Attorney911. We will handle all communication, protecting you from manipulative tactics and ensuring your rights are upheld in Montana.
  • Settlement Offers: Never accept or sign anything without legal review. Early offers are almost always lowball attempts designed to quickly close your case before the full extent of your injuries and damages are known.
  • Evidence Backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage and email copies to yourself or a trusted family member. Create a written timeline of events while your memory is fresh.

Week One Priorities: Laying the Foundation for Success

  • Medical Follow-Up: Consistently attend all medical appointments, follow doctor’s orders, and document all injuries and treatment. Gaps in treatment provide ammunition for insurance companies.
  • Investigation Begins: Our team will immediately obtain the official police report, send preservation letters to all involved parties in Montana, canvas the accident scene for additional surveillance footage, and begin interviewing witnesses.
  • Communication with Attorney911: We will manage all aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing. Rest assured, your case is a priority, and we will keep you informed every step of the way. As client Stephanie Hernandez proudly shared, “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”

Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from businesses in Montana is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 so we can start protecting your rights and securing critical evidence before it’s gone forever.

The Montana Motor Vehicle Accident Landscape: Common Incidents We Handle

From the bustling city streets of Montana to its significant highway corridors, motor vehicle accidents are an unfortunate reality. Our firm has extensive experience handling a comprehensive range of accident types that occur throughout Texas, and we are well-versed in the specific challenges present in Montana. Ralph Manginello and his team at Attorney911 are committed to fighting for maximum compensation for victims across all these categories.

Car Accidents: Navigating the Aftermath in Montana

Car accidents remain the most frequent cause of personal injury claims in Texas, and Montana is no exception. In 2024, Texas recorded a staggering 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes, with a crash occurring every 57 seconds and one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. Tragically, there were 4,150 fatalities statewide. Many of these incidents occur right here in Montana, on roads such as US-83 or TX-37, impacting our community.

Common Causes: The primary culprits behind car accidents in Montana mirror state trends:

  • Distracted Driving: Contributing to 380 deaths in 2024, our roads are filled with drivers engrossed in their phones, navigation systems, or other distractions.
  • Speeding: Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions leads to severe consequences.
  • Failure to Yield: Whether at intersections or during lane changes, failing to grant right-of-way causes numerous collisions.
  • Running Red Lights: A dangerous shortcut that often results in devastating T-bone collisions.
  • Following Too Closely: Tailgating reduces reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end crashes.
  • DUI/DWI: Impaired driving continues to be a severe problem, as discussed in detail later.

Common Injuries: The impact forces of car accidents often lead to a range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic:

  • Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Affecting the neck, back, and shoulders.
  • Herniated Discs: Leading to chronic pain and nerve damage.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: Requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even a mild concussion can have long-lasting effects.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially resulting in paralysis.
  • Internal Organ Damage: Life-threatening injuries requiring immediate surgery.

We have a proven track record of securing significant compensation for car accident victims. For instance, in a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, demonstrating our commitment to fighting for every dollar our clients deserve.

If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a car accident in Montana, rest assured that you don’t have to face it alone. As client Chavodrian Miles gratefully noted, “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” This highlights our team’s efficiency and dedication to client care. Another client, MONGO SLADE, shared, “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement,” reflecting our ability to deliver positive outcomes.

We don’t get paid unless we win your case, and your initial consultation is always free. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 if you’ve been involved in a car accident in Montana.

18-Wheeler & Trucking Accidents: The Devastating Impact in Montana

When an 18-wheeler, weighing up to 80,000 pounds, collides with a passenger vehicle weighing around 4,000 pounds, the results are almost always catastrophic. Montana, with its vital transportation routes, sees its share of these devastating commercial truck accidents. In 2024, there were 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Texas, resulting in 608 trucking fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries. Texas alone accounts for an alarming 11% of all fatal truck crashes nationwide, with 549 fatal truck accidents leading to 620 deaths.

Why Trucking Accidents Are Different and More Complex:

  • Federal Regulations: Trucking companies and their drivers are governed by stringent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations regarding hours of service, maintenance, and driver qualifications. Violations can constitute negligence per se.
  • Multiple Liable Parties: Liability can extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company (negligent hiring, training, or maintenance), the cargo loader (improper loading), the truck manufacturer (defective parts), or even third-party maintenance providers.
  • Higher Insurance Limits: Commercial trucks carry much higher insurance policies, often ranging from $750,000 to $5,000,000+, reflecting the greater potential for severe damage and injury.
  • Complex Evidence: Critical evidence such as Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, black box recordings, and driver logs must be preserved immediately, as this digital data can be overwritten or deleted within 30-180 days.

Our firm has the federal court experience necessary to take on these complex cases. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is often where federal trucking cases are heard. Our involvement in BP explosion litigation, where we took on billion-dollar corporations, further demonstrates our capability to handle cases against massive corporate defendants.

We have a proven track record in confronting large trucking corporations. At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. These multi-million dollar results send a clear message: we are prepared to fight for maximum compensation. Insurance companies fear nuclear verdicts in trucking cases, like the recent $37.5 million verdict against Oncor Electric for a distracted truck driver, or the $44.1 million verdict in the I-35 pileup case. Attorney911 is ready to demand justice.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a devastating 18-wheeler accident in Montana, don’t delay. The critical evidence needed to build your case disappears quickly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for a free consultation.

Drunk Driving Accidents: Holding Impaired Drivers Accountable in Montana

Drunk driving remains one of the most senseless and preventable causes of motor vehicle accidents in Montana and across Texas. In 2024, Texas reported 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths, making up 25.37% of all fatalities. With over 24,000 DWI-related crashes in Texas in 2023, the impact on our communities in Montana is profound and tragic. A drunk driver is not just breaking the law; they are consciously endangering lives.

Punitive Damages and Dram Shop Liability:
Unlike other accidents, drunk driving cases often allow for punitive damages in Texas, designed to punish the defendant for their egregious conduct and deter similar actions. This can significantly increase the value of a claim.

Furthermore, Texas law provides for dram shop liability under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02. This means that bars, restaurants, or other establishments that over-serve an “obviously intoxicated” person who then causes an accident can also be held financially responsible. Proving “obvious intoxication” involves demonstrating signs like slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, stumbling, or impaired coordination. This dual liability can provide a critical avenue for victims to recover damages from multiple parties, even if the drunk driver has insufficient insurance.

Ralph Manginello’s deep experience in both criminal and civil law, including his membership in the prestigious HCCLA (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association), offers a significant advantage. This allows us to approach drunk driving cases from every angle. Our firm has a proven track record of leveraging this expertise:

  • We secured a dismissal for a client charged with drunk driving when our investigation revealed a police employee wasn’t properly maintaining breathalyzer machines.
  • Another client involved in a roll-over crash had their case dismissed partly because police conducted no breath or blood test, and hospital notes were missing.
  • In yet another DWI case, our client’s charges were dismissed because video evidence clearly showed he did not appear drunk.

These case results highlight our commitment to thorough investigation and our ability to challenge evidence effectively—skills that directly benefit our personal injury clients in pursuing maximum compensation. If you or a loved one has been devastated by a drunk driver in Montana, we will investigate every possible avenue of liability, including dram shop claims. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.

Motorcycle Accidents: Fighting Bias and Securing Justice for Riders in Montana

Motorcycle riders often face unique dangers on the roads of Montana. Despite their vigilance, they are frequently unseen by other drivers, leading to severe and often life-changing injuries. In 2024, Texas tragically recorded 585 motorcyclist fatalities. An alarming 37% of those killed were not wearing helmets, highlighting the critical importance of safety gear. Over 90% of fatal victims are male, with the highest risk group between 25-44 years old, though older riders also face increasing vulnerability due to slower reflexes. Many of these accidents peak during warmer months (March-October) and especially on weekends, from 3 PM to 9 PM.

The Bias Against Riders:
Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently attempt to place blame on the motorcyclist, employing tactics that rely on common misconceptions. Here in Montana, as elsewhere, motorcyclists are often incorrectly stereotyped as reckless. Texas’s 51% bar rule for comparative negligence means that if a rider is found to be 51% or more at fault, they recover nothing. Insurance adjusters will use every tool at their disposal to push fault onto the rider, drastically reducing their payout.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:
While insurance companies often suggest rider error, the reality is that many motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers:

  • Failure to Yield Right of Way: This is the most common cause, with drivers neglecting to see motorcycles when turning or changing lanes.
  • Driver Inattention/Distraction: Distracted drivers are a severe threat to motorcyclists.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers may merge into a lane already occupied by a motorcycle.
  • Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers turning left directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle can result in devastating T-bone or head-on collisions.

This is precisely where our firm’s insider knowledge becomes your advantage. Lupe Peña, having spent years making comparative fault arguments for insurance companies, now uses that expertise to dismantle those very arguments when fighting for our clients in Montana. He knows how insurance adjusters build their cases to blame riders and how to proactively counter those narratives.

Regarding helmet laws, in Texas, riders under 21 are required to wear a helmet. However, riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they have completed an approved motorcycle safety course or carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. Regardless of helmet use, all motorcyclists deserve justice when injured by a negligent driver.

If you are a motorcyclist injured in an accident in Montana, don’t let insurance companies unfairly blame you. We understand the specific biases and legal challenges you face. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We are ready to fight for your rights.

Pedestrian Accidents: Protecting the Most Vulnerable in Montana

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable individuals on Montana’s roadways, with little protection against the force of a moving vehicle. Tragically, in 2024, Texas saw 6,095 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 768 fatalities and 1,454 serious injuries. While pedestrians are involved in only 1% of all crashes, they account for a shocking 19% of all roadway deaths. Houston alone reported a record 119 pedestrians killed on city streets, making up a third of all traffic fatalities in the city. The impact on communities across Texas, including Montana, is clear.

Critical Legal Standard: Pedestrian Right-of-Way:
A common misconception among drivers is that pedestrians must stick to marked crosswalks. However, Texas law unequivocally states that pedestrians always have the right-of-way at intersections, even if there isn’t a painted crosswalk. “Anytime there’s an intersection of two streets, the distance between them is a crosswalk,” even if unmarked. Insurance companies will rarely volunteer this crucial legal detail, often trying to blame the pedestrian for “jaywalking” or not being visible enough near or in Montana.

Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents:
Given the complete lack of physical protection, injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents are frequently catastrophic:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From direct impact or secondary head strike.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Often leading to permanent paralysis.
  • Broken Pelvis and Legs: Direct impact to the lower body.
  • Internal Organ Damage: Caused by the force of the collision or impact with the ground.
  • Fatalities: As statistics grimly show, these accidents too often result in wrongful death.

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle in Montana, timely legal intervention is critical. Evidence such as surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses, traffic light data, and witness statements must be secured immediately before it is lost. Our team at Attorney911 understands the unique challenges of pedestrian accident cases and is relentless in holding negligent drivers accountable. We ensure that the law, which is often misunderstood, is applied correctly to protect the rights of injured pedestrians.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Montana, contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We fight to secure the maximum compensation you need for recovery.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft): Navigating Complex Insurance in Montana

The advent of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has transformed transportation in Montana and cities worldwide, providing convenience for millions. However, it has also introduced a complicated layer of insurance issues when accidents occur. With 17.4 million Uber trips daily and 118 million users worldwide, the potential for rideshare-related accidents is substantial. Statistics show that 58% of those injured in rideshare accidents are third parties (other drivers, pedestrians), while riders and drivers each account for 21% of injuries.

The Critical Insurance Coverage Phases:
The most complex aspect of rideshare accidents is determining which insurance policy applies, as coverage varies dramatically based on what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash. Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense is particularly invaluable here, as he understands how these complex policies are structured from the inside.

  • Period 0 – Offline: If the rideshare driver’s app is off and they are driving for personal use, only their personal car insurance (minimum Texas coverage: 30/60/25) applies. This coverage is often inadequate for serious injuries.
  • Period 1 – App On, Waiting for a Ride Request: When the driver has the app on but hasn’t accepted a ride, Uber or Lyft’s contingent coverage kicks in. This typically provides $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
  • Period 2 – Accepted a Ride Request, En Route to Pickup: Once a driver accepts a ride and is on their way to pick up the passenger, the full commercial coverage of $1,000,000 in liability insurance from Uber or Lyft becomes active.
  • Period 3 – Passenger in Vehicle: While a passenger is in the vehicle, the $1,000,000 commercial liability policy remains in effect.

Understanding these phases is crucial for victims in Montana. An attorney without deep insurance knowledge might struggle to identify the correct policy or maximize recovery. We have seen insurance companies attempt to exploit these complexities to deny or delay claims.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in Montana, whether as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, you need an attorney who can expertly navigate this insurance maze. Do not let insurance companies deny your rightful compensation. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for a free consultation. We understand the specific legal and insurance challenges unique to rideshare accidents and are prepared to fight for your recovery in Montana.

Hit and Run Accidents: When the At-Fault Driver Flees in Montana

Being the victim of a hit and run accident in Montana is uniquely terrifying. Not only are you injured, but the at-fault driver has fled, leaving you with questions, fears, and potentially severe injuries without immediate recourse. Nationally, someone is involved in a hit and run every 43 seconds. It is a serious criminal offense in Texas. If the hit and run results in death, the driver faces a Second-Degree Felony charge with 2-20 years in prison; if serious bodily injury occurs, it’s a Third-Degree Felony with 2-10 years. Even minor injury or property damage results in felony charges.

Your Path to Compensation: Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage:
When the at-fault driver is unidentified, your primary avenue for compensation is your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. Many people overlook this critical protection, but it steps in to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the negligent driver cannot be found or has insufficient insurance. We encourage you to watch our informative YouTube video on UM/UIM claims for more details at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8.

The Urgent Need for Evidence Preservation:
In hit and run cases, evidence is paramount and highly time-sensitive. Surveillance footage from gas stations, retail stores, traffic cameras, and even Ring doorbells in Montana can capture crucial details, but this footage is often deleted within 7-30 days. Witnesses disperse quickly, and memories fade. This is why immediate action is not just recommended, it is essential. Once evidence is deleted, it’s gone forever.

At Attorney911, we act swiftly. Within 24 hours of retention, we send preservation letters to businesses and relevant entities in Montana that might have captured footage. These letters legally require them to save any and all relevant video, protecting this critical evidence from automatic deletion. We’ve helped many clients in Montana recover substantial settlements in hit and run cases through diligent investigation and leveraging UM/UIM claims.

If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident in Montana, do not wait. Time is of the essence. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We will launch an immediate investigation to find the evidence and pursue every available option for your compensation.

Bicycle Accidents: Asserting Rights for Cyclists in Montana

Bicyclists, like pedestrians, are incredibly vulnerable on Montana’s roads. Despite the physical and environmental benefits of cycling, riders routinely face significant risks due to negligent drivers. In 2024, Texas recorded 78 bicyclist fatalities, a 26.42% decrease from the previous year, yet each death is a preventable tragedy. While there isn’t a statewide helmet requirement for adults over 17 in Texas, some cities have their own rules. The primary issue, however, remains driver negligence.

Battling Comparative Negligence:
Insurance companies frequently try to assign fault to cyclists, claiming they weren’t visible, weren’t following traffic laws, or contributed to the accident. Given Texas’s 51% bar rule for comparative negligence, any percentage of fault assigned to the cyclist can drastically reduce or eliminate their compensation. This common tactic is precisely what Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background helps us combat. He understands how insurance companies build these arguments and, importantly, how to dismantle them.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents:

  • “Dooring” Incidents: Drivers or passengers opening car doors into the path of a cyclist.
  • Left-Turn Collisions: Drivers turning left directly in front of an oncoming cyclist.
  • Right-Hook Collisions: Drivers turning right without checking for cyclists to their right.
  • Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to see or acknowledge a cyclist’s right-of-way.
  • Driver Distraction: Drivers using cell phones or being otherwise inattentive.

Injuries from bicycle accidents are often severe, ranging from broken bones, road rash, concussions, and head trauma to spinal injuries and permanent disfigurement. The blend of a cyclist’s vulnerability and the common biases against them makes these cases particularly challenging without skilled legal representation.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Montana, don’t let insurance companies unfairly place blame on you. Our team is dedicated to protecting the rights of cyclists and ensuring they receive full and fair compensation. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free no-obligation consultation. We are ready to fight for you.

Bus Accidents: Complex Liability on Montana’s Roads

Bus accidents, though less frequent than car accidents, can involve multiple passengers and result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. In 2024, Texas tragically led all states with 1,110 bus accidents, including 17 fatal crashes and 549 injury crashes. Furthermore, school bus accidents are a serious concern, with 2,523 crashes resulting in 11 deaths and 63 serious injuries in 2023, and over 10,000 students injured in the 2021-22 school year alone. These numbers underscore the severe risks our communities in Montana face.

Multiple Liable Parties and Governmental Immunity:
Bus accident cases are often complex due to the potential for multiple liable parties:

  • Bus Driver: Negligence due to fatigue, distraction, or impairment.
  • Bus Operator/Company: Liability for inadequate hiring, training, or maintenance of their fleet.
  • Bus Manufacturer: If a mechanical defect (like faulty brakes or tires) caused the accident.
  • Other Drivers: If a third-party vehicle caused the bus to crash.
  • Governmental Entities: For failures in road design, signage, or maintenance. This can be particularly challenging as governmental entities in Texas often have limited liability under sovereign immunity and require special 6-month notice requirements, much shorter than the standard 2-year statute of limitations.

Due to the complex nature of bus accidents, especially when government entities are involved, it is crucial to have legal representation with deep experience. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience includes navigating intricate governmental litigation, a skill vital for cases of this nature in Montana. If you’ve been injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or driver involved in a bus accident in Montana, don’t delay. The critical evidence often includes black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and potentially even passenger manifests.

Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We understand the complex layers of liability in bus accident cases and will strategically pursue all responsible parties to secure the compensation you deserve.

Delivery Vehicle Accidents: The Rising Risk in Montana

The explosion of e-commerce has led to a significant increase in delivery vehicles on Montana’s roads, from Amazon vans and FedEx trucks to DoorDash and Grubhub drivers. While convenient, this surge has also led to a concerning rise in accidents. The business model of many delivery companies incentivizes speed and constant uptime, often leading to distracted driving or fatigue. There were 1,879 crashes involving Amazon-related motor carriers in a 24-month period ending in August 2025 alone.

Complex Liability and Landmark Verdicts:
Delivery vehicle accidents, especially those involving independent contractors like in the “gig economy,” often present complex debates over liability. Does liability fall to the driver, the company (e.g., Amazon, FedEx), or the specific third-party delivery service provider (DSP) that Amazon contractors operate under? Attorney911’s experience with commercial vehicle and trucking accidents, coupled with Lupe Peña’s intricate knowledge of corporate insurance structures, is vital here.

Recent landmark verdicts underscore the severity of these cases:

  • In Georgia, a child struck by an Amazon delivery van resulted in a $16.2 million judgment, with Amazon 85% responsible.
  • A $105 million verdict in Lopez v. All Points 360 involved an Amazon DSP with an unlicensed, untrained driver, highlighting the potential for substantial punitive damages.
  • Several wrongful death lawsuits against food delivery apps like Grubhub and Instacart, including a $16.4 million lawsuit in Portland, allege drivers were distracted by company apps, leading to fatal collisions.

These cases often yield higher settlement amounts due to the commercial nature of the vehicles, the higher insurance policies involved, and the potential for corporate negligence. There’s little jury sympathy for corporate defendants whose business models might encourage dangerous driving. If you’ve been injured by a delivery vehicle in Montana, you need an attorney who can navigate the corporate structures and demand full accountability.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss your delivery vehicle accident in Montana. We will investigate thoroughly to identify all responsible parties and fight for the compensation you need.

Construction Zone Accidents: Dangerous Roadways in Montana

Construction zones are a necessary part of maintaining and improving Montana’s infrastructure, but they are also exceptionally dangerous places for both drivers and workers. In 2024, Texas reported nearly 28,000 crashes in work zones, resulting in 215 deaths—a 12% increase over the previous year. Nationally, work zone fatalities increased by 50% between 2013-2023, with 60% of highway contractors reporting crashes into their work zones and 43% reporting worker injuries in 2025. These statistics are a stark reminder of the risks on Montana’s roads.

