Key points
- We represent people hurt in crashes in and around Billings. We do not have an office there; we meet by phone, video or appointment.
- Most Montana injury claims must be filed within three years.
- A Yellowstone County lawsuit is often filed in the Thirteenth Judicial District (Yellowstone County).
Crashes on Billings-area roads
As Montana's largest city, Billings has heavy commuter traffic and truck traffic serving agriculture, refineries and eastern Montana energy fields. We represent people hurt on roads including:
- Interstate 90 and the junction with Interstate 94 east of the city
- King Avenue, Grand Avenue and 24th Street West
- Main Street through the Heights
- U.S. 87 north and U.S. 212 toward Red Lodge
Meeting with us
Where we meet. We do not have an office in Billings. Our office is in Butte. We meet Billings clients by phone, by video in our virtual office, or in person by appointment. A local Billings phone line is being set up. Until then, call (406) 494-2500.
What happens after a Billings crash
Crashes here are usually investigated by the Billings Police Department inside city limits and the Montana Highway Patrol or Yellowstone County Sheriff outside them. Injured people are often treated at Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Regional Hospital or a nearby clinic. We gather the crash report, medical records and bills, insurance information and any available video, and we send preservation letters when a commercial vehicle is involved.
Montana law that applies
- Most injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within three years.
- If you were partly at fault, your recovery is reduced by your share, but not barred unless your fault is greater than the combined fault of the others.
- When fault is reasonably clear, the at-fault driver's insurer may have to pay accident-related medical bills as they come in.
- Claims against a city, county or the state must first be presented in writing.
Courts for Yellowstone County
| Court | Covers |
|---|---|
| Montana district court | Thirteenth Judicial District (Yellowstone County) |
| Federal court, if the case is filed in or moved to federal court | U.S. District Court for Montana, Billings Division, James F. Battin Courthouse in Billings |
Frequently asked questions
Can a Butte lawyer handle my Billings case?
Yes. Bob McCarthy is licensed in Montana state and federal courts. Most of the work in an injury case, including records, insurer negotiations and court filings, can be handled from anywhere in the state, and we travel for depositions, mediations and trial.
Where would my Billings case be filed?
A lawsuit for a crash in Yellowstone County is often filed in the Thirteenth Judicial District (Yellowstone County). Where to file depends on the facts, and if the other side is from out of state, the case may be moved to federal court, in the Billings Division, James F. Battin Courthouse in Billings.
Who investigates a crash in the Billings area?
Usually the Billings Police Department inside city limits and the Montana Highway Patrol or Yellowstone County Sheriff outside them. We request the crash report and any photos or video they collected.
How soon should I call?
As soon as you can. Evidence such as video, vehicle data and witness memories fades quickly, and most Montana injury claims must be filed within three years.