Every experienced driver knows that a split second delay in recognizing a hazard can make the difference in avoiding a crash. Just such a delay in recognition appears to be the cause of a recent car accident that sent a Billings girl to the hospital.

According to police reports, a three-car accident occurred on January 22 when the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta crested a hill on 32nd Street West before he realized that a Dodge Durango was stopped to make a left turn at the intersection of Willow Bend Drive. The 24-year-old driver of the Jetta tried to swerve, but clipped the side of the Durango and veered into the path of an oncoming Pontiac.

A 17-year-old female passenger in the Pontiac suffered injuries in the collision and was transported to the hospital. Reports did not indicate whether she suffered any serious injuries, but her injuries are fortunately reported as non-life-threatening.

Police arrested the Jetta driver on suspicion of drunk driving, but an accident investigation may reveal that the collision resulted simply from the negligence of a distracted driver. In either case, the Jetta driver may be liable for damage to the other vehicles involved as well as compensation for injuries suffered by the teenage girl.

Even if all of the parties involved are covered by auto insurance policies, it may still prove difficult for them to obtain fair compensation for their losses. With multiple insurance companies potentially pointing the finger at each other, the victims of this accident may face delays in compensation that can end up costing even more money in the long run. Victims of a Montana auto accident may find that the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to handle reluctant insurance companies can help to move things along and ensure that claims are paid in a timely fashion.

Source: The Montana Standard, “3-vehicle accident blocks traffic on Billings’ West End; girl hospitalized,” Jan. 24, 2013