Common Causes in Construction Zones:

  • Driver Inattention: Distracted driving, particularly prevalent in confusing or changing road conditions.
  • Speeding: Failing to slow down for posted work zone limits.
  • Following Too Closely: Aggressive driving in congested areas.
  • Lane Encroachment: Vehicles veering into active work areas due to inadequate signage or driver error.
  • Improper Signage/Setup: Negligent work zone design or maintenance by construction companies.

The tragic story of Katrina Bond illustrates the devastating impact. A college student, Katrina slowed for work zone traffic on I-35 near Fort Worth when she was rear-ended by a heavy pickup driver who admitted to receiving a text message. The force of the impact pushed her car into the path of another truck, resulting in her death. This case highlights how negligence, even in a work zone, can lead to unspeakable tragedy.

Liability in construction zone accidents can be complex, involving not only negligent drivers but potentially construction companies, contractors, or even government entities responsible for road design and signage. Ralph Manginello’s experience in complex litigation, including his federal court admission, provides a crucial advantage when holding multiple parties accountable in Montana.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction zone accident in Montana, contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We will meticulously investigate the factors contributing to the crash and fight to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable for your injuries and losses.

Distracted Driving Accidents: A Modern Epidemic in Montana

Distracted driving is a modern epidemic on Montana’s roads, stealing attention from the critical task of driving and leading to tragic consequences. In 2024, distracted driving contributed to 380 deaths in Texas alone. Whether it’s texting, checking social media, using navigation apps, or even eating, any activity that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind off the road significantly increases the risk of an accident.

The Pervasive Nature of Distraction:
With the constant glow of smartphones, drivers are more prone than ever to engaging in dangerous activities while operating a vehicle. TikTok, streaming services, and constant communication have unfortunately found their way into our cars, turning vehicles into mobile entertainment centers, rather than focusing tools. The result is delayed reaction times, lane departures, and devastating collisions.

Proving Distraction:
Proving distracted driving can be challenging, as it often requires obtaining cell phone records. These records can reveal if a driver was actively using their phone at the time of the collision. This is why quick legal action and the expertise of a firm like Attorney911 are crucial. We meticulously gather all available evidence, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and if necessary, legal subpoenas for phone records, to build a compelling case.

If you have been injured by a distracted driver in Montana, you deserve full compensation for your injuries, economic losses, and pain and suffering. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We are committed to holding negligent, distracted drivers accountable for the harm they cause in Montana.

Weather-Related Accidents: Navigating Montana’s Changing Conditions

Montana, like the rest of Texas, can experience unpredictable weather changes, from heavy rain causing slick roads to unexpected icy conditions in winter, or even dense fog. These conditions can quickly turn familiar roadways into hazardous environments, contributing to numerous accidents when drivers fail to adjust their behavior. While weather is a factor, it is often the driver’s failure to respond appropriately—by slowing down, increasing following distance, or driving defensively—that leads to a collision.

Common Weather Hazards in Montana That Cause Accidents:

  • Rain: Reduces visibility and creates slick surfaces, especially with oil residue on roads.
  • Ice/Snow: Although less frequent, winter storms can catch drivers unprepared, leading to loss of control, particularly on Montana’s less-traveled routes.
  • Fog: Dramatically impairs visibility, increasing the risk of rear-end or multi-vehicle collisions.
  • High Winds: Can affect stability, especially for larger vehicles or those towing trailers.

Even in adverse weather, drivers still owe a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely. If a driver failed to exercise reasonable care given the prevailing weather conditions in Montana, they can be held liable for the resulting accident. Collecting evidence such as weather reports, accident scene photos, and witness statements are crucial in establishing negligence in these cases.

If you have been involved in a weather-related accident in Montana due to another driver’s negligence, Attorney911 can help. We will investigate the conditions and driver behavior to ensure accountability. Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Intersection Accidents: Dangerous Crossroads in Montana

Intersections are inherently dangerous points on any roadway, and Montana sees its share of collisions at these critical junctures. Nationally, intersections account for a significant portion of traffic incidents, with over 1,050 deaths at intersections in Texas annually. Common types of intersection accidents include T-bone collisions (side-impact crashes), left-turn accidents, and incidents caused by running red lights.

Common Causes at Intersections:

  • Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
  • Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals, often with devastating consequences.
  • Distracted Driving: Drivers failing to observe traffic signals or other vehicles due to inattention.
  • Improper Turns: Wide turns, turns from the wrong lane, or not signaling.
  • Aggressive Driving: Drivers attempting to “beat the light” or weave through traffic.

Proving fault in intersection accidents often relies on various pieces of evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, accident reconstruction, and vehicle damage analysis. Our team at Attorney911 has extensive experience in meticulously examining intersection accident scenes in Montana and securing the necessary evidence to establish liability and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an intersection accident in Montana, securing legal representation immediately is crucial. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We will work to identify the negligent parties and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses.

E-Scooter/E-Bike Accidents: Emerging Risks in Montana

The rise of e-scooters and e-bikes in Montana, particularly in more urbanized areas, offers convenient transportation but also presents new accident risks. These vehicles often share roads with cars and sidewalks with pedestrians, leading to collisions. Many e-bikes are capable of significant speeds, with Class 3 e-bikes reaching 28 mph with pedal assist. In Texas, e-bikes with motors 750W or less and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph generally don’t require a license or registration, although some cities may have helmet requirements for riders under 17.

Complex Liability in E-Vehicle Accidents:
Determining liability can be complicated:

  • Motorists: Drivers of cars or trucks who fail to see e-scooter or e-bike riders.
  • Product Defects: Malfunctions in the e-vehicle itself, such as battery fires, brake failures, or chassis defects.
  • Pedestrians: If an e-rider negligently collides with a pedestrian on a sidewalk or crosswalk.
  • Rental Companies: For poorly maintained equipment or inadequate safety instructions.

A recent $1.6 million verdict in Portland in October 2024 to an e-bike rider struck by an SUV highlights the serious nature and increasing value of these claims. If an e-bike exceeds Texas’s legal standards (e.g., motor over 750W), it may be classified as a motor vehicle, altering insurance and legal implications.

Our firm stays ahead of these emerging trends. If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter or e-bike accident in Montana, Attorney911 can help you navigate the complex liability issues. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Claims: Your Hidden Safety Net in Montana

Unfortunately, not all drivers on Montana’s roads carry adequate insurance—or any insurance at all. Over 15% of U.S. motorists are uninsured, leaving victims with limited options when an at-fault driver’s policy can’t cover their damages. This is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage becomes your critical safety net.

How UM/UIM Protects You:

  • Uninsured Drivers: If the at-fault driver has no liability insurance, your UM coverage steps in to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits.
  • Underinsured Drivers: If the at-fault driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover your damages, your UIM coverage makes up the difference.
  • Hit and Run: UM coverage also applies if you are the victim of a hit and run accident and the at-fault driver cannot be identified.

Important Texas UM/UIM Rules:
Texas law allows for “inter-policy stacking,” meaning you may be able to combine UM/UIM coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy or even from multiple policies you hold. While traditional deductibles of $250 typically apply for UM/UIM, these policies can be crucial for full recovery. Also, your UM/UIM claim is reduced by what the at-fault driver’s liability policy pays, a process known as an offset provision. It is essential to note that PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and MedPay also stack with UM/UIM, as they are separate coverages. We delve further into this topic in our YouTube video, “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8, where we discuss crucial details with our dedicated case manager Leonor.

Despite being your own insurance, your provider will often fight your UM/UIM claim just as aggressively as an at-fault driver’s insurer. Lupe Peña’s deep understanding of insurance company tactics, honed from his years in defense law, is invaluable in maximizing your UM/UIM recovery in Montana. Don’t leave money on the table or let your own insurance company shortchange you.

If you believe an uninsured or underinsured driver caused your accident in Montana, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We will thoroughly review your policy and fight to ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.

Ambulance/Emergency Vehicle Accidents: Complexities of Immunity in Montana

Accidents involving ambulances or other emergency vehicles (police cars, fire trucks) in Montana present unique legal challenges. While these vehicles provide critical services, their drivers are still obligated to operate safely, even when responding with lights and sirens. However, laws typically grant emergency vehicle drivers certain privileges, such as exceeding speed limits or proceeding through red lights, which can complicate liability.

Governmental Immunity Issues:
A major hurdle in these cases is often governmental immunity. Most governmental entities in Texas are protected from lawsuits unless that immunity has been specifically waived by statute. Even when waived, there are often strict procedural requirements, such as a 6-month notice of claim deadline, which is significantly shorter than the standard 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Failing to meet this deadline can bar your claim entirely.

Establishing negligence often involves proving that the emergency vehicle driver acted with recklessness or gross negligence, exceeding the reasonable exercise of their emergency privileges. Furthermore, liability could extend to the governmental agency for inadequate driver training, maintenance issues, or improper dispatch protocols. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience includes extensive litigation against governmental entities, providing a crucial advantage for these complex cases in Montana.

If you have been involved in an accident with an emergency vehicle in Montana, you need specialized legal counsel immediately. Do not miss the critical notice deadlines. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation to protect your rights.

Tesla/Autopilot/FSD Accidents: Navigating Emerging Technology in Montana

The promise of autonomous driving and advanced driver-assist systems like Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features offer both innovation and complex legal challenges. While designed to enhance safety, these technologies are not infallible and have been involved in numerous accidents, some fatal, on roads across the country. In 2024-2025, several landmark cases and verdicts have shaped the liability landscape.

Pattern of Incidents and Liability Arguments:

  • May 2016 (Williston, FL): The first confirmed fatality involving Tesla Autopilot occurred when the system failed to detect a white 18-wheeler crossing its path.
  • March 2018 (Mountain View, CA): Apple engineer Walter Huang was killed when his Tesla on Autopilot veered into a highway barrier. This case settled in April 2024.
  • August 2025 (Miami, FL): A landmark $240+ million jury verdict was rendered against Tesla, signaling growing accountability for its autonomous features.
  • NHTSA Data: Disturbing statistics show Tesla’s Autopilot features are linked to 70% of driver-assist crashes reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). By December 2023, Tesla had recalled over 2 million vehicles due to issues related to these systems.

