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Helping low-income individuals solve legal problems.

Information about Montana's courts for the general public, the media, and the legal community.

Why do auto insurance rates rise after an accident?

Insurance companies are risk averse and in the business of making money. These are old companies in it for the long run. They have shareholders to consider, and have to pay out major claims if their covered drivers are found to be at-fault. If you file a claim, you likely have found that your premiums increased. You're not alone. Considering that the rates tend to stay high for about three years after each claim is filed, those rate hikes pretty much pay for the damages you’ve been paying your insurance premiums to cover. It’s almost like the car insurance company is giving you a loan to cover your accident losses that you pay them back for over the years. For more information on why car insurance premiums increase after a claim, click here.

What do you do if the driver who hit you doesn't have insurance? [VIDEO]

Representing yourself and working with your insurance company isn't as easy as the commercials make it sound, especially if the driver who hit you doesn't have insurance or enough coverage. The adjuster is going to ask you questions that are hard to answer, confusing, or might even feel like they don't believe you, like in this video spoof of the process. It's simply that auto insurers have stakeholders whose best interest it is in not paying the highest amount possible per claim. It's sad but true. This is why it helps to have someone on your side who knows the laws and how to negotiate with insurance companies. Because if they don't play fair, then these cases are settled in court. Especially when you must file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. These are complex claims so it helps to have help. Click here if you're having a hard time dealing with insurance companies and are wondering what to do.

When a bicycle accident is fatal, survivors have hard decisions to make

No one wants to lose a loved one to an accident. But to lose someone because of the negligence or recklessness of another person makes the loss that much harder. Survivors often face anger and confusion in the aftermath of a wrongful death, and yet have so many decisions to make, from funeral arrangements to learning how to live without their loved ones. And making ends meet can be more pain on top of what feels insurmountable. If your loved one was killed while riding their bike, it is unfortunately not likely that the insurers from the negligent driver’s car company are going to offer compensation that fully covers your losses. Having a personal injury attorney on your side can make your financial recovery possible so that you can focus on the emotional healing. Click for more information on filing wrongful death claims from a bike accident.

In accidents with a semi truck, the other vehicles almost always have more damage

Semi-tractor trailers are to cars, trucks, and SUVs like those smaller vehicles are to pedestrians. In an accident of a semi vs. almost any other type of vehicle, the semi will do much more damage than it, and its passengers, would receive. Therefore, when truck drivers drive recklessly, negligently, distractedly, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the effects can be devastating. These trucks take longer to correct if they’re on a disastrous path, as well. Their drivers have to be extremely careful and focused at all times behind their wheels. If you were involved in a wreck where a semi truck hit you, it helps to have a personal injury lawyer skilled with truck accident cases on your side. Click here for more on what to do next.

Montana 511

511 is Montana's easy-to-remember traveler information service. 511 provides continual updates about weather-related road conditions, road work, commercial vehicle restrictions, road closures, chain requirements and other travel information via the phone or Internet.

Montana Highway Patrol

Emergency Assistance – In the event of a crash or other roadside emergency, call 855-MHP-3777. The Highway Patrol’s core values are “Service, Integrity and Respect.” These values are reflected in our commitment to public safety through diligent and fair enforcement of our traffic codes. The Montana Highway Patrol believes that public safety is a partnership. We need your help by buckling up, slowing down, and not drinking and driving. Together we can make Montana a safer place to live and drive.

Montana DOT-Department of Transportation

At MDT, we take seriously our mission of providing a transportation system and services that emphasize quality, safety, cost effectiveness, economic vitality and sensitivity to the environment. Involving Montana's residents and communities is a vital part of fulfilling that mission.

MADD-Montana Local Chapter

If you or a loved one has been affected by drunk driving, MADD is here to help. VICTIM/SURVIVOR 24-Hour Help Line 877.MADD.HELP