Every year, thousands of car accidents happen in Montana, resulting in injuries, property damage, and far too many fatalities.

After a car accident in Montana, how can you handle insurance claims, pay medical bills, and plan for potential legal battles? How can you be sure you’re getting the compensation you deserve? And how do our state’s unique driving conditions and accident statistics affect your case?

Learning about car accident trends in Montana helps you make smarter choices when driving. Understanding when and where crashes happen can also help you protect your rights if you’re ever involved in one. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.

At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP, our Helena car accident attorneys can help you after getting into a serious car accident. We know that having a lawyer on your side makes a real difference and can help you secure even more compensation. Our legal team has been helping the drivers of Montana since 1978, and we can help you, too. Call us today at 406-442-7830 for a free consultation.

Car Accident Statistics in Montana: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Montana’s rural roads, mixed with weather conditions and high-speed limits, make it an area where car accidents are common.

In 2022, Montana saw over 17,000 crashes, leading to around 200 fatalities and more than 2,500 injuries. Each year, Montana’s fatality rate far exceeds the national average. In one recent year, the NHTSA reported a fatality rate of around 2.0 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, compared to the U.S. national average of 1.37.

According to the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), the state’s car accident statistics highlight several key patterns that anyone involved in a car crash should consider:

  • Rural Accidents: Montana’s vast rural areas contribute to nearly 90% of the state’s traffic fatalities. Crashes here are more severe due to higher speeds and longer emergency response times.
  • Speeding and Alcohol: Speeding is a factor in nearly 42% of fatal crashes in Montana. In addition, approximately 43% of all fatal crashes in Montana involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. These factors can complicate insurance claims and liability.
  • Winter Driving: Montana’s winter weather is notorious for making driving hazardous. Crashes are more dangerous in bad weather like snow, ice, or fog, which can lead to serious injuries or even death. In Montana, December has the most crashes, likely because snow and ice make roads slippery, and there’s more holiday travel.
  • Motorcycle Accidents: Montana is a popular place for motorcyclists. Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes account for a disproportionate share of accidents and fatalities. In fact, motorcyclists make up 22% of all traffic fatalities despite representing only a small portion of vehicles on the road.
  • Teen Drivers: Young drivers are involved in a higher percentage of accidents. In Montana, drivers aged 16 to 24 account for over 25% of all traffic collisions, with many of these drivers getting into fatal crashes.
  • Seatbelt Use: Montana’s low seatbelt usage rate is a critical concern. In one recent year, about 63% of people killed in car accidents in the state were not wearing seatbelts, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

A Deeper Dive Into Montana Car Accident Statistics

When looking at the public crash data from 2019 – 2023, a few things stand out:

  • Yellowstone, Missoula, and Flathead counties report the highest number of crashes.
  • Friday has the highest number of incidents, followed closely by Wednesday and Monday.
  • Saturday and Sunday report lower numbers, possibly due to reduced weekday commuting.
  • More crashes occur in December and November, followed closely by October and February.

Why an Attorney Is Crucial After a Car Accident in Montana

If you’ve been injured in a Montana car crash, it is so important to hire an experienced Montana car accident attorney.

Montana has a comparative fault system, meaning multiple parties can be found partially responsible for an accident. If you’re in a crash where both you and another driver are partially to blame, your attorney can make sure you’re not unfairly blamed and given a larger portion of the responsibility. Comparative fault can be tricky, and without proper legal representation, you may not get the full compensation you deserve.

Insurance companies are notorious for lowballing claims, especially in states like Montana, where the auto insurance industry can be very aggressive. They may try to settle your claim for less than it’s worth or even deny it altogether.

Without an attorney, you might not know what you’re entitled to or how to push back against an underpaid settlement offer. A lawyer will advocate for you and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, often securing a higher settlement or taking the case to court if necessary.

Contact Our Helena Car Accident Lawyers

The numbers speak for themselves—Montana has a high rate of fatal and serious accidents, especially in rural areas, during winter months, and with impaired or young drivers.

If you suffer an injury in an auto accident in Montana, the personal injury attorneys at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP, will make sure you’re fairly compensated. We’ve helped countless car crash victims and their families across the state – and we can help you, too! Call us today at 406-442-7830 for a free consultation.