Key Liability Arguments Against Tesla (and other manufacturers):

  1. Misleading Marketing: Tesla marketed FSD/Autopilot as safer than human drivers, fostering a false sense of security.
  2. Driver Overconfidence: The marketing led drivers to over-rely on the system, creating a dangerous dynamic.
  3. Known Defects: Tesla allegedly knew its systems struggled to detect emergency vehicles or certain road hazards.
  4. Inadequate Updates: Relying solely on over-the-air software updates instead of robust recalls for critical safety flaws.

These cases often involve product liability claims against powerful corporations. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission, coupled with our firm’s experience in complex litigation like the BP explosion case, positions us uniquely to take on such formidable defendants in Montana. We are prepared to expose design flaws, software errors, and misleading marketing that contribute to these futuristic accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident in Montana involving a Tesla or another autonomous vehicle, you need an attorney with the technical understanding and legal prowess to challenge a major automaker. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Other Motor Vehicle Accidents: Protecting Montana’s Diverse Commuters

The range of motor vehicle accidents extends beyond the most common categories, impacting various individuals across Montana. At Attorney911, our experience covers these diverse incidents, ensuring that every injured person receives dedicated legal representation.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Similar to 18-wheeler collisions, accidents involving large commercial vehicles, such as utility trucks, construction vehicles, or large vans, carry higher risks of severe injury due to their size. These cases often involve higher insurance limits and potential corporate defendants, requiring an attorney with a deep understanding of commercial regulations and corporate liability. Our firm leverages Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background to strategically hold these larger entities accountable.

Parking Lot Accidents: While seemingly minor, parking lot accidents in Montana can cause significant injuries and often involve disputed liability. Insurance companies frequently argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault,” a tactic we aggressively dispute. We meticulously gather evidence, including surveillance video, witness statements, and damage analysis, to prove fault and secure your rightful compensation.

Boat/Maritime Accidents: For those enjoying Montana’s various waterways, maritime accidents can bring unique legal complexities under admiralty law. Whether it’s a collision, a jet ski accident, or injuries on a commercial vessel, these cases are distinct from land-based vehicular accidents. Our firm has a proven track record in maritime injury cases, as demonstrated by a recent case where our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed he should have been assisted, leading to a significant cash settlement. If your injury occurred on the water in Montana, Attorney911 has the expertise to navigate this specialized area of law.

No matter the specific circumstances of your motor vehicle accident in Montana, Attorney911 is here to provide experienced, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation. We are committed to ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

The Montana Legal Framework: Understanding Your Rights After an Accident

Navigating the legal aftermath of a motor vehicle accident in Montana can be challenging, especially when you are focused on recovery. Understanding the fundamental laws that govern personal injury claims in Texas is crucial for protecting your rights. Attorney911 provides clarity and expert guidance, ensuring you are fully informed throughout the process.

Statute of Limitations: The Critical Deadline for Your Claim

One of the most important legal concepts to understand after an accident in Montana is the statute of limitations. This is a strict deadline set by Texas law, and missing it can permanently bar your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the merits of your case.

Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003:

  • Personal Injury: You generally have 2 years from the date of the motor vehicle accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury.
  • Wrongful Death: For cases involving a fatality, the deadline is also 2 years from the date of death.
  • Property Damage: Claims for damage to your vehicle or other property also fall under the 2-year limit.

Exceptions to the Rule:
While the 2-year rule is strict, there are limited exceptions:

  • Government Claims: If a governmental entity (city, county, state agency) is involved, you often have a much shorter deadline—sometimes as little as 6 months—to provide formal notice of your intent to sue. Missing this critical notice period can be fatal to your claim. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience includes extensive work with governmental litigation, crucial for these specific scenarios.
  • Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the 2-year statute of limitations typically “tolls” (pauses) until they turn 18, at which point they then have two years to file.
  • Discovery Rule: In rare cases, if an injury or its cause was not immediately discoverable, the statute of limitations might begin when the injury reasonably should have been discovered.

The crucial takeaway for residents of Montana is that delaying legal action is always a risk. While you focus on healing, we can initiate the necessary legal steps to protect your claim. For more insights into these deadlines, watch our video: “Is There a Statute of Limitations?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately after an accident in Montana to ensure your claim is filed within the legal deadlines.

Comparative Negligence: The Texas 51% Bar Rule

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, also known as the 51% bar rule, specified in Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001. This rule is critical because it dictates whether you can recover damages and how much.

How it Works:

  • If you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Your claim is completely barred.

Practical Implications:
Insurance companies aggressively use this rule to minimize their payouts. They will attempt to assign as much fault as possible to you—even a small percentage—to reduce their financial responsibility. Consider this:

  • If you are 10% at fault in a $100,000 case, you lose $10,000.
  • If you are 25% at fault in a $250,000 case, you lose $62,500.
  • If you are 40% at fault in a $500,000 case, you lose $200,000.

This is precisely where Attorney911’s unique advantage comes into play. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for national defense firms. He learned firsthand how insurance companies strategize to make comparative fault arguments against injured plaintiffs. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to counter and dismantle those same arguments on behalf of our clients in Montana. We know their playbook because Lupe helped write it. You can learn more by watching our video: “What Is Comparative Negligence?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4.

If you’re facing an insurance company trying to shift blame after an accident in Montana, you need a firm that knows how to fight back. Attorney911 is ready. Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: The Smallest Safety Net

In Texas, all drivers are legally required to carry a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. This is often referred to as “30/60/25” coverage:

  • $30,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

While these are the minimums, they are often woefully inadequate to cover serious injuries in a collision. Consider the rising costs of medical care and vehicle repairs; a major accident in Montana can easily exceed these limits, leaving victims with significant out-of-pocket expenses.

The prevalence of uninsured motorists in the U.S. (around 15.4%) further highlights this issue. This is why Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is so critical for protecting yourself and your family in Montana. Attorney911 will always investigate all available insurance policies, including your own UM/UIM coverage, to maximize your compensation.

Texas Federal Court System: Extending Our Reach Across the State

While many personal injury cases are heard in state courts, some complex cases—particularly those involving trucking companies, product liability claims against multi-state corporations, or parties from different states—may be heard in federal court. Having an attorney admitted to practice in federal court is a significant advantage.

Ralph Manginello, the managing partner of Attorney911, is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This distinguished credential showcases our firm’s capability to handle a broad spectrum of cases, from standard motor vehicle accidents in Montana to highly complex federal litigation. Our involvement in the BP explosion litigation, where we took on billion-dollar corporations in a mass tort action, further demonstrates our prowess in federal court. This means that whether your case needs to be pursued in a county courthouse in Montana or a federal courthouse in Houston, Austin, or other Texas districts, we are prepared and qualified to represent you.

Statewide Legal Constants in Texas

Beyond specific nuances, there are several key legal constants that apply across all 254 counties in Texas, including Montana:

  • At-Fault State: Texas is an “at-fault” state, meaning the negligent driver’s insurance is primarily responsible for covering damages.
  • Punitive Damage Cap: While punitive damages can be awarded for gross negligence (common in drunk driving cases), they are capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus a non-economic portion capped at $750,000.
  • Collateral Source Rule: Payments from your own insurance (e.g., health insurance, PIP) generally do not reduce the amount the at-fault driver’s insurance owes you.
  • Prejudgment Interest: Interest may accrue on your damages from 180 days after the defendant receives notice of your claim.

Understanding these laws is fundamental to building a strong case. Attorney911 brings over two decades of experience navigating the intricacies of Texas motor vehicle accident law, providing our clients in Montana with the expert guidance they need. Contact us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Proving Liability & Building Your Case After an Accident in Montana

After a motor vehicle accident in Montana, proving that another party was at fault is the cornerstone of your personal injury claim. This isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies will often attempt to deflect blame, minimize injuries, or argue that you contributed to the accident. Attorney911 meticulously gathers and analyzes evidence to establish clear liability and build an undeniable case for maximum compensation.

The Four Elements of Negligence: The Foundation of Your Claim

To win a motor vehicle accident case in Texas, we must prove all four elements of negligence:

  1. Duty of Care: All drivers on the roads of Montana have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely and reasonably. This includes obeying traffic laws, maintaining a proper lookout, controlling speed, and avoiding distractions. Commercial drivers, such as truckers, have an even higher duty of care due to the increased risks associated with their large vehicles.
  2. Breach of Duty: This element means the at-fault driver violated their duty of care. Examples include speeding, running a red light, distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving), driving under the influence, or failing to yield the right-of-way.
  3. Causation: We must establish a direct link between the at-fault driver’s breach of duty and your injuries. This involves demonstrating that “but for” the defendant’s negligent actions, you would not have been injured. Furthermore, your injuries must be a foreseeable result of their careless conduct.
  4. Damages: Finally, you must have suffered actual harm as a result of the accident. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, financial losses (like medical bills and lost wages), and property damage. These damages must be quantifiable or demonstrably real.

Evidence Types and Sources: Meticulous Investigation

Building a powerful case requires a comprehensive collection of evidence. At Attorney911, we leave no stone unturned in gathering every piece of documentation needed for our clients in Montana.

  • Physical Evidence: This includes photographs and videos of vehicle damage (from all angles), skid marks, debris, road conditions, and any damaged personal property. We also preserve the physical impact of the accident before any repairs are made.
  • Documentary Evidence: Key documents include the official police accident report, 911 call recordings, traffic camera footage, and crucially, any surveillance footage from nearby businesses in Montana. Medical records and bills are essential for proving injuries, while employment records verify lost wages. If distraction is suspected, cell phone records can be subpoenaed.
  • Electronic Evidence: For commercial vehicles, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data provides crucial information on driver hours. Vehicle black box/Event Data Recorder (EDR) data can reveal speed, braking, and impact forces. GPS and telematics data are also vital. This electronic data, especially ELD and black box information, can be automatically overwritten within 30-180 days, underscoring the urgency of our investigation.
  • Testimonial Evidence: Witness statements from anyone who saw the accident are invaluable, and we secure these before memories fade. When necessary, we rely on expert witness testimony from professionals like accident reconstructionists or medical experts to strengthen claims.

