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Hit by a Commercial Vehicle in Montana? Here’s What You Need to Know
Montana’s wide-open roads may look peaceful, but its extensive roadways can lead to accidents. Every week, vehicle accidents occur throughout Montana that have the potential to cause serious injuries. Some are rear-ended while stopped at a light. Others are broadsided at rural intersections. And some are hit while simply crossing the street on foot.
At Boland Aarab PLLP, we have extensive experience handling cases involving private vehicle accidents and accidents involving commercial vehicles. If you’ve been hit by a commercial vehicle in Montana, your case is very different from a typical car crash. The stakes are higher and the insurance companies are often much more aggressive.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes these cases unique, what your rights are under Montana law, and what you should do if it happens to you.
What Makes Commercial Vehicle Accidents Different?
When a commercial vehicle hits you — whether you’re in another vehicle or on foot — you’re not just dealing with an individual driver. A commercial driver is employed by a company and as a result, you will invariably be dealing with their employer and a system designed to minimize risk and liability. In addition, many corporations keep a defense attorney on retainer to handle claims against the company.
Additionally, unlike an average driver, most commercial vehicles are insured under large policies with high limits, often well over a million dollars. This might sound like good news, but in reality, it means the insurance company will put significant resources into fighting your claim. Adjusters and civil defense lawyers will be looking for any opportunity to downplay your injuries, shift blame, or pressure you into a quick settlement before you understand the full impact of your harm.
There’s also the question of who can be held responsible. Under Montana’s legal doctrine of respondeat superior, a company can be held liable for its employee’s negligence if the employee was acting within the scope of their job at the time of the crash. That means the business, not just the driver, may be on the hook for your damages. And if the company violated safety rules, failed to maintain its vehicles, or pushed its drivers to work unsafe hours, additional claims may be made against the company.
Types of Commercial Vehicles Involved in Montana Crashes
When people hear “commercial vehicle,” they often picture a long-haul semi-truck. But the category is much broader and includes:
Common Causes—and Serious Consequences
Commercial vehicle accidents are often the result of preventable negligence. Overloaded trucks, worn-out brakes, distracted or overworked drivers, and aggressive delivery schedules all contribute to collisions. The size and weight of commercial vehicles also mean that even low-speed crashes can cause major injuries, particularly when pedestrians, cyclists, or smaller cars are involved.
What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Hits You
The first and most important step is to get medical attention. Even if you feel okay at the time, adrenaline can mask serious internal injuries or delay the onset of symptoms. Getting evaluated not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash—a critical piece of evidence if you pursue a claim.
Second, avoid talking to the commercial vehicle’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. These companies are not calling to help you—and often they do not have your best interests in mind. It is not uncommon for them to ask you to give a recorded statement, hoping you’ll say something that can be used against you later.
It’s also vital to document everything: photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle or bike, any visible injuries, and any correspondence with insurance representatives. If you do have any contact with an insurance company, get everything in writing. If there were witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. If police or highway patrol were involved, get a copy of the report. The more information you gather, the stronger your case will be.
What You Can Recover Under Montana Law
Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. These can include:
In certain cases, punitive damages may also be available under Montana law.
At Boland Aarab PLLP, we are a trial firm, and we begin preparing every case for trial from day one. That means we don’t encourage you to accept lowball settlements and we are not afraid to take on large insurance companies, government entities, or national corporations in court.
Why Choose Boland Aarab PLLP?
We are a Montana-based trial firm with deep roots to the community. Our office is in Great Falls, but our work stretches across the state — from Missoula to Whitefish, Kalispell to Billings. We believe every client deserves real attention. We’ll listen. We’ll investigate. And we’ll fight — whether at the negotiation table or in the courtroom.
We’ve helped clients injured by commercial trucks, city vehicles, and delivery drivers recover the compensation they needed to rebuild their lives. And we can help you, too.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Being hit by a commercial vehicle is not just an inconvenience — it can upend your entire life. Medical bills, missed work, chronic pain, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it on your own.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a commercial vehicle in Montana, call Boland Aarab PLLP today or visit our website to set up a free consultation. We only get paid if you win. Let us fight for you.