BLOG

Wrongful Death and Serious Injuries After a Semi-Truck Accident

When a loved one is killed or seriously injured in a crash involving a semi-truck, the pain and confusion can be overwhelming. These aren’t just “accidents,” they’re life-altering events often caused by negligence, preventable errors, or corporate indifference.

At Boland Aarab PLLP, we represent families throughout Montana, including in Cascade County, facing the aftermath of trucking tragedies. Our mission is simple: help you secure justice and compensation while holding trucking companies accountable.

Commercial Vehicle Crashes: Why They’re So Dangerous

Montana’s highways—especially I-15, Highway 87, and Route 200—are major corridors for freight. This means heavy semi-truck traffic and, unfortunately, frequent collisions. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20–30 times more than a car, and even a brief moment of inattention by a commercial driver can lead to devastating consequences.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue, speeding, equipment failure, and driver inexperience are leading causes of truck crashes nationwide.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to another party’s negligence. Under Montana law, surviving family members—including spouses, children, and sometimes parents—may file suit to recover damages.

Compensation in these cases may include:

• Funeral and burial costs;
• Lost income the deceased would have earned;
• Loss of companionship;
• Emotional anguish; and
• Medical bills prior to death

You can read more about wrongful death in Montana under Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-513.

Catastrophic Injuries From Trucking Accidents

Accidents involving semi-trucks can leave victims with life-altering injuries, such as:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Amputations
• Burns
• Paralysis or permanent disability

These injuries often require lifelong care and can bankrupt a family without substantial compensation. If the victim was the household’s primary earner, the financial consequences can be severe.

At Boland Aarab PLLP, we work with medical experts and life care planners to carefully estimate the full scope of your future losses. Then we fight to recover every dollar you’re owed.

Why You Need to Act Quickly

The statute of limitations for both wrongful death and personal injury in Montana is generally three years from the date of the crash. But the earlier you retain a lawyer, the better.

Evidence can disappear fast:

• Black box (ELD) data may be overwritten in weeks
• Trucking companies may not keep maintenance logs
• Witnesses become harder to find and their memory begins to fade

Preserving evidence immediately can make or break your case.

Investigating Trucking Companies and Their Carriers

At Boland Aarab PLLP, we aggressively investigate:

• Driver logs to check for violations of hours-of-service limits
• Truck maintenance records
• Hiring and training practices
• Freight broker liability
• Defective parts or tire failures

Who Can You Sue After a Trucking Accident?

Truck crashes are rarely simple. Multiple parties may share liability:

• The driver, if they were distracted or reckless
• The trucking company, for negligent hiring or supervision
• A shipping company, for improperly loaded freight
• A maintenance provider, if faulty repairs contributed
• Even a manufacturer, if a tire or brake defect caused the crash

We pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation and create accountability.

What Sets Boland Aarab PLLP Apart

We’re not a high-volume firm. We take on cases we believe in and give them the time and detailed attention they deserve. We also prepare every case as if it is going to trial. Even if the case ultimately resolves with a settlement, this approach increases your bargaining power as the other side knows we are not afraid to take your case to a jury if an acceptable settlement cannot be reached.

What to Expect When You Call Us

We offer free consultations and don’t charge a fee unless we win.

When you contact Boland Aarab PLLP, we will:

1. Listen carefully to your story
2. Explain your rights and legal options
3. Immediately begin securing evidence if we take your case
4. Keep you informed at every step

Don’t Wait. Call Us Today.

If your family has been devastated by a semi-truck crash, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face the trucking company alone.

Call Boland Aarab PLLP or reach out online at bolandaarab.com. We’ll help you get answers, pursue justice, and rebuild.

Additional Resources

• Montana Wrongful Death Law
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Crash Statistics
• Montana Highway Patrol Crash Report Requests
• National Safety Council on Truck Safety