Multiple Liable Parties: Expanding the Scope of Recovery

In many motor vehicle accidents in Montana, especially those involving commercial vehicles, there can be more than one liable party. Identifying all responsible entities is crucial because it can expand the pool of available insurance coverage, directly impacting your potential compensation.

  • Trucking Accidents: Beyond the driver, the trucking company itself can be liable for negligent hiring, improper training, or inadequate maintenance. The cargo loader might be responsible for unsafe cargo.
  • Rideshare Accidents: Liability can extend to the rideshare company (Uber/Lyft) depending on the driver’s specific “phase” at the time of the crash.
  • Drunk Driving Accidents: Texas’s dram shop laws (TABC § 2.02) can hold bars or restaurants liable for overserving an obviously intoxicated person who then causes an accident.

More liable parties generally mean more insurance policies, which can lead to higher recovery potential for your claims in Montana. We thoroughly investigate to identify every potential avenue for compensation.

Expert Witnesses: Strengthening Your Case in Montana

For complex cases, expert witnesses provide specialized knowledge and analysis that is often critical to proving liability and damages. Attorney911 maintains a comprehensive network of highly respected experts across various fields.

  • Accident Reconstructionists: They can recreate the accident scene using scientific principles and data (skid marks, vehicle damage, black box data) to determine how the crash occurred, vehicle speeds, and ultimate fault.
  • Medical Experts: These professionals can confirm the extent of your injuries, establish their direct causation by the accident, detail future treatment needs, and determine any permanent impairment.
  • Vocational Experts: They assess your lost earning capacity and determine how your injuries impact your ability to return to your prior work or any other gainful employment.
  • Economists: They calculate the present value of future lost income and other long-term financial losses.
  • Biomechanical Engineers: They analyze how forces from the collision caused specific injuries.

By integrating these experts into our legal strategy, Attorney911 builds an unassailable case for our clients in Montana. We showcase the depth of their injuries, the precision of our liability arguments, and the necessity of justice, ensuring that insurance companies cannot easily dismiss the true impact of the accident. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Montana, contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation.

Damages & Compensation: What You Can Recover After an Accident in Montana

When you suffer injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Montana due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to pursue compensation for a wide range of damages. At Attorney911, we are committed to securing maximum recovery for our clients, ensuring that all aspects of their suffering and financial losses are accounted for.

Types of Damages in Texas

Texas law categorizes damages into several types, each addressing different aspects of your loss:

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

These cover your quantifiable financial losses and are generally straightforward to calculate based on bills, invoices, and wage statements.

  • Medical Expenses (Past): All costs incurred from the date of the accident until the present, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor consultations, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment.
  • Medical Expenses (Future): Projections for ongoing treatment, future surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, pain management, lifetime medications, and any necessary long-term care, especially for catastrophic injuries.
  • Lost Wages (Past): Income you have lost from work due to your injuries, from the date of the accident up to the present.
  • Lost Earning Capacity (Future): Compensation for your reduced ability to earn income in the future due to permanent injuries or disability. This can include diminished career prospects or the inability to return to your previous profession.
  • Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle and any other personal property lost or damaged in the accident.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Miscellaneous costs directly related to the accident and your recovery, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for accessibility, or hiring household help.

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

These damages address the intangible, subjective losses that significantly impact your quality of life, which are equally important but harder to quantify.

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain you have endured and will continue to endure from your injuries.
  • Mental Anguish: Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident.
  • Physical Impairment: Compensation for the loss of physical function, permanent disability, or limitations on your daily activities.
  • Disfigurement: Damages for scarring, permanent visible injuries, or alterations to your appearance.
  • Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injury or wrongful death, compensation for the negative impact on marital or family relationships, including loss of companionship, affection, or support.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for your inability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, or daily routines that you previously enjoyed.

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped in Texas)

These damages are not intended to compensate the victim but rather to punish the defendant for exceptionally reckless or malicious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future.

  • Availability: Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases involving gross negligence, fraud, or malice. Drunk driving accidents are a common scenario where punitive damages are sought due to the defendant’s conscious indifference to the safety of others.
  • Cap: In Texas, punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 OR two times the economic damages plus one time the non-economic damages (with the non-economic portion capped at $750,000 overall).

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type: Understanding Potential Value

While every case is unique, understanding potential settlement ranges for different injury types can provide a realistic perspective on what your claim in Montana might be worth. Attorney911 has a track record of securing significant compensation for a wide array of injuries.

  • Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains): Medical treatment typically involves ER visits, doctor follow-ups, and physical therapy. Settlement ranges usually fall between $15,000 – $60,000, with higher values if chronic pain or significant restrictions develop.
  • Broken Bone (Simple Fracture): Involving ER, orthopedic care, casting, and therapy. Settlement ranges are often $35,000 – $95,000.
  • Broken Bone (Requiring Surgery – ORIF): If surgery (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation) is needed, costs escalate dramatically. Settlement ranges can be from $132,000 – $328,000.
  • Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment): Involving MRI, physician visits, pain management, and physical therapy. Settlements often range from $70,000 – $171,000.
  • Herniated Disc (Surgery Required): If surgery (microdiscectomy, fusion) is necessary, costs soar into hundreds of thousands, pushing settlement ranges from $346,000 – $1,205,000. This often includes significant lost earning capacity.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe): Our firm knows the profound impact of TBIs. Attorney911 secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss. These cases can range from $1,548,000 – $9,838,000, accounting for massive past and future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and immense pain and suffering.
  • Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis: These are among the most severe injuries, leading to lifetime care needs that can cost millions. Settlement ranges are often $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+.
  • Amputation: In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions. Amputation cases typically range from $1,945,000 – $8,630,000, covering multiple surgeries, lifetime prosthetics, and quality of life impacts.
  • Wrongful Death: These devastating cases involve the loss of life due to negligence. Attorney911 helped families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. Settlements for wrongful death can range from $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+, covering lost financial support, medical expenses before death, and profound non-economic losses for surviving family members.

These figures illustrate the profound financial and emotional costs associated with severe injuries. Attorney911 is prepared to fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation possible for our clients in Montana.

Nuclear Verdicts Trend: The Power of Trial Readiness

“Nuclear verdicts” refer to jury awards exceeding $10 million (though some analysts now push the threshold to $20 million or more). Texas is a leader in this trend, with 207 nuclear verdicts ($10M+) recorded from 2009-2023, totaling over $45 billion. Alarmingly, auto accidents account for 23.2% of all nuclear verdicts.

Recent Texas Motor Vehicle Nuclear Verdicts serve as potent examples of what’s possible:

  • $81,720,000 in a car accident wrongful death case (2024).
  • $72,000,000 for a vehicle collision at a Frito-Lay warehouse (2024).
  • $105,000,000 against an Amazon DSP (Lopez v. All Points 360, 2024) involving an unlicensed, untrained driver.
  • $44,100,000 for a New Prime I-35 pileup (2024) resulting in 6 deaths.
  • $37,500,000 against Oncor Electric for a distracted truck driver (2024).

Why This Matters for Your Case:
Insurance companies are acutely aware of the “nuclear verdict” trend. This fear gives firms like Attorney911 significant leverage in negotiations. Even if your case doesn’t go to trial, our reputation for trial readiness and our multi-million dollar track record means insurance companies know we are serious about securing full compensation. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial because they know we’re not bluffing. This commitment drives higher settlement offers for our clients in Montana. If you’ve suffered severe injuries in Montana, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Insurance Counter-Intelligence System: Attorney911’s Unfair Advantage in Montana

Insurance companies are not on your side after an accident in Montana. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts and protect their profits. They employ a sophisticated playbook of tactics designed to confuse, intimidate, and ultimately underpay injured victims. This is where Attorney911 offers an “unfair advantage.” Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for national defense firms, gaining invaluable, firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies operate and value claims. He knows their playbook because he helped write it. Now, that insider knowledge is deployed to ensure our clients in Montana receive the maximum compensation they deserve.

Tactic #1: Quick Contact & Recorded Statement – Building a Case Against You

One of the first things an insurance adjuster will do after an accident is contact you—often within hours or days—while you are still recovering, possibly on pain medication, and feeling overwhelmed. They will sound friendly and helpful, saying things like, “We just want to help you,” or “We need your side of the story to process your claim.”

Their Real Agenda: They are not trying to help you; they are trying to gather information that can be used against you later. They ask leading questions designed to elicit statements that minimize your injuries, shift blame, or create inconsistencies. Anything you say can be documented, recorded, and transcribed, and you cannot take it back. As Lupe Peña knows from years of asking these very questions from the defense side, their goal is to undermine your claim.

Attorney911’s Counter-Strategy: NEVER give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting us first. Once you retain Attorney911, all communications go through our office. We shield you from these manipulative tactics, prepare you if a statement becomes necessary, and ensure your rights are fully protected in Montana.

Tactic #2: The Quick Settlement Offer – The Lowball Trap

Insurance companies thrive on desperation. Within days or weeks of your accident, they may offer you a swift, seemingly generous settlement—perhaps a few thousand dollars. This offer often comes with artificial urgency: “This offer expires in 48 hours,” or “This is my final approved amount.”

The Trap: This quick offer is almost always a lowball attempt designed to close your case before you truly understand the extent of your injuries. Many serious injuries, like herniated discs or traumatic brain injuries, may not manifest fully for weeks or months. If you accept a quick settlement and sign a release, you cannot pursue further compensation, even if future medical diagnostics reveal the true, devastating nature of your injuries, which could cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. The release is permanent and final.

Attorney911’s Counter-Strategy: We advise our clients in Montana never to settle before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). MMI is when your medical condition has stabilized and all injuries have been diagnosed and treated to the fullest extent possible. Only then can the true value of your case be determined. Lupe Peña, having calculated these lowball offers for years, knows exactly how little they represent compared to your case’s real worth. We ensure you focus on healing while we fight for the full value of your claim.

