Great Falls Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident in Great Falls, MT?

Being hit by a drunk driver is one of the most devastating experiences a person can go through. These crashes are not accidents in the traditional sense—they are entirely preventable. If you or a loved one has been injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, you deserve justice and fair compensation. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, our Great Falls drunk driving accident lawyer is here to protect your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Contact us today at (406) 233-1302 for a free consultation.

Montana DUI Laws

Montana takes driving under the influence very seriously. Under state law, a driver can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is:

• 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and older
• 0.04% or higher for commercial vehicle drivers
• 0.02% or higher for drivers under 21

Penalties for DUI include license suspension, fines, and even jail time. While these criminal consequences punish offenders, they do nothing to compensate victims. That’s where civil claims come in. Victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.

Our Great Falls drunk driving accident attorney can guide you through this process, ensuring your case is backed by evidence and handled with the seriousness it deserves.

How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must show that the drunk driver’s negligence caused your injuries. While proving intoxication may seem straightforward, insurers often fight hard to minimize payouts. Evidence is crucial in establishing liability. Common forms of evidence include:

• Police reports showing DUI arrest and test results
• Witness statements confirming erratic driving or intoxicated behavior
• BAC test results such as breathalyzer or blood test findings
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage
• Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists

Even if the drunk driver is not convicted in criminal court, you can still win compensation in civil court. Civil liability requires a lower burden of proof, meaning your case can succeed with strong supporting evidence.

Our team at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC knows how to gather the right evidence and build a compelling case to maximize your recovery.

Dram Shop & Social Host Liability in MT

In Montana, liability for drunk driving accidents doesn’t always end with the driver. Under Montana’s dram shop laws, establishments such as bars, restaurants, or liquor stores can be held legally responsible if they:

• Serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, or
• Serve alcohol to a minor under 21

Additionally, Montana recognizes social host liability. If a private individual provides alcohol to someone underage and that person causes a drunk driving accident, the host may also be held responsible.

These laws exist to discourage reckless alcohol service and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. By exploring dram shop and social host liability, our Great Falls drunk driving accident lawyer can help you pursue additional sources of compensation, especially when the drunk driver’s insurance coverage is limited.

Recoverable Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Drunk driving accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, leaving victims with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover damages such as:

• Medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, prescriptions)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
• Pain and suffering (physical pain and emotional trauma)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages (funeral costs, loss of companionship, loss of financial support for surviving families)

In some cases, Montana courts may also award punitive damages, designed to punish drunk drivers for their reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

Do I need a conviction to file a drunk driving accident claim?

No. Even if the driver is not convicted of DUI in criminal court, you can still pursue a civil claim for damages. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases.

How long do I have to file a claim in Montana?

Montana law generally gives injury victims three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also three years from the date of death.

What if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured?

You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or by pursuing dram shop liability against establishments that overserved the driver.

Can I sue a bar or restaurant in Great Falls for overserving a drunk driver?

Yes, if the establishment served alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated or to a minor, Montana’s dram shop laws may allow you to hold them accountable.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whether punitive damages apply. A consultation with a Great Falls drunk driving accident lawyer can give you a clearer estimate.

Why Hire Hoyt & Blewett PLLC?

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we understand the unique challenges drunk driving accident victims face. Insurance companies often try to shift blame, minimize injuries, or pressure victims into quick settlements. Our legal team stands firmly on your side, offering:

• Aggressive representation against negligent drivers and their insurers
• Thorough investigations to uncover all liable parties, including bars and social hosts
• Personalized strategies tailored to the details of your case
• Compassionate guidance every step of the way

When your future and recovery are on the line, you need a lawyer who won’t back down.

Connect with Hoyt & Blewett PLLC at (406) 233-1302 to take the first step toward resolution.