Fighting for the Compensation Montanans Deserve – No Fee Unless You Win.
Car Accidents and Your Legal Rights
Car accidents can leave victims facing medical bills, lost income, and insurance headaches. At McKeon Law, we help injured Montanans recover full compensation and hold insurers accountable—so you can focus on healing.
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What to Do After a Car Accident
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Car Accident Claims
In Montana, car accident claims operate under a fault-based system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is financially liable. A car accident lawyer can help prove fault by gathering accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. They also calculate damages—such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering—and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to offer appropriate compensation, your attorney can file a lawsuit to fight for what you’re owed.
Common Car Accident Claim Examples
Often caused by distracted driving or following too closely, rear-end collisions can lead to whiplash, back injuries, and costly vehicle damage. Even low-speed impacts can cause serious injuries that deserve full compensation.
These are among the most dangerous types of accidents, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries. Proving fault and calculating long-term damages is crucial in head-on crash claims.
Typically occurring at intersections, these crashes happen when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light. Injuries from side impacts can be especially serious for passengers seated closest to the point of collision.
When a driver flees the scene, it creates additional legal hurdles. Our firm helps victims track down responsible parties or pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage.
Driving under the influence is a major cause of injury and fatality on Montana roads. If you were injured by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to standard compensation.
Often involving SUVs or trucks, rollover crashes can result in catastrophic injuries. These cases may involve vehicle design flaws or road hazards in addition to driver negligence.
Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
A car accident injury can range from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Internal Organ Damage
- Burns and Scarring
- Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)
Montana-Specific Car Accident Laws
Understanding how Montana law handles personal injury claims is key to protecting your rights after an accident. From rules about shared fault to insurance coverage requirements, these state-specific laws can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
Comparative Negligence in Montana – Montana uses a modified comparative negligence system: if you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages—though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum Insurance Requirements in Montana – Montana drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. UM/UIM coverage can help if the at-fault driver is uninsured.
What to Expect When Filing a Car Accident Claim
Step 1: Filing a Claim – Report the accident to your insurance company, but don’t accept a settlement without legal review.
Step 2: Investigation – Attorneys gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
Step 3: Negotiation with Insurance Companies – We work to secure the best possible settlement.
Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit – If negotiations fail, we prepare your case for trial.
Step 5: Resolution – Whether through settlement or trial, we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Car Accident Compensation You May Recover
A personal car accident claim can include:
- Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, rehab, surgeries, prescriptions.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering – Emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage – Repairs or replacement costs for your vehicle.
- Wrongful Death Benefits – If a loved one was killed in a car crash, we help families seek justice.
Why Work With McKeon Law?
Personal Approach to Car Accident Cases in Montana
At McKeon Law, we take a personal approach to every car accident case—fighting for you with respect, clear communication, and aggressive representation.
A serious crash can upend your life. We’re here to ease the burden: handling insurance claims, legal pressure, and paperwork so you can focus on recovery—not red tape.
Michael McKeon, Personal Injury Attorney
Michael McKeon, Personal Injury Attorney
Born and raised in Butte, Michael McKeon is a fifth-generation Montanan who has dedicated his legal career to standing up for those injured through no fault of their own. After graduating from the University of Montana School of Law, he returned home to build a practice rooted in trust, integrity, and personal service.
Michael represents clients in personal injury cases, workplace accidents, and insurance disputes—ensuring they’re not alone when facing powerful companies and legal teams. His hands-on approach means clients work directly with him, not passed off to staff, and every case receives the attention it deserves.
Known for his commitment to justice and community, Michael strives to restore dignity to those navigating life after an injury—and to secure the compensation they need to move forward.
Outside the office, he enjoys a fulfilling life with his wife Teresa and their dog, Harley. They value time together exploring new places through travel and appreciating all that Montana has to offer. His time away from work provides balance and perspective, reinforcing the dedication and focus he brings to each client’s case.
Credentials:
- Licensed in Montana and U.S. District Courts of Montana
- Board Member, Montana Trial Lawyers Association
- Member, State Bar of Montana & National Trial Lawyers Association
- Recognized as Top 40 Under 40 & Top 100 Trial Lawyer (NTLA)
- Voted Best Attorney in Butte-Silver Bow (2023)
Camy Allen, Paralegal & Office Manager
Camy Allen, Paralegal & Office Manager
Camy has been a practicing paralegal for over 35 years and has been an integral part of McKeon Law for nearly 30 years as both office manager and paralegal.