Tactic #3: The “Independent” Medical Exam (IME) – A Doctor for the Defense

After an accident in Montana, the insurance company may request that you undergo what they call an “Independent Medical Examination” (IME). This sounds official and unbiased, but the truth is far from it.

The Reality: An IME is conducted by a doctor hired and paid by the insurance company. Lupe Peña knows how these doctors are selected: not for their impartiality, but for their history of producing reports favorable to the insurance company’s defense. These doctors consistently find “no injury,” or attribute injuries to “pre-existing conditions,” even after a brief, cursory examination (often 10-15 minutes, compared to your treating physician’s thorough evaluations). They attack the severity of your pain, suggest your treatment was excessive, and conclude you can return to work, all to minimize your claim.

Attorney911’s Counter-Strategy: We prepare you extensively for any IME, ensuring you understand its purpose and how to protect yourself. We challenge biased IME reports with strong counter-evidence from your treating physicians and, if necessary, bring in our own medical experts. Lupe Peña’s knowledge of these specific IME doctors and their biases—many of whom he hired during his defense career—is an unparalleled advantage for our clients in Montana.

Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure – Waiting for Your Desperation

One of the most insidious tactics insurance companies employ is simply to delay. They will cite “ongoing investigation,” “waiting for records,” or “reviewing your file,” ignoring calls and dragging their feet for weeks or months.

Why Delay Works: Insurance companies have unlimited time and resources, and they earn interest on your settlement money while they delay. You, however, are likely facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and increasing financial stress. Their hope is that your financial desperation will force you to accept a significantly lower settlement just to make the nightmare end.

Attorney911’s Counter-Strategy: We refuse to play their waiting game. We file lawsuits to impose deadlines and force action. We initiate discovery, scheduling depositions and demanding disclosure, showing them we are serious and prepared for trial. Lupe Peña, having deployed these very delay tactics for years, understands when to push and how to dismantle their stalling efforts, ensuring your case in Montana moves forward expeditiously.

Tactic #5: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring – Building Ammunition Against You

In the digital age, insurance companies aggressively use surveillance and social media monitoring to find “gotcha” moments that can undermine your injury claim. They hire private investigators to videotape your daily activities, following you to the grocery store, to appointments, or even just around your home in Montana. They also meticulously comb through all your social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.), screenshotting posts, photos, check-ins, and comments.

Their Goal: To catch you doing anything that contradicts your claimed injuries and pain. One video of you bending over in your yard, even if in immense pain later, can be presented as proof you are “not really injured.” They will take innocent activity entirely out of context to build a case against you.

Attorney911’s Counter-Strategy: We strictly advise our clients:

  1. Make ALL social media profiles private immediately.
  2. Do NOT post about your accident, injuries, activities, or emotions.
  3. Do NOT accept friend requests from strangers (often fake profiles).
  4. Advise friends and family not to tag you or post about you.
  5. Assume EVERYTHING is being monitored.

As Lupe Peña frequently reminds clients, “They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life – they’re building ammunition against you.” We protect our clients from these invasive tactics in Montana.

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments – Shifting Blame to Save Money

As discussed with Texas’s 51% bar rule, insurance companies will relentlessly try to assign some percentage of fault to you, the injured party, even if it’s minimal. They might claim you were speeding, distracted, or could have avoided the collision. Even a small percentage of fault can significantly reduce the amount they have to pay for your claims in Montana.

Why They Do It: Every 10% of fault they can push onto you represents thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars saved for the insurance company. If they can get you to 51% fault, they pay nothing.

Attorney911’s Counter-Strategy: Our firm conducts aggressive liability investigations, using accident reconstructionists, witness statements, and police report analysis to definitively prove the other driver’s fault. Lupe Peña knows these fault arguments inside and out because he made them for years in defense. Now, he uses that insight to meticulously dismantle their blame-shifting tactics, ensuring our clients in Montana are not unfairly penalized.

The Colossus System – How Insurance Companies Undervalue Your Claim

A key piece of the insurance playbook that Lupe Peña understands intimately is the use of proprietary software like “Colossus” by many major insurance carriers (Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, etc.). This computerized claims valuation system is designed to provide a “recommended settlement range” for claims.

How it Works (and How It’s Manipulated): An adjuster inputs various data points: injury codes, treatment types, medical costs, lost wages, and jurisdiction. Colossus then generates a settlement range. However, this system is inherently designed to undervalue serious injuries. The secret lies in the injury coding. The same medical condition can be coded in multiple ways, with a “soft tissue strain” (a minor code) yielding a vastly lower valuation than a “disc herniation” (a serious code)—even if it stems from the same underlying injury. Adjusters are trained to use the lowest possible codes.

Attorney911’s Counter-Strategy: Lupe Peña knows exactly how Colossus works because he used it during his defense career. We know how to present medical records, emphasizing the precise terminology and documentation that triggers higher valuations within these systems. We understand when a Colossus valuation is artificially low and how to demonstrate to the insurance company that we will not accept such an undervaluation for our clients in Montana. This insider knowledge is a massive advantage in compelling insurance companies to offer fair settlements, and if they refuse, we are ready to take them to trial.

Hidden Policies and Reserve Setting – Finding the True Funds

Insurance companies often bluff about policy limits, hoping you’ll accept the minimum without further investigation. They might claim, “We only have $30,000 in coverage,” or “That’s the policy limit—we can’t pay more.”

What They Hide: They often fail to disclose crucial additional coverages like umbrella policies (potentially millions more), commercial policies if the driver was working, or corporate policies from parent companies. Lupe Peña, having spent years evaluating multi-layer coverage, knows precisely where these hidden policies can be found. In one real case, insurance claimed a mere $30,000 policy limit, but our investigation uncovered over $8 million in available coverage, leading to a $3.2 million recovery for our client.

Reserve Setting: Insurance companies also set aside “reserves”—an internal estimate of your case’s maximum value. This influences how much they are willing to offer for settlement. We strategically increase these reserves by filing lawsuits, taking depositions, and preparing for trial, demonstrating our readiness to fight for full value. Lupe understands reserve psychology and settlement authority limits, providing a game-changing advantage in negotiations for our clients in Montana.

If you are facing an insurance company in Montana that is hesitant to offer a fair settlement, know that Attorney911 is armed with unparalleled insider knowledge and a relentless dedication to securing justice. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.

Medical Knowledge Encyclopedia: Understanding Your Injuries After an Accident in Montana

A complete understanding of your injuries is paramount after a motor vehicle accident in Montana. Not only is it essential for your physical recovery, but it is also critical for accurately valuing your personal injury claim. Insurance companies will often try to minimize the severity of your injuries, so having a legal team that speaks the language of medicine is invaluable. Attorney911 works closely with medical professionals to ensure the full extent and impact of your injuries are thoroughly documented and presented.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The Invisible Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the most complex and devastating injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents in Montana. Its symptoms can be immediate or, insidiously, delayed for days or even weeks.

Immediate Symptoms:

  • Loss of consciousness (even brief)
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Seizures
  • Slurred speech

Delayed Symptoms (Crucial for Legal Claims):

  • Worsening headaches
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Seizures developing later
  • Personality changes and mood swings
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Persistent memory and concentration problems

Insurance companies frequently claim delayed symptoms are not accident-related. Our firm counters this by leveraging medical experts who explain the normal progression of TBI symptoms to juries.

Severity and Long-Term Impact:
TBIs range from mild concussions (GCS 13-15) to severe injuries with extended unconsciousness (GCS 3-8). Even a mild TBI can lead to Post-Concussive Syndrome (headaches, dizziness, cognitive issues lasting months or years) or significantly increase the risk later in life for depression, anxiety, and even dementia. We secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss, demonstrating our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation in TBI cases.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Life-Altering Consequences

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) are catastrophic, often leading to partial or complete paralysis below the site of injury. The level of injury dictates the extent of impairment:

  • Cervical (Neck C1-C8): Can result in quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs), potentially requiring ventilator dependence or significant assistance.
  • Thoracic (Mid-Back T1-T12): Leads to paraplegia (lower body paralysis), with varying degrees of trunk control.
  • Lumbar (Lower Back L1-L5): Affects leg function, often with bowel/bladder dysfunction and the need for assistive devices.

SCIs come with a host of secondary complications, including pressure sores, respiratory issues, and a shortened life expectancy. The lifetime costs of care for an SCI can run into many millions of dollars. Our firm has experience with cases involving severe spinal injuries, recovering millions for families facing catastrophic losses. For instance, in trucking-related wrongful death cases, spinal injuries are often a lead factor in the scope of damages.

Amputation: The Road to Reconstruction

Amputation, either traumatic (at the scene) or surgical (due to crush injuries or infection), is a life-altering event. As seen in a recent case where our client’s leg was injured in a car accident and subsequently amputated due to staff infection, settling in the millions, these cases require precise and aggressive legal action.

Amputee clients often face phantom limb pain, a debilitating neurological condition, and a lifetime of needing prosthetic devices that can cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions, over their lifetime. Negotiating for such comprehensive long-term care requires a deep understanding of future medical costs and life-care planning.

Burn Injuries: Pain, Scars, and Complex Care

Burn injuries from motor vehicle accidents, particularly from fuel fires or chemical exposure, can be excruciating and permanently disfiguring. Burns are classified by degree, from first (superficial) to fourth (involving bone).

  • Second-degree burns (blistering) often scar, while third-degree burns (full thickness) always require skin grafting.
  • The percentage of Body Surface Area (BSA) burned dictates the severity, with burns over 20-40% requiring specialized burn center care and multiple surgeries.

Our firm’s experience in complex industrial cases, such as the BP explosion litigation, has given us profound insight into the medical and psychological trauma associated with severe burn injuries.

Herniated Disc: From Chronic Pain to Surgery

Herniated discs are a common injury from motor vehicle accidents, caused by the force of impact on the spine. They can lead to chronic pain, numbness, and weakness if a disc presses on a nerve.

