Montana Safe Driving

In Montana, we went 2-3 months where there was hardly anyone on the road other than long-haul truckers on the interstate. We went from only driving short distances to buy groceries and other necessary items to now beginning to travel for summer and commuting back to work. While it is great that we are finally able to safely return to a "new normal," we all need to take steps to ensure Montana remains a safe place for everyone.

Unfortunately, the statistics show that June 2020 marked the most dangerous start to a Montana summer on our roadways in over a decade.

According to the Great Falls Tribune, there were approximately 30 deaths in June 2020, which resulted in the deadliest start to summer in Montana in over a decade. There has been nearly a 10% increase in motor vehicle-related deaths in 2020 as compared to the last two years, which is an alarming increase given that substantially few vehicles were on our roadways for a 2-3 month period earlier this year. This dramatic shift in fatal motor vehicle accidents forces us to take a step back and explore how we can all contribute to a safer Montana.

When we step into a vehicle, we need to take time to think about how to drive safer and defensively. Most motor vehicle accidents that have occurred lately are due to careless driving. Absent-mindedness such as not seeing a stop sign, merging lanes without checking, or simply not looking both ways at an intersection due to believing "the roads are empty," has resulted in fatal car accidents. According to one local Billings police officer, "it's like people have forgotten how to drive." Now that there are more drivers on the road, it is more important that we drive responsibly and take our time as we are traveling.

We can easily change the amount of fatal motor vehicle accidents occurring by taking a step back and focusing on safe driving. We encourage you to drive safely and defensively!

We have been telling our own family members and children to be careful and follow these steps while they are driving, and we encourage you to do the same. We are all in this together. We must all take steps to focus on better driving. Motor vehicle accidents are preventable if we adjust our focus. We need to do what is best to protect our neighbors, friends, and family.

Unfortunately, accidents happen. If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident, we are here to help. If you are not at fault in the accident, call us right away. It is terrifying to be involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of the severity, but especially one with fatalities.

Immediately after an accident, there are 8 necessary steps to follow:

1. Call law enforcement
2. Get the insurance information of all parties involved
3. Exchange contact information with all parties involved
4. Take as many pictures of the scene and vehicles involved
5. Document the time, place, and surrounding circumstances (was it raining?)
6. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
7. Be sure to follow up and get checked medically
8. Contact your motor vehicle accident attorney to pursue next steps

After you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, call us once you are safe. We have experience helping our clients navigate through this difficult time. Although it is best practice to call an experienced attorney right after an accident, it is never too late after an accident to call our team. We will always explore how we can help you. Let us focus on the legal aspects of your accident so you can focus on your recovery. We will contact hospitals, police officers, and witnesses to ensure your rights are being fought for. We are passionate about the work we do because we love helping people. Let us help you. Contact us for a consultation and to learn more.

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