Billings Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Trial-Tested Representation Led by Montana’s Only Inner Circle of Advocates Member
A drunk driving crash can leave you facing serious injuries, missed work, vehicle damage, and pressure from insurers while the criminal DUI proceeding is still unfolding. Your civil injury claim is separate from the criminal case, and important crash records, witness information, medical documentation, and evidence of impairment may need to be preserved quickly.
We represent injured people throughout Montana, including Billings. Led by Zander Blewett, the only Montana attorney admitted to the Inner Circle of Advocates, our team evaluates the impaired driver’s liability, available insurance, and whether the facts support a separate claim involving an alcohol provider.
Call (406) 233-1302 for a free, no-obligation consultation about your drunk driving accident claim.
Three Generations of Trial-Ready Montana Representation
Our third-generation Montana personal injury law firm prepares serious cases with trial in mind. We’ve secured 18 jury verdicts exceeding $1 million and a $27 million settlement reported as the largest individual personal injury settlement in Montana history. All four partners were also named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list. This record matters when an insurer disputes responsibility, minimizes a life-changing injury, or offers less than the evidence supports.
Compensation After a Drunk Driving Crash
A civil claim may address medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and permanent impairment. A fatal collision may also support a wrongful death claim for qualifying family members. Any recovery depends on the documented losses, responsible parties, applicable policies, and Montana law.
If the impaired driver has no insurance or insufficient limits, we can determine whether uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage applies. We investigate potential sources of compensation supported by the facts rather than treating the driver’s policy as the only possible recovery.
Our Verdicts Speak Volumes
Life-Changing Results, Time and Time Again
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$27,000,000 Settlement
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$21,350,000 Jury Verdict
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$11,000,000 Settlement
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$9,790,000 Jury Verdict
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$7,008,000 Jury Verdict
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$6,500,000 Settlement
Montana Deadlines & Liability Rules
Montana Code Annotated section 27-2-204 generally allows three years to begin a personal injury or wrongful death action. Waiting can still weaken a claim before that period expires because physical evidence, recordings, and witness recollections may not remain available.
Montana comparative fault rules can reduce damages based on the injured person’s assigned share of responsibility and may bar recovery when the statutory threshold is reached. In a civil proceeding, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher may create a rebuttable inference of impairment. Other competent evidence may support or challenge that inference.
Punitive damages are intended to punish qualifying misconduct rather than compensate for a loss, and they aren’t automatic after a DUI crash. Montana requires clear and convincing evidence of actual fraud or actual malice before these damages may be awarded.
When an Alcohol Provider May Be Liable Under Montana Law
Dram shop liability is a statutory claim against a person or business that furnished alcohol. Montana Code Annotated section 27-1-710 limits these claims to specified circumstances, including knowingly furnishing alcohol to an underage person, serving someone who was visibly intoxicated, or forcing, coercing, or misrepresenting alcohol consumption.
A claimant generally must send notice by certified mail within 180 days of the sale or service and begin the action within two years. The statute also restricts the evidence that may establish visible intoxication, focusing on signs actually observed before service, and imposes limits that don’t apply to an ordinary negligence claim against the driver. These deadlines require prompt attention because they differ from the general three-year filing period.
What to Resolve Before You Accept a Settlement
Accepting a settlement generally ends the claim. Before signing a release, you should understand the extent of your injuries, the available coverage, and every deadline that may apply.
Key issues to review include:
- Criminal Proceedings: A civil claim may begin before the criminal DUI case ends, although developments in that proceeding can affect the available evidence.
- Limited Driver Coverage: Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the driver has no insurance or insufficient limits.
- Alcohol Furnishing: A potential statutory claim requires immediate attention to Montana’s 180-day notice requirement.
- Preserved Records: Keep crash documents, medical bills, insurer correspondence, photographs, employment records, and witness contact information.