  • Mild cases might respond to rest, physical therapy, and pain medication ($2,000-$5,000 ER, $8,000-$15,000 PT).
  • More severe cases require epidural steroid injections ($3,000-$6,000 per series) or ultimately spinal surgery (microdiscectomy, fusion: $50,000-$120,000), which can lead to settlement ranges from $346,000-$1,205,000.

Insurance companies often try to attribute herniated discs to “pre-existing conditions.” Lupe Peña’s knowledge of these defense tactics is invaluable in showing how an accident aggravated a pre-existing condition, entitling our clients in Montana to full compensation for the aggravation.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Often Undervalued, Potentially Chronic

Whiplash, sprains, and strains are common soft tissue injuries. Insurance companies frequently undervalue them because they are difficult to see on X-rays and often involve subjective complaints. However, these injuries can be incredibly painful, lead to chronic conditions, and impact an individual’s ability to work or enjoy life.

Proper documentation, including consistent medical treatment with no gaps, physical therapy records, and detailed pain descriptions, is critical to proving the severity of these injuries. Lupe Peña’s understanding of how insurance systems, like Colossus, value these claims allows us to fight for higher settlements, ensuring our clients receive fair compensation even for seemingly “minor” injuries. Clients like Tracey White experienced this firsthand, stating, “She had received an offer but she told me to give her one more week because she knew she could get a better offer.”

Psychological Injuries: The Hidden Toll of Accidents

Beyond physical pain, motor vehicle accidents in Montana can inflict profound psychological trauma. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common, affecting 32-45% of accident victims, manifesting as driving anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, and flashbacks.

  • Compensable Psychological Damages: Victims can pursue compensation for mental anguish, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.

At Attorney911, we recognize the full scope of accident injuries, both visible and invisible. We work with mental health professionals to document the psychological impact, ensuring it is included in your claim. Your recovery, in all its forms, is our priority. If you’ve suffered any injury, physical or psychological, due to an accident in Montana, contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Choose Attorney911: Your Unbeatable Advantage in Montana

When your life has been turned upside down by a motor vehicle accident in Montana, choosing the right legal representation is the most critical decision you will make. You need a firm that not only understands the law but also understands the human element of your suffering and the deceptive tactics of insurance companies. Attorney911, under the seasoned leadership of Ralph Manginello, offers a unique combination of experience, insider knowledge, and dedicated client focus that sets us apart from other firms in Montana and across Texas.

Advantage 1: Insurance Defense Insider – Lupe Peña’s Unfair Advantage

Our most powerful differentiator is the unique perspective brought by our associate attorney, Lupe Peña. As he often states, “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as defense attorney.” Lupe spent several years working for a national defense firm, where he learned firsthand how large insurance companies value claims, develop their defense strategies, select IME (Independent Medical Exam) doctors, and deploy delay tactics.

What This Means for You in Montana:

  • We anticipate their strategies: We know precisely how insurance companies will try to minimize your claim because Lupe successfully did it for them.
  • We speak their language: We understand the nuances of their internal processes, from Colossus software valuations to reserve setting and settlement authority limits.
  • We dismantle their defenses: Lupe’s expertise gives us a critical edge in exposing their deceptive practices and fighting for maximum compensation for our clients in Montana.

No other firm in Montana can offer this level of strategic insight from the opposition’s perspective. It’s truly an unfair advantage—for you.

Advantage 2: Multi-Million Dollar Results – Our Track Record Speaks for Itself

Results matter. At Attorney911, we don’t just promise to fight for you; we have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients across Texas, including multi-million dollar outcomes in some of the most challenging cases.

  • Brain Injuries: We secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company.
  • Amputations: In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.
  • Trucking Wrongful Death: At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.
  • Maritime Injuries: We achieved a significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship, demonstrating our thorough investigation skills.

These multi-million dollar results are not just numbers; they are a testament to our relentless dedication, extensive legal knowledge, and trial readiness. Insurance companies know which firms are serious about going to trial, and our consistent large verdicts and settlements reflect that determination for our clients in Montana.

Advantage 3: Federal Court Experience – Ready for the Toughest Cases

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is a significant credential that many personal injury firms do not possess.

Why This Matters for Your Case in Montana:

  • Complex Cases: Many high-stakes or complex cases, especially those involving federal regulations (like FMCSA for trucking accidents), out-of-state defendants, or product liability claims against national corporations (like Tesla), may be heard in federal court.
  • Broader Jurisdiction: Our federal court admission means we are equipped to handle cases across a wider legal landscape, ensuring that no matter the complexity or the parties involved, your rights are protected.
  • Unique Expertise: Federal court litigation involves different rules and procedures than state court, requiring specialized knowledge and experience that Attorney911 consistently delivers.

Our firm’s involvement in the BP explosion litigation, where we took on a billion-dollar multinational corporation, further solidifies our capability to handle the most challenging and impactful cases for our clients in Montana.

Advantage 4: Personal Attention and Compassion – You’re Family, Not a Case Number

In the high-volume world of personal injury law, it’s easy to feel like just another case number. At Attorney911, we operate differently. We are selective about the cases we take, ensuring that every client receives the personal attention they deserve.

What Our Clients Say:

  • Chad Harris perfectly captures our ethos: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
  • Ambur Hamilton echoed this sentiment: “I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.”
  • Dame Haskett specifically commended Ralph Manginello himself: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.”
  • Stephanie Hernandez praised our dedicated staff: “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”

You work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, supported by a caring and responsive team including Leonor, Melanie, and Amanda. We prioritize clear, consistent communication throughout your case in Montana, making sure you are informed and supported every step of the way.

Advantage 5: Contingency Fee – No Risk, No Upfront Cost

We believe that access to justice should not be limited by your financial situation. That’s why Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases in Montana.

What “No Fee Unless We Win” Means:

  • Free Consultation: Your initial evaluation with us is always free, with no obligation.
  • No Upfront Costs: You pay absolutely nothing out of pocket to hire us.
  • We Advance Expenses: We cover all case-related expenses, such as court filing fees, expert witness costs, and investigation expenses.
  • We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do: If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing for our attorney fees. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict if we win your case. (You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses regardless of outcome).

This fee structure removes the financial burden and risk from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your recovery without added stress. We are confident in our ability to deliver results, and our contingency fee reflects that commitment to our clients in Montana.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that combines aggressive legal strategy with genuine compassion and unrivaled insider knowledge. When you need a legal emergency team on your side after an accident in Montana, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We are the legal emergency lawyers, and we are ready to fight for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents in Montana

After a car accident in Montana, it’s natural to have many questions. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask, providing clear and concise information to help you understand your rights and the legal process.

Immediate After Accident

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Montana?
If you’ve been in an accident in Montana, first ensure your safety and the safety of others. Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request emergency medical services if anyone is injured. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine initially, as adrenaline can mask pain. Document everything with photos (vehicle damage, injuries, scene). Exchange information with the other driver, and gather witness names and phone numbers. Crucially, do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Then, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance.

2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes, always call the police in Montana, even for seemingly minor accidents. An official police report is critical evidence that documents the scene, takes statements, and often assigns fault. In Texas, you are legally required to report accidents resulting in injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

3. Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
ABSOLUTELY. Many serious injuries, such as concussions (mild TBIs), internal bleeding, or herniated discs, may not present symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain at the scene. Insurance companies will scrutinize any delay in seeking medical treatment, using it to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. Get checked by a medical professional in Montana as soon as possible.

4. What information should I collect at the scene?
Collect identifying information from the other driver (name, phone, address, driver’s license number, insurance company and policy number). Document their vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate. Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Take extensive photos of all vehicle damage, your injuries, the accident scene, and relevant road conditions in Montana. Finally, ask the responding police officer for their name, badge number, and the report number.

5. Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
Only exchange necessary identification and insurance information. Do NOT discuss fault, apologize, or say “I’m sorry” at the scene in Montana, as this can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt and used against you. Stick strictly to the facts.

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
In Montana, you can typically obtain a copy of the official police accident report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene. Alternatively, you can often request it through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) online. Our team at Attorney911 can assist you in obtaining this vital document.

Dealing With Insurance

7. Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
We strongly advise against giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney. While you have a duty to cooperate with your own insurance, it’s still best to speak with Attorney911 first. We can advise you on your rights and ensure your interests are protected.

8. What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Simply tell them, “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Provide only your basic contact information and the date of the accident. Do NOT discuss your injuries, the details of the crash, or give any recorded statements. These adjusters are not on your side and will use anything you say to devalue your claim in Montana. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, knows their playbook firsthand.

9. Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No, you are not obligated to accept the insurance company’s initial estimate for vehicle repair or your settlement. Their estimate is merely an offer, and it is usually designed to be the lowest possible amount. Attorney911 will fight for what your case is truly worth in Montana, utilizing our experience in valuations systems like Colossus.

10. Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
NEVER accept an early settlement offer from an insurance company before you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and fully understand the extent of your injuries and future medical needs. Once you sign a settlement release, you forever forfeit your right to seek additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen or new complications arise. These offers are lowball tactics.

11. What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance (uninsured) or insufficient insurance (underinsured), your own UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage can provide compensation. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, meaning you might be able to combine coverage from multiple policies. We can review your policy in Montana and help you file a claim against your own insurance. Learn more in our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8.

12. Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
Insurance companies often request a broad medical authorization to gain access to your ENTIRE medical history, not just records related to the accident. They do this to search for pre-existing conditions they can blame for your current injuries. Never sign a medical authorization without legal review from Attorney911; we will ensure it is narrowly tailored to protect your privacy and your claim in Montana.

Legal Process

13. Do I have a personal injury case?
You likely have a personal injury case if another party’s negligence caused your motor vehicle accident in Montana, resulting in your injuries or damages. The key elements are fault, injuries, and available insurance coverage. You can find more information by watching our video: “Do I Have a Good Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims.

14. When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
You should hire a car accident lawyer immediately after an accident in Montana. Evidence disappears quickly (surveillance footage in 7-30 days, ELD data in 30-180 days), and memories fade. Insurance companies begin building their defense against you from day one. The sooner you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, the sooner we can protect your rights and secure vital evidence.

15. How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally 2 years from the date of the accident or death (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). If you fail to file a lawsuit within this period, your case will be permanently barred. However, special rules apply to government claims, which often have a much shorter 6-month notice period.

