Truck Accident Attorney in Montana: How to Handle Override Collisions and Maximize Your Compensation

Understanding Override Collisions in Montana

🚛 What Is an Override Collision?
An override collision occurs when a large truck runs over a smaller vehicle, often due to the truck’s height and weight. These accidents are among the most severe, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

⚠️ Common Causes of Override Collisions:
- Speeding or reckless driving by truckers
- Sudden braking by passenger vehicles
- Poor visibility or road conditions
- Faulty brakes or mechanical failures
- Driver fatigue or distracted driving

Immediate Steps to Take After an Override Collision

📞 Call 911 Immediately
Emergency responders should assess injuries and secure the scene. A police report will serve as critical evidence for your claim.

📸 Gather Evidence at the Scene
- Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
- Get witness statements and their contact details.
- Note weather conditions and other factors that could have contributed to the crash.

🏥 Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical check-up. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Keep all medical records for your claim.

Who May Be Liable in an Override Collision?

⚖️ Potentially Liable Parties
- Truck Driver – If they were speeding, distracted, or fatigued.
- Trucking Company – If they failed to maintain their vehicles or enforced unrealistic driving schedules.
- Truck Manufacturer – If faulty brakes, tires, or other mechanical defects contributed to the accident.
- Third Parties – Such as cargo loaders or maintenance providers if negligence is found.

🔍 Proving Negligence
To file a claim successfully, you must establish:
1️⃣ The responsible party had a duty of care.
2️⃣ They breached that duty (e.g., by reckless driving).
3️⃣ The breach caused your injuries and damages.

Compensation You Can Claim After an Override Collision

💰 Economic Damages
These cover direct financial losses, including:
- Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage repair costs

⚖️ Non-Economic Damages
These compensate for pain and suffering:
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disabilities or disfigurement

🚨 Punitive Damages
If gross negligence (e.g., drunk driving) was involved, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and prevent future reckless behavior.

Strategies to Maximize Your Compensation

📝 Document Everything
Keep a detailed record of:
- Medical reports and expenses
- Conversations with insurance representatives
- Changes in your physical and emotional health

🤝 Work With a Skilled Truck Accident Attorney
An experienced Montana truck accident attorney can:
✔️ Investigate the crash thoroughly
✔️ Negotiate with insurance companies to avoid lowball offers
✔️ File lawsuits if needed to pursue full compensation

⏳ Be Mindful of Montana’s Statute of Limitations
Under Montana law, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering damages.

How Insurance Companies May Try to Reduce Your Claim

🛑 Common Insurance Tactics to Watch Out For
- Offering quick settlements that undervalue your claim
- Blaming you partially for the accident to reduce their liability
- Asking for recorded statements that could be used against you

💡 How to Protect Yourself Against Lowball Settlements
- Never accept the first offer without consulting an attorney.
- Avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance.
- Let your attorney handle negotiations on your behalf.

Legal Process for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Montana

📜 Key Steps in the Legal Process:

1️⃣ Investigation & Evidence Gathering – Your attorney collects reports, expert opinions, and testimony to build your case.

2️⃣ Filing an Insurance Claim – Most claims start with negotiations before resorting to a lawsuit.

3️⃣ Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary) – If fair compensation isn’t offered, your lawyer files a lawsuit in Montana civil court.

4️⃣ Settlement Negotiation or Trial – Many cases settle before trial, but if needed, a court trial will determine your compensation.

Why Hiring a Montana Truck Accident Attorney Matters

👨‍⚖️ Advantages of Legal Representation
✔️ Attorneys understand federal and state trucking laws.
✔️ They can identify liable parties beyond just the truck driver.
✔️ Lawyers have access to accident reconstruction experts.

🛡️ Fight for Maximum Compensation
A lawyer ensures you get fair treatment from insurance companies and maximizes your potential recovery through strong legal arguments.