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Semi-Truck Accidents

What to Do After Getting Hit by a Semi-Truck

Getting hit by a semi-truck is one of the most traumatic events a person can experience. These vehicles—also known as 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, big rigs, or semis—can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making any collision with a passenger vehicle potentially catastrophic. At Boland Aarab PLLP, we help victims of truck accidents in Great Falls, Cascade County, and across Montana hold trucking companies accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash with a commercial truck, here’s what you need to know—and how to protect your legal rights.

First Things First: Call 911 and Seek Medical Help

Your health and safety come first. Call 911 immediately after the crash, even if you feel okay. Internal injuries from truck crashes often don’t show symptoms right away. Emergency responders will document the scene, which can later serve as powerful evidence in your case.

If you are transported to Benefis Health System or another local facility, follow up with your doctor and keep detailed records of all your medical visits, prescriptions, and diagnoses.

Gather Evidence—If You’re Able

While at the scene, take pictures of:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Road conditions
  • Skid marks
  • Trucking company logos
  • License plates

Also, get contact information from any witnesses, and make sure to note the name of the trucking company. This could be a national carrier like Schneider or Knight Transportation, or a local Montana operator.

Pro tip: Trucking companies often deploy rapid response teams to the scene. Don’t talk to them. Call a lawyer first.

Understanding Who’s Liable in a Montana Truck Crash

Truck accidents are legally complex. Unlike a typical car accident, you might be up against:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • A freight broker
  • The vehicle maintenance provider
  • Even a truck parts manufacturer

Each of these parties may try to shift blame. That’s why you need a legal team that understands federal trucking regulations and Montana liability law.

At Boland Aarab PLLP, we subpoena driver logs, onboard GPS data, and maintenance records. We investigate whether the driver exceeded federal hours-of-service limits or whether the vehicle was overloaded in violation of FMCSA regulations.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Cascade County

Trucking accidents can be caused by a variety of reasons. Some causes can include:

  • Driver fatigue (especially on U.S. Highway 87 and I-15)
  • Distracted driving
  • Poor truck maintenance
  • Improper loading of cargo
  • Inexperienced drivers operating in icy Montana conditions

If you were struck by a semi-truck near Great Falls, Belt, Vaughn, or any other Montana city, we’ll work to uncover why it happened and who’s responsible.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Unlike typical car crash claims, trucking accidents often involve:

  • Federal regulations (from the FMCSA)
  • Corporate insurers who fight aggressively to avoid payouts
  • Black box data (electronic logging devices) that must be preserved early
  • Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord trauma or traumatic brain injury

These are high-stakes cases. You need experienced personal injury attorneys who aren’t afraid to take on major insurers and national trucking companies.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of tractor-trailer accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

In some cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages if the trucking company’s conduct was especially reckless—such as falsifying logs or ignoring safety recalls.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit in Montana?

Under Montana law, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. But don’t wait—trucking companies begin building their defense immediately. Preserving evidence quickly is key to a strong case.

Why Choose Boland Aarab PLLP?

  • We are a Montana-based trial firm with a deep commitment to representing real people—not corporations. Our team has secured six-figure verdicts in conservative counties and has a track record of standing up to powerful defendants.
  • We don’t get paid unless you win.
  • Located in downtown Great Falls, we serve all of Cascade County and beyond.
  • We know local roads. We know local courts.
    And we know how to win.

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation or visit our site.

We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and—if you hire us—get to work immediately. The trucking company has a legal team. You should too.

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