Fighting for the Compensation Montanans Deserve – No Fee Unless You Win.
Trucking accidents are among the most serious injury cases we handle. When a fully loaded semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the result is often severe or life-altering injuries. These cases are also more complex than typical car accidents, often involving federal regulations, multiple responsible parties, and large commercial insurance policies.
At McKeon Law, we represent individuals across Montana who have been injured in trucking accidents. We guide clients through the legal process, protect their rights, and pursue full compensation from those responsible.
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What to Do After a Trucking Accident
What Not to Do After a Trucking Accident
These mistakes are common and can significantly reduce the value of a case:
Trucking Accident Claims in Montana
Montana follows a fault-based system, meaning the person or company responsible for the accident is also responsible for paying for the harm caused. In trucking cases, that process involves determining who was at fault, proving that fault with evidence, calculating the full extent of damages, and negotiating with insurance companies. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be necessary.
Many trucking accidents stem from preventable safety failures, such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding with heavy loads, improper cargo loading, mechanical issues, or inadequate training. These factors often point to violations of safety regulations or breakdowns in oversight, which play a key role in determining liability.
A trucking accident lawyer’s role is to manage this entire process and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Key Evidence in Trucking Accident Cases
Building a case often comes down to securing and understanding this evidence before it disappears.
Records speed, braking, and engine activity before the crash.
Track how long a driver has been on the road.
Show whether the truck was properly inspected.
Can reveal whether drivers were pressured to meet deadlines.
Show whether the load was safe and properly secured
Common Types of Trucking Accidents
Certain types of crashes occur more frequently with commercial trucks:
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover crashes
- Underride collisions
- Wide-turn accidents
- Rear-end collisions
Understanding how the crash happened helps determine who is responsible.
Injuries in Trucking Accidents
These are not short-term problems. Many victims face long-term or permanent consequences.
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Severe burns
- Fatal injuries
Why Trucking Cases Are More Complicated
Federal Regulations (FMCSA)
Truck drivers and companies must follow strict federal rules. These rules exist because trucking is dangerous if not properly controlled. For example:
- Drivers can only drive a certain number of hours before resting
- Trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained
- Cargo must be properly loaded and secured
When these rules are broken, accidents happen. And when they are broken, it often creates strong evidence of negligence.
Multiple Liable Parties
Unlike a standard car accident, responsibility may be shared between several parties:
- The driver (for unsafe driving)
- The trucking company (for hiring, training, or supervision failures)
- A maintenance company (for faulty repairs)
- A cargo company (for improper loading)
This matters because each party may have insurance coverage. Identifying all of them increases the ability to fully compensate the injured person.
The Trucking Company’s Immediate Response
One of the least understood realities is how quickly trucking companies act after a crash. They may send:
- Investigators
- Attorneys
- Accident reconstruction experts
Their goal is to control the evidence and minimize liability. This is why early legal involvement is not optional in serious trucking cases.
What to Expect When Filing a Trucking Accident Claim
Step 1: Filing a Claim – The process begins by reporting the trucking accident and initiating your claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Collection – Attorneys gather critical evidence such as black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reports to build your case.
Step 3: Medical Treatment and Case Development – Your medical care documents your injuries while your attorney determines liability and calculates the full value of your claim.
Step 4: Negotiation with Insurance Companies – Your attorney presents a demand and negotiates with insurers, who often attempt to minimize trucking accident claims.
Step 5: Lawsuit and Resolution – If needed, a lawsuit is filed. Many cases settle, but strong preparation ensures the best possible outcome at trial or settlement.
Trucking Accident Compensation You May Recover
A trucking accident claim can include:
- Medical Expenses – This includes all medical costs related to the accident—emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future treatment you may require.
- Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover lost income. If you are unable to return to the same type of work or earn at the same level, you may also recover for reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Not all harm is financial. The law recognizes physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall disruption to your life as compensable damages.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement – If the accident results in long-term or permanent impairment, compensation may reflect the lasting impact on your daily life and independence.
- Property Damage – This includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Wrongful Death Benefits – In fatal trucking accidents, surviving family members may pursue compensation for loss of financial support, funeral expenses, and the loss of companionship.
Why Work With McKeon Law?
Personal Approach to Trucking Accident Cases in Montana
When you’re injured in a trucking accident, choosing the right accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At McKeon Law, we believe that injured victims deserve more than just legal representation—they deserve a lawyer who will fight aggressively, communicate clearly, and treat them with the respect and attention they deserve.