16. What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
Texas uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule (51% bar rule). This means you can still recover damages if you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies will aggressively try to assign fault to you, which Lupe Peña, with his insurance defense background, is expertly positioned to counter. You can watch our video on the topic here: “What Is Comparative Negligence?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4.

17. What happens if I was partially at fault?
Even if you were partially at fault for an accident in Montana, you could still recover damages as long as your fault is determined to be 50% or less. Your total compensation will be proportionately reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Our firm will fight to minimize any fault assigned to you.

18. Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases in Texas settle before going to trial. However, Attorney911 prepares every case as if it will go to trial. This trial readiness is what gives us significant leverage in negotiations with insurance companies, as they know we are not afraid to fight for our clients in court. More detail is available in our video titled “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc.

19. How long will my case take to settle?
The timeline for settling a motor vehicle accident case in Montana varies greatly depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and how long it takes to reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Minor injury cases might settle within 6-12 months, while severe or catastrophic injury cases can take 18-24 months or longer. We do not settle until we understand the full scope of your damages.

20. What is the legal process step-by-step?
The typical legal process after an accident includes: 1) Initial investigation and evidence gathering; 2) Medical treatment to MMI; 3) Negotiation with insurance companies, often with a formal demand letter; 4) Filing a lawsuit if negotiations fail; 5) Discovery phase (exchanging information); 6) Mediation (attempting to settle with a neutral third party); and 7) Trial, if a settlement cannot be reached. For a visual overview, please watch our video: “What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs.

Compensation

21. What is my case worth?
The value of your case in Montana depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical bills (past and future), your lost wages and earning capacity, the permanency of your impairment, your pain and suffering, and the available insurance coverage. Cases can range from tens of thousands for soft tissue injuries to multi-millions for catastrophic injuries.

22. What types of damages can I recover?
You can recover both economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life). In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded in Texas.

23. Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Compensation for pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury claims in Texas. Unlike some states, Texas has no cap on non-economic damages (including pain and suffering) for most personal injury cases. Our goal is to ensure your subjective suffering is justly compensated.

24. What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover. If the accident in Montana aggravated or worsened a pre-existing condition, you are entitled to compensation for that aggravation under Texas’s “eggshell plaintiff” rule. Our firm works with medical experts to differentiate between your prior condition and the new or worsened injuries caused by the accident. Lupe Peña’s experience means he is well-versed in countering these common insurance arguments.

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation received for physical injuries and medical costs in a personal injury settlement is NOT taxable under federal law. However, punitive damages, if awarded, are typically taxable as ordinary income. It’s always best to consult with a tax professional regarding your specific settlement.

26. How is the value of my claim determined?
The value of your claim in Montana is determined by a thorough assessment of: your total medical bills (past and future), lost income and earning capacity, property damage, the severity and permanency of your injuries, your pain and suffering, and the overall impact on your quality of life. We use a combination of these factors, comparative case law, and a deep understanding of insurance valuation methods (like the Colossus system) to calculate your claim’s maximum value.

Attorney Relationship

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is typically 33.33% before a lawsuit is filed and 40% if your case goes to trial. For further clarification, you can watch our video, “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

28. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
It means exactly that: you will not owe us any attorney fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. If we don’t win, you pay us nothing for our legal services. We also advance all case costs (court fees, expert fees, etc.), so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for you during your case in Montana (you may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses regardless of outcome).

29. How often will I get updates?
At Attorney911, we prioritize consistent communication. We understand that your recovery is your focus, but clear updates about your case are important. As client Dame Haskett stated, “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.” We make it a point to keep you informed every step of the way in Montana.

30. Who will actually handle my case?
When you choose Attorney911, you work directly with experienced attorneys Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not just paralegals or case managers. This ensures you receive high-level legal expertise and personal attention. As Chad Harris observed, “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them,” reflecting our commitment to personalized service. You can also watch our video, “Who Will Be Handling My Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHcCJglue7o.

31. What if I already hired another attorney?
You have the right to switch attorneys if you are dissatisfied with your current representation in Montana. Many of our clients come to us after feeling ignored or undervalued by another firm. As client Greg Garcia shared, “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” We can discuss your situation confidentially and guide you through the process of changing lawyers.

Mistakes to Avoid

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?
Common mistakes include: giving a recorded statement without an attorney, accepting a quick settlement, delaying medical treatment, creating gaps in your medical care, posting about your accident or injuries on social media, or signing any documents without legal review. These actions provide ammunition for insurance companies to devalue or deny your claim. Our YouTube video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case,” available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY, provides crucial warnings.

33. Should I post about my accident on social media?
NO. You should immediately make all your social media profiles private and refrain from posting about the accident, your injuries, your activities, or your emotions. Insurance companies actively monitor social media to find anything they can use to undermine your claim, taking posts out of context.

34. Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Any document you sign after an accident—a settlement release, a medical authorization, a waiver—can have permanent and irreversible consequences for your legal rights. A release often bars future claims, and a broad medical authorization can expose your entire medical history to scrutiny. Once signed, these documents can be difficult or impossible to retract.

35. What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
While immediate medical attention is highly recommended, it’s not too late to seek care if you’ve delayed. Explain to your doctor that you were involved in an accident and didn’t realize the severity of your injuries initially. Delayed symptom onset is common for many injuries, particularly TBIs and soft tissue injuries. We can still help you pursue your claim in Montana if you seek prompt medical attention after recognizing your injuries.

Additional Common Questions

36. What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover if the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. This is known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule: the negligent defendant takes the victim as they find them. For example, if you had mild, occasional back pain that became severe and required surgery after the accident, you can recover for the worsened condition. We hire medical experts to prove the difference. Lupe knows how insurance typically attacks pre-existing conditions—he used this defense for years, and now he knows how to defeat it for our clients in Montana.

37. Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
YES, you absolutely can. If your current attorney is not communicating effectively, isn’t fighting aggressively for your rights, or is pressuring you into a lowball settlement in Montana, you have the right to seek new counsel. Attorney911 has successfully taken over numerous cases from other law firms. As client Greg Garcia reported, “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” We can discuss your options privately and help you make a seamless transition.

38. What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
Even when dealing with your own insurance company for an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) claim in Montana, they are still a business that aims to minimize payouts. Your own insurance can be just as difficult as the at-fault driver’s insurer. Having an attorney like Attorney911 is crucial to ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to under your policy. Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining coverage from multiple vehicles/policies), and Lupe’s insider insurance knowledge is particularly valuable here.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?
In Texas, pain and suffering (a non-economic damage) is often calculated using a multiplier method: your total medical expenses are multiplied by a factor between 1.5 and 5. The specific multiplier depends on injury severity, permanency, impact on your daily life, and clear liability. For example, $100,000 in medical bills multiplied by a 4.0 factor equals $400,000 for pain and suffering. Lupe calculated these for years as an insurance defense attorney—he knows how to justify higher multipliers for your case in Montana.

40. What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?
Accidents involving government vehicles (e.g., city of Montana buses, police cars) have special rules due to sovereign immunity. You typically must file a formal notice of claim within 6 months of the incident, a much stricter deadline than the standard 2-year statute of limitations. Damage caps may also apply. These cases are highly complex and require an attorney experienced in governmental claims, which Ralph Manginello possesses. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately if this applies to your accident in Montana.

41. What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
A hit and run is a serious criminal offense in Texas. If you are a victim in Montana, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage will typically compensate you for your damages when the at-fault driver is unknown. Securing surveillance footage from gas stations, businesses, and traffic cameras is critical, as this footage is often deleted within 7-30 days. Our firm sends preservation letters immediately to secure this vital evidence.

42. What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
YES. Your immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence in Texas. You are entitled to the same legal protections and recovery as any other individual. Your case information is confidential. We have successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring no language barrier exists. Call 1-888-ATTY-911; we protect your rights and your privacy in Montana.

43. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents in Montana are fully compensable, despite common myths that they are always “50/50 fault.” We prove liability through surveillance video, witness statements, and vehicle damage analysis. Texas comparative negligence rules apply here, and we will aggressively establish fault to secure your compensation.

44. What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
If you were a passenger in a vehicle that caused an accident in Montana, you can absolutely pursue a claim against the negligent driver (even if it was a friend or family member) and their insurance. As an innocent victim, you typically have no comparative fault. These cases often settle more quickly due to clear liability. We handle the claims process to make it as stress-free as possible for you.

45. What if the other driver died in the accident?
The death of the at-fault driver does not eliminate your right to compensation for injuries from an accident in Montana. You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and their insurance policy. While emotionally complex, these claims are legally viable, and we handle them with the utmost sensitivity while ensuring your rights are protected.

Your Path to Justice in Montana Starts Here

Experiencing a motor vehicle accident in Montana can be an incredibly challenging time, filled with physical pain, emotional distress, and significant financial burdens. But you do not have to face this journey alone. Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is your trusted legal partner, equipped with over 25 years of experience, unique insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate, and a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar results for our clients across Texas.

From our strategically located offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve clients throughout Montana and across the entire state. Whether you’re on the bustling streets of cities or navigating the lengthy highways, our dedicated team is prepared to bring our aggressive advocacy and compassionate understanding directly to you. Our federal court admission and experience in complex cases, including the BP explosion litigation, ensure that we are ready to take on the most formidable opponents on your behalf.

We understand the unique challenges facing residents of Montana, from local traffic patterns to the specifics of local courts and medical communities. We are committed to meticulous investigation, relentless negotiation, and aggressive litigation to ensure you receive every dollar you deserve. As client Glenda Walker beautifully states, “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Do not let fear, confusion, or the deceptive tactics of insurance companies prevent you from securing the justice you are entitled to. Evidence disappears, and legal deadlines are strict. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

Your emergency is our priority. Contact Attorney911 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 – Your legal emergency line.

Hablamos Español. Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña and Zulema, is ready to assist our Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring no language barrier stands between you and justice. As client Celia Dominguez shares, “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”

Let Attorney911 be your unwavering advocate in Montana. We are here to fight for your recovery and your future.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC | Principal Office: Houston, Texas