Car accidents can be serious, and the injuries sustained can alter your life temporarily or permanently. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you deserve to be compensated for the injuries you suffered.
At Kortum Law Office, P.L.L.C., we understand that pursuing legal action while recovering can be daunting, which is why we offer our help. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling car accident claims and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today to learn more and get started with a free consultation.
Why Choose Kortum Law Office, P.L.L.C., For Your Car Accident Case
At Kortum Law Office, we understand the challenges you face following a car accident. Our commitment to prompt, quality legal service sets us apart. We bring a deep understanding of Montana law, ensuring that your case is handled with the professional care it deserves. Our experienced team is prepared to tackle various challenges and uphold your rights.
- We have an extensive track record of success recovering both insurance settlements and major jury verdicts on behalf of car accident victims throughout Montana.
- We believe in a personalized approach to every case that we take, which means we take the time to listen to you and your concerns as we move forward with your claim.
- Our team has an extensive understanding of Montana law, and we have the resources needed to handle every aspect of your claim, from beginning to end.
How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Claim In Montana?
In Montana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it is advisable to start the process as soon as possible.
What Compensation Can I Expect From A Car Accident Claim?
Car accident victims in the Kalispell area of Montana are often able to recover a wide range of compensation types if their accident claim is successful. At Kortum Law Office, P.L.L.C., our team understands that you and your family need compensation to move forward, so we fight to recover both economic and non-economic damages on your behalf.
Economic damages. After a vehicle accident occurs in Kalispell, victims can sustain a range of losses that immediately impact their everyday lives. They can also incur additional calculable expenses for quite some time after the incident occurs.
Economic damages seek to provide compensation for a victim’s:
- Emergency medical bills
- Ongoing hospital or doctor visits
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Prescription medications or medical devices
- Property damage expenses sustained in the same incident
- Lost wages if a victim is unable to recover
- Various out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages. These types of damages are not as readily calculable as the economic damages previously discussed. These types of damages are designed to provide compensation for immeasurable types of losses the victim endures. This can include their physical pain and suffering as well as any emotional or psychological anguish caused by the injuries or the recovery process. Non-economic damages can also help pay for loss of quality of life due to a disability or scarring and disfigurement.
What If The Other Driver Is Uninsured Or Underinsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options for compensation, such as filing a claim with your own insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
What Happens If I Am Partially At Fault For The Accident?
Montana’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 50%.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident?
The aftermath of a Kalispell vehicle accident can be chaotic, but there are certain steps you can take to both ensure your well-being while also preserving the integrity of your claim. Some of these steps include:
- Checking for injuries and seeking medical care. Priority number one is checking for injuries to yourself, your passengers, and others involved in the incident. Any person who has an injury should seek prompt medical care. Additionally, many car accident injury signs and symptoms do not show up for hours or even days after the incident occurs. By seeking prompt medical care, you give medical professionals a chance to notice potential hidden injuries.
- Calling the police. The police need to come to just about every vehicle accident that occurs in Montana. Let law enforcement officers come to the scene to conduct their investigation and fill out an accident report so you can provide this to your insurance carrier.
- Gathering evidence. You can gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the incident, including photographs of the entire crash area. This includes photos of vehicle damage and injuries, as well as any debris or skid marks, particular traffic or weather conditions, and anything else that may have contributed to the incident.
- Exchanging information. You will need to exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved in the incident. This includes names, contact information, and insurance information.
- Continuing medical care. Car accident victims should continue all medical treatment recommended by their doctor if they want the best chance of recovering full compensation for their losses.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Car Accident Claims
When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, several questions often arise. Here are some of the most common queries we encounter, along with their answers, to provide you with a clearer understanding of what to expect:
Can I claim emotional distress after a car accident?
Yes, you can claim for emotional distress as part of your compensation. These non-economic damages are important aspects of your recovery.
Should I accept the insurance company’s initial settlement offer?
Be cautious with initial offers. It is often beneficial to consult with an attorney before accepting, as these offers may not fully cover your long-term needs and expenses.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Fault is determined by examining evidence from the accident, including police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage.
Do I need a Kalispell car accident lawyer for a car accident claim?
While not mandatory, having a Kalispell car accident attorney can significantly help in navigating the legal complexities, especially in cases involving serious injuries or disputed fault.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Kalispell Car Accident Lawyer?
At Kortum Law Office, P.L.L.C., we understand that paying for an attorney after your Kalispell vehicle accident may seem out of budget, but we handle claims on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs and you pay nothing while your case is ongoing. You will only pay legal fees after we successfully recover the compensation you are entitled to, but if we do not win the case, you pay absolutely nothing at all.
Contact A Kalispell Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been in a car accident in Kalispell, do not navigate the legal waters alone. Contact Kortum Law Office, P.L.L.C., for a free consultation. Our friendly and competent Kalispell personal injury attorneys are ready to help you. Let us help you find the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today!