Montana is known for its wide open spaces. However, its roads are not. Commercial trucks use Montana freeways as a popular route to and from Canada, as well as the east coast. As a result, roads are often congested with commercial trucks at all hours of the day. Sadly, these commercial trucks can cause significant and catastrophic accidents.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident in Montana, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP, our truck accident attorneys can help you after getting into a serious commercial truck accident. Our legal team has been helping injured accident victims in Montana since 1978, and we can help you, too. Call us today at 406-442-7830 for a free consultation.

The Scope of Truck Accidents in Montana

If you’ve ever driven Interstate 90 or Interstate 15, there is no doubt that you’ve noticed how many trucks are hauling goods across Montana’s stunning landscape. These interstates, as well as the many highways in between are key routes for transporting goods throughout the northwest.

Unfortunately, the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make accidents involving them especially dangerous. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—compared to the average passenger vehicle’s 4,000 pounds—making collisions with these massive vehicles catastrophic.

According to the Montana Department of Transportation, truck accidents account for a significant percentage of fatal and serious injury crashes in the state. Factors like icy roads, high speeds, driver fatigue, and improper truck maintenance only compound the risk. For survivors, catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, amputations, or severe burns can permanently alter their lives.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries can change your life in an instant. These are the kinds of injuries that cause permanent disabilities, making it hard—or even impossible—to return to the life you once knew. They’re not like minor injuries you recover from with a quick visit to the doctor. Instead, they often mean years of medical care, physical therapy, or even learning how to use assistive devices just to get through the day. Examples include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Amputations
  • Burns

Victims of catastrophic injuries often face millions of dollars in medical expenses over their lifetime. This is why it’s crucial to act quickly and strategically after a Montana truck accident.

What to Do Immediately After a Catastrophic Truck Accident

Waking up in a hospital bed, unsure of how you got there, can feel like stepping into someone else’s life. Everything has changed—your body, your routines, maybe even your ability to work or care for loved ones. When the accident leaves you unable to act in the moment—unable to call for help, gather evidence, or even recall what happened—it’s natural to feel powerless. But even in this overwhelming situation, there are steps you (or those supporting you) can take to protect your rights and begin rebuilding your life.

1. Focus on Your Recovery First

Your health and healing are the top priority. It’s okay to lean on others right now. Family members, close friends, or even hospital social workers can act on your behalf to start taking the steps you can’t handle yet. Allow yourself to focus on medical care, follow-up treatments, and resting your mind and body.

2. Get Help Understanding the Accident

Since you couldn’t gather evidence yourself, start by asking a trusted person to help. They can contact local law enforcement to request the accident report or talk to witnesses. Trucking accidents are often complex, and key information—like driver logs, truck maintenance records, or video footage—can disappear quickly. A skilled Montana truck accident attorney can step in to preserve this evidence in these crucial first six months or less after a crash and investigate what happened while you focus on healing.

3. Document Your Journey

Although you didn’t take pictures at the crash scene, you can still document the impact of the accident on your life. Keep a journal (or ask a loved one to help you) that tracks your pain levels, emotional struggles, and physical limitations. Photos of your injuries or mobility aids, like wheelchairs or braces, can help paint a clear picture of how this accident has changed your daily reality.

4. Explore Financial Resources

Catastrophic injuries can lead to astronomical medical bills and months of lost income. If you’re unable to work, your Montana truck accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for lost wages, your medical expenses, future care needs, and the impact on your quality of life. If the truck driver or trucking company was at fault, they need to be held responsible for the harms caused to your life and welfare.

5. Find Medical and Legal Support

Recovering from a catastrophic injury isn’t something you can handle on your own. While your family, friends, and doctors are there to help you heal, there’s more to recovery than just medical care. You’ll also need someone to fight for your financial future. A skilled Montana truck accident lawyer can take on the at-fault party, handle your claim, and work to get you the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

Contact Our Montana Truck Accident Attorneys

You’ve already survived the unimaginable, and that’s a testament to your strength. While you couldn’t be there in the moments after the crash to call for help or take control, we are ready to step in now. You don’t have to face this journey alone. 

Ready to take the first step? Reach out to an experienced Montana truck accident attorney today at  Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP. We can help you after getting into a catastrophic truck accident. We know that having a lawyer on your side makes a real difference and can help you secure even more compensation. Call us today at 406-442-7830 for a free consultation.