Deadly Truck Accidents on I-15 & I-90. What Drivers Need to Know
Montana’s highways are long, open, and often breathtaking. But they can also be dangerous, especially when large trucks are involved. If you’ve ever driven on Interstate 15 (I-15) or Interstate 90 (I-90), you’ve probably shared the road with massive commercial trucks. These highways are critical routes for transporting goods across the state and the country. However, with so many big rigs on the road, accidents can and do happen.
Truck crashes are different from regular car accidents. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles make them harder to stop and more dangerous in a collision. In Montana, weather, long stretches of rural highway, and driver fatigue add to the risks. If you live in Montana or travel through the state, knowing the dangers of truck accidents on I-15 and I-90 can help keep you safe.
At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP, our Montana truck accident attorneys know that truck accidents happen all too often. And when they do, car drivers pay the price. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, call us today at 406-442-7830 for a free consultation. We can fight for you and your rights.
Just How Dangerous Are I-15 and I-90 in Montana?
Montana is one of the least populated states, but its highways are essential for cross-country travel and commerce. Two of the most important interstates are I-15 and I-90, both of which see heavy truck traffic every day.
- Interstate 15 (I-15) runs north-south, stretching from the Canadian border down to Idaho. It passes through key Montana cities like Great Falls, Helena, and Butte. Because of its location, it serves as a major trucking route between Canada and the western United States.
- Interstate 90 (I-90) is the longest interstate in the country. In Montana, it runs east-west through cities such as Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula. It connects with major highways leading to Washington, South Dakota, and beyond, making it a busy corridor for freight transportation.
Recent accidents highlight these dangers: for instance, a fatal crash on I-90 near Missoula involved a tractor-trailer striking vehicles stopped to assist another accident. Another incident near Laurel saw a semi-truck cross into oncoming traffic, resulting in fatalities.
Why These Roads Are Dangerous
In the past three years, Montana recorded 2,224 large truck crashes, leading to 70 fatalities and 756 injuries. Many of these accidents occurred on I-15 and I-90. Truck accidents on these roads happen for several reasons:
- High Speeds – Both highways have speed limits of 75-80 mph, which means trucks travel fast. A speeding truck takes longer to stop and can cause more damage in a crash.
- Rural Areas – Many parts of these highways are far from emergency services, making it harder for accident victims to get immediate help.
- Harsh Weather – Montana experiences snow, ice, and high winds, especially in mountainous regions. These conditions make driving hazardous for all vehicles, but especially for large trucks. Extreme Montana weather increases the risk of jackknife accidents, rollovers, and multi-vehicle crashes.
- Mountainous Terrain and Steep Grades – Parts of I-90 and I-15 wind through steep mountain passes where steep downhill slopes make it harder for trucks to slow down. Sharp curves along these roads also increase the risk of rollovers.
How Can a Montana Truck Accident Attorney Help?
Truck accidents are complicated. They don’t just involve two drivers—they involve big trucking companies, strict federal regulations, and massive insurance policies. A good truck accident lawyer knows how to dig deep. They can pull black box data from the truck to see how fast it was going, check driver logs to find out if the trucker was exhausted from too many hours on the road, and review maintenance records to see if worn-out brakes or bald tires played a role.
I-15 and I-90 come with their own unique dangers—long stretches of road with few emergency services, mountain passes where brakes fail, and brutal winter storms that turn pavement into ice. An accident lawyer who understands these highways knows where to look for evidence that could prove what really caused the crash.
Making Sure the Right People Are Held Responsible
It’s easy to assume the truck driver is at fault, but that’s not always the full story. Sometimes, the trucking company forced an unrealistic schedule, pushing a tired driver beyond safe limits. Other times, a faulty part or an improperly loaded trailer caused the accident. Holding the right people accountable is key to making sure you get the compensation you need—not just for medical bills, but for lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long road to recovery ahead.
Fighting the Insurance Battle for You
Trucking companies and their insurance providers don’t hand out fair settlements without a fight. They have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts, and they may try to pressure you into taking less than you deserve. A Montana truck accident lawyer knows their tactics and can push back. They handle the negotiations, gather the right evidence, and, if necessary, take the case to court—so you don’t have to.
No Upfront Costs—You Only Pay If You Win
At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP, we know how stressful this time is. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident on I-15 or I-90, don’t wait. Call our truck accident law firm today at 406-442-7830 for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
