Posted in News on October 30, 2013

Travel by car is a primary means of transportation in Montana. Given the vast distances people have to travel in this state, most Montanans spend a lot of time behind the wheel. However, the more time one spends driving, the greater the chance of getting into an accident. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every ten seconds someone is this country is involved in a motor vehicle crash.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol, a 46-year-old man was taken into custody recently following a car accident which resulted in the deaths of two people. According to authorities, a pick-up truck and a Jeep Cherokee SUV collided with each other head-on. The impact of the accident resulted in the deaths of the 43-year-old driver of the pick-up and a 43-year-old passenger in the Jeep Cherokee. Alcohol is believed to have played a role in the fatal accident.

No one plans to be involved in an accident. Despite all the precautions individuals may take when driving, the inattentiveness of another driver on the road, or the failure of another driver to obey the laws, may lead to a car crash causing serious injury or even death.

All drivers have an on-going duty to obey all traffic laws and to exercise reasonable caution under the circumstances when on the roads. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death to another. When an accident results in death, the victim’s next of kin have the right to sue the negligent driver-or their estate-for wrongful death. The family can recover damages for loss of support and loss of consortium, among other losses. An injured party has the right to sue a negligent driver who caused an accident. The victim is entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses stemming from the accident, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering and emotional distress. The facts surrounding every car accident are different. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help a victim evaluate their legal options.

Source: ABC Fox Montana, “Authorities Suspect Alcohol Is To Blame For Fatal Crash,” Parker Collins,” October 18, 2013