
Laurel, MT (December 24, 2024) – The Montana Highway Patrol has released a report on the fatal crash that occurred on Sunday night, December 22, near Laurel.
MHP said that around 4:00 p.m., a semi-truck driven by a 39-year-old man was headed westbound on Interstate 90 when it crossed the median and went into the eastbound lanes. The truck then hit a Volkswagen Rabbit, which was driven by a 19-year-old woman with a 20-year-old passenger. The driver was injured and taken to the Billings Clinic.
The truck continued in the eastbound lane and hit a second car, a Chevrolet Suburban. This impact killed the driver, a 56-year-old man from Laurel. The passengers in the car included an uninjured 45-year-old woman, an injured 16-year-old girl, and an uninjured 18-year-old man, all from Laurel.
MHP said the roads were clear and dry at the time of the crash, and the semi went into the lane of oncoming traffic for unknown reasons. Drugs, alcohol, or speed are not suspected factors in the crash, according to MHP’s report, but an investigation is still ongoing.
We extend our sincere condolences to the deceased victim’s loved ones. Our thoughts are also with any injured victims and their families at this time.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Montana
Tragic consequences often result when passenger vehicles and commercial trucks collide. Owing to the enormous size disparity between regular cars and big trucks, major injuries take place in even minor collisions involving these oversized vehicles. Because of this, federal safety requirements and state negligence laws also apply to commercial trucks.
That said, the length of time you have to submit a personal injury claim following an accident is limited by Montana law. Victims and their families must speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as they can to ensure that the important legal deadlines submit their claims. Examining your claim ensures that important evidence is preserved and witnesses’ recollections are still intact.
What’s more, if you were involved in an accident with a commercial truck, you should also:
- Get medical help right away: In any car or truck collision, injuries are often not easily visible. Your body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode after a stressful event, such as a truck collision. This sets off a series of stress chemicals, including adrenaline, which keep you from realizing how injured you are right away.
- Inform the police about the collision: In addition to recording the names and contact details of any witnesses, police will investigate the collision and compile a crash report that will assist in identifying the incident’s causes. Charges may also be suggested by police against a truck driver who, for instance, was operating a vehicle recklessly or while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
- Take pictures: If you are able, try to get pictures of the accident site from several perspectives. Ask someone to take images for you if your injuries prevent you from doing so. These may support your attorney’s case-building efforts.
Finally, it’s essential to get in touch with your insurance company and a skilled truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Holloway & Hulling, our exceptional ability to advocate for your best interests is directly dependent on our extensive history of serving injured victims and their families with compassion during the most difficult periods of their lives, as well as our comprehensive understanding of personal injury laws.
If a car accident has occurred through no fault of your own and left you with injuries, please get in touch with our personal injury attorneys right away. Contact our Laurel truck accident lawyers immediately at (406) 880-7424 to learn more about how Holloway & Hulling can help you and your family.
Notes: Our team collects data on accidents in Montana from multiple external sources such as news outlets, police records, social media, and direct accounts from witnesses. We have not independently verified the specifics of this particular incident. Should you encounter any discrepancies in our content, please contact Holloway & Hulling. We will make necessary corrections or remove the information promptly.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended for business solicitation. Please be aware that the information shared here should not be considered legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. Legal results can differ based on individual circumstances. For tailored legal guidance, directly reach out to Holloway & Hulling. Additionally, the image featured in this post does not depict the actual accident scene.