We understand that a trucking accident can turn your life upside down. Medical bills pile up, work becomes impossible due to injuries, and insurance companies often try to minimize or deny legitimate claims. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. We take on the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
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.
A Law Firm That Puts Clients First
At McKeon Law, our approach is centered on the client. Unlike larger firms where individuals can feel like just another file, we are committed to providing personalized, attentive legal representation.
- Direct Access to Your Attorney – When you hire McKeon Law, your case is handled by an experienced personal injury attorney. You won’t be passed off to staff—you’ll work directly with a lawyer who understands Montana injury law.
- We Listen, We Care, We Advocate – Every case is different. We take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and build a strategy tailored to your needs.
- Focused Caseload for Individual Attention – We intentionally limit the number of cases we take so each client receives the time and attention their case deserves.
Fighting Insurance Companies to Maximize Your Recovery
Insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests. Their goal is to minimize payouts—even when you are entitled to more. We hold them accountable.
- We Understand Their Playbook – Adjusters may attempt to shift blame, downplay injuries, or push quick, undervalued settlements. We anticipate these tactics and respond accordingly.
- We Build Thorough, Evidence-Based Cases – From medical records and accident reports to expert analysis, we develop strong cases that clearly establish liability and damages.
- We Handle the Process from Start to Finish – You won’t have to deal with constant calls or paperwork. We manage all communications and negotiations on your behalf.
Proven Results for Injured Montanans
McKeon Law has recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for clients throughout Montana. Our results reflect our commitment to holding wrongdoers accountable.
- Meaningful recoveries for individuals with serious and catastrophic injuries
- Successful wrongful death claims on behalf of grieving families
- Strong outcomes against insurers who refused to fairly resolve claims
We prepare every case with trial in mind and are fully prepared to go to court when necessary.
No Fee Unless We Recover for You
We believe quality legal representation should be accessible. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis.
- No upfront costs
- No hourly billing
- No out-of-pocket expenses
You pay nothing unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf.
Local Representation Rooted in Montana Values
As a fifth-generation Montanan, I take pride in representing members of this community. Our firm is built on principles that matter here—integrity, hard work, and accountability.
- Familiarity with local courts, judges, and insurance practices
- Deep understanding of Montana law and procedures
- A genuine commitment to the people and communities we serve
At McKeon Law, you are not just another case. You are a member of the community we are proud to represent and protect.
Trucking Accident FAQs
Got questions about your case? Get clear, expert answers from a trusted Montana trucking accident lawyer.
Not legally—but it happens unless you act quickly. Key evidence like driver logs, black box data, and internal communications can be lost or overwritten. A lawyer can send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve this evidence.
Most commercial trucks have an event data recorder (EDR) that tracks speed, braking, throttle, and more. This data can prove exactly what the driver did seconds before the crash—but it may only be stored temporarily.
Truck drivers are subject to strict hours-of-service rules, but violations are common. Fatigue can impair a driver as much as alcohol, and logbooks or electronic logs often reveal whether the driver was over the limit.
Yes. In many cases, the company is responsible for:
- Hiring unqualified drivers
- Failing to train or supervise
- Pushing unrealistic delivery schedules
- Ignoring safety violations
The driver is often just one piece of the puzzle.
Because they are building their defense immediately. They may:
- Photograph the scene
- Interview witnesses
- Secure their own evidence
- Frame the narrative early
Meanwhile, most injured people are in an ambulance. That imbalance matters.
Yes—and it happens all the time. Under Montana’s comparative negligence law, insurers will try to assign you a percentage of fault to reduce what they have to pay. Even small blame shifts can significantly reduce compensation.
Very. Commercial trucking policies often carry much higher limits, sometimes in the millions. That also means insurers fight harder and invest more resources into defending the claim.
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause:
- Rollovers
- Jackknife accidents
- Loss of control
In those cases, a separate cargo loading company may be liable—not just the driver or trucking company.
Because their job is to minimize your claim. They may:
- Ask leading questions
- Take statements out of context
- Push early settlements before you know the extent of your injuries
Once you say something, it’s very hard to take it back.
Because critical evidence disappears fast and the defense starts immediately. Unlike a typical car accident, trucking cases involve:
- Electronic data that can be overwritten
- Company-controlled records
- Rapid-response legal teams
Waiting too long can permanently weaken your case.