A car accident can happen in an instant, but its effects can last a lifetime. Whether it’s a collision at a busy Bozeman intersection or a highway crash on Interstate 90, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Many Montana residents who suffer car crash injuries don’t realize the full scope of what they are entitled to pursue in a compensation claim — and some do not seek legal help at all.
At Cok Kinzler, we believe that every person injured through no fault of their own deserves to understand their rights. If you have been hurt in a car accident, here’s what you need to know about the injuries that may entitle you to compensation under Montana law.
Not every claim is treated equally. Under Montana's modified comparative negligence rule (Montana Code section 27-1-702), the compensation you recover depends on the percentage of fault attributed to you. That means documenting and properly categorizing your injuries from the very beginning is critical to protecting the value of your case.
Montana's statute of limitations also means you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. That window may feel generous, but evidence degrades and medical records become harder to obtain as time passes. Acting promptly is always in your interest.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious and frequently underestimated car crash injuries. A head striking the steering wheel, window, or headrest at even moderate speeds can cause a concussion, and more severe impacts can cause bleeding on the brain, cognitive impairment, and long-term personality changes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of TBI-related deaths in the United States. In Montana, where rural roads and higher speed limits create elevated crash risks, TBIs are a genuine concern for drivers and passengers alike.
TBI compensation may cover emergency care, rehabilitation, lost wages, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Spinal injuries range from herniated discs to complete spinal cord damage causing paralysis. Even a relatively minor rear-end collision can cause lasting damage to the vertebrae or surrounding soft tissue. Spinal injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical management.
The costs associated with spinal cord injuries can reach into the millions over a lifetime. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, first-year expenses for a high-level cervical injury can exceed $1 million. Pursuing full and fair compensation is not just a legal right — it is a financial necessity.
Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, or collarbone are common in car accidents. These injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. In one case handled by Cok Kinzler, our attorneys secured a $4 million settlement for a client who suffered severe orthopedic injuries and brain injuries after a reckless truck driver crossed the center freeway median and struck their vehicle head-on. That outcome was made possible by building a thorough case using crash evidence and medical documentation.
Orthopedic injuries often require surgery, extended rehabilitation, and can prevent you from returning to your occupation. Every one of those economic losses may be recoverable.
Internal injuries — including damage to organs, internal bleeding, or ruptured spleens — are not always apparent immediately after a crash. Adrenaline can mask pain, and symptoms may only emerge hours or days later. That’s why medical evaluation immediately following an accident is so important, even if you feel fine.
Delaying medical treatment not only puts your health at risk, it can also seriously damage your legal claim. Insurance companies may argue that a gap in care means your injuries were not caused by the accident. For more on what to watch for in the days following a crash, see our guide on symptoms to watch out for after a car crash.
Whiplash occurs when the neck is snapped suddenly back and forth — a movement typical of rear-end collisions. Though often minimized, whiplash can cause chronic neck pain, headaches, and reduced range of motion that persist for months or years. Soft tissue injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body are similarly underestimated.
Because these injuries do not always show up on X-rays, insurance companies frequently dispute them. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to build an evidence-based case for soft tissue injuries using medical testimony, treatment records, and expert witnesses.
Montana law recognizes that car crash injuries are not limited to the physical. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions that result from a serious accident are compensable under personal injury law. The American Psychological Association (APA) acknowledges that motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of PTSD in the general population.
Psychological injuries can affect your ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy daily life. They deserve to be taken as seriously in a compensation claim as any broken bone.
Insurance companies have a financial interest in settling your claim quickly and for the least amount possible. Without legal representation, many accident victims accept far less than they are owed. At Cok Kinzler, our attorneys handle car and motorcycle accident cases across Montana, and we have secured over $100 million in results for our clients.
If you or a loved one has suffered car crash injuries in Montana, do not navigate the process alone. Reach out to Cok Kinzler's personal injury attorneys for a free consultation at 406-587-4445 or through our contact page. There is no cost to speak with us, and knowing your options is the first step toward the justice you deserve.