Camy and Russ have two adult children, Scout and Saylor, two dogs, Finn and Obie, and two cats, Ellie and Remy.
Personalized Legal Support
At McKeon Law, we take a client-centered approach. Unlike large, impersonal law firms where clients feel like just another case number, we take pride in providing personalized legal representation.
- Direct Access to Your Attorney – When you hire McKeon Law, you don’t get passed off to a paralegal or case manager. You work directly with an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows the ins and outs of Montana car accident law.
- We Listen, We Care, We Fight – Every case is unique, and we take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs.
- We Limit Our Caseload for Maximum Attention – Unlike high-volume firms that handle hundreds of cases at once, we limit the number of clients we take so we can give every case the full attention it deserves.
Challenging Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to settle claims for as little as possible, even when victims are entitled to much more. We don’t let them get away with it.
- We Know Their Tactics – Insurance adjusters may try to blame you for the accident, argue that your injuries aren’t severe, or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement. We anticipate these strategies and counter them aggressively.
- We Build Strong Cases – We gather medical records, police reports, witness statements, accident reconstructions, and expert opinions to prove liability and document the full extent of your damages.
- We Handle All Negotiations – You don’t have to deal with pushy adjusters or endless paperwork. We handle all communications and fight for the highest possible settlement.
Proven Success Record
At McKeon Law, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured clients in Montana. Our case results speak for themselves:
- Significant settlements for car accident victims suffering from catastrophic injuries.
- Successful wrongful death claims for families who lost loved ones due to reckless drivers.
- Large verdicts against insurance companies that refused to pay what was owed.
When you work with McKeon Law, you have a law firm that is not afraid to take cases to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice.
No Win, No Fee Commitment
We believe everyone deserves quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay anything upfront.
- You pay nothing upfront
- We cover all case expenses
- You only pay if we win your case
We only get paid when we win your case. That means our success is directly tied to yours, and we’re motivated to get the highest possible compensation for you.
Montana-Based Representation
As a fifth-generation Montanan, I take great pride in representing my friends and neighbors. Our firm is built on Montana values—honesty, hard work, and fairness.
- We know the local courts, judges, and insurance companies.
- We understand Montana’s unique car accident laws and insurance regulations.
- We are deeply connected to the community we serve.
At McKeon Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re working with a firm that cares about Montanans and fights for them every day.
Car Accident FAQs
Got questions about your case? Get clear, expert answers from a trusted Montana car accident lawyer.
Montana law generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and two years for property damage claims. If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to compensation.
Yes. Montana follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Insurance companies may deny claims due to insufficient evidence, policy exclusions, or delays in medical treatment. A car accident lawyer can challenge unfair denials and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage may cover your damages. If they don’t have enough insurance to cover your expenses, Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage can help. Montana requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage, but you must specifically opt out if you don’t want it.
No. Insurance companies often lowball victims, offering far less than what they deserve. Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to seek further compensation—even if new medical issues arise. A personal injury lawyer can help negotiate a fair settlement.
No. You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company, and doing so without legal advice can hurt your claim. Insurance adjusters may twist your words to minimize or deny your claim.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed).
At McKeon Law, we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our fees come from the settlement or court award, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs.
Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, can take hours or days to appear. It’s crucial to see a doctor immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine. Delaying medical treatment can hurt your health and make it harder to prove your injuries in a claim.
If bad road conditions caused the crash, you may have a case against the government agency responsible for road maintenance. These cases are complex, as there are special filing deadlines and rules for suing government entities. A car accident attorney can help determine liability.
Yes. If your accident was caused by faulty brakes, defective airbags, or another vehicle defect, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, dealership, or parts supplier. These cases require expert analysis to prove the defect caused the crash.
Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance issues. Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but coverage depends on whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or off duty. An auto accident attorney can help determine which insurance policy applies.
As an injured passenger, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver, whether it was the driver of the car you were in or another vehicle. If multiple drivers share fault, you may be able to recover from more than one insurance policy.
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your car accident lawyer may take the case to trial. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, ensuring we are ready to fight for maximum compensation.
The timeline depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The insurance company’s willingness to negotiate
- Whether a lawsuit is necessary
- Some cases settle within a few months, while others can take a year or
- longer if litigation is required.