Do I have to pay anything upfront to hire Big Sky Injury Law?+
No. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. There are no consultation fees, no retainer fees, and no hidden charges. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict — and only comes after you've been paid. If we don't recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Montana?+
Montana's statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally 3 years from the date of injury (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-204). For wrongful death cases, it is also 3 years from the date of death. However, do not wait — insurance companies begin building their case immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and security camera footage is often overwritten within days. Contact us as soon as possible after your accident.
How much is my case worth?+
Every case is different. Factors we consider include: past and future medical expenses, lost wages and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and the degree of the other party's negligence. We also factor in insurance policy limits and asset recovery potential. The only way to get an accurate assessment is a free consultation — and we provide that at no cost.
How long will my case take?+
Minor injury cases with clear liability sometimes resolve in 3–6 months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputes over liability, multiple parties, or complex medical questions typically take 1–3 years. We keep you informed throughout the entire process. We will never pressure you to settle early — our goal is your maximum recovery, not a quick close.
Do most personal injury cases go to trial?+
No — the vast majority of cases settle before trial. However, the reason they settle at fair values is because the opposing insurer knows our attorneys are fully prepared to go to trial and have a strong track record in the courtroom. We prepare every case as if it will go to verdict. That preparation is what gives us leverage at the negotiating table.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?+
Almost never. Insurance companies are businesses with a financial incentive to close claims cheaply. Their first offer is almost always far below the actual value of your case. It often ignores future medical costs, doesn't account for lost earning potential, and undervalues pain and suffering. Research consistently shows that claimants represented by attorneys receive significantly higher settlements than those who negotiate alone.
Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?+
Do not give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company before speaking with an attorney. You are not legally required to do so, and anything you say can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to elicit statements that reduce your case value. Contact us first — we'll advise you on exactly what to say and what to decline.
What if the other driver had no insurance or not enough insurance?+
You may have options through your own auto insurance policy's uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. Montana requires insurers to offer this coverage, though it may need to be rejected in writing. We also investigate whether other parties — employers, vehicle owners, bars that served alcohol — may share liability. Contact us for a full evaluation of all recovery options.
My insurance company is treating me unfairly. Can you help?+
Yes. Montana has specific laws protecting policyholders from insurance bad faith practices (Montana Insurance Fair Conduct Act). If your insurer is denying valid claims, delaying payments without cause, or making unreasonably low offers, you may be entitled to additional damages beyond your underlying claim. We handle insurance bad faith cases and have successfully recovered policy limits plus penalties for Montana clients.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Montana?+
Step 1: Call 911. Get police and medical responders on scene. Step 2: Seek medical attention — even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries (whiplash, concussion, internal injuries) have delayed symptoms. Step 3: Document the scene with photos of all vehicles, road conditions, signs, and injuries. Step 4: Get contact information from all parties and witnesses. Step 5: Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company. Step 6: Call Big Sky Injury Law at (406) 555-0199 as soon as possible.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?+
Yes — Montana follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-1-702). If you were less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your recovery is simply reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Do not assume partial fault disqualifies you — contact us first.
Why should I see a doctor even if I feel okay?+
Two reasons. First, many serious injuries are not immediately apparent — adrenaline masks pain, and conditions like brain bleeds, internal injuries, and disc herniations may not present symptoms for hours or days. Getting evaluated protects your health. Second, if you delay medical treatment, insurance companies will argue that your injuries weren't serious or weren't caused by the accident. A prompt medical record is essential documentation for your case.