As winter blankets the roads with snow and ice, the driving challenges multiply, especially when large trucks are involved. The combination of winter weather and large trucks creates a dangerous situation characterized by slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and the daunting task of safely maneuvering massive commercial big rigs. Every year, the winter months see a noticeable rise in accidents involving large trucks, further highlighting the harsh realities of winter driving. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 25% of speeding-related large tru ..read more

If you’ve been in a car accident in Billings, Montana, insurance coverage will affect your claim. If you and your passengers suffered bodily injury, do you know what insurance protects you? Do you know if you should turn to your own insurance policy or file a claim with the “at-fault” driver’s insurer? Are you responsible for your passengers and their injuries? At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, we want to help you navigate the complexities of insurance protection and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Understanding Insurance Coverage for Bodily Injury In Montana, drivers must purch ..read more

Winter roads can be treacherous, especially for commercial truck drivers. The responsibility of maneuvering a large vehicle through icy, snowy conditions is significant, and understanding how to navigate these hazards is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road.  Learning how to avoid winter hazards on the road is one way you can prevent deadly and catastrophic truck accidents from occurring.  Understand the Risks of Winter Truck Driving  Winter driving presents a unique set of challenges. Black ice, decreased visibility, and unpredictable weather conditions ..read more

Injuries, by their very nature, can disrupt lives, but not all injuries are created equal. The legal and medical fields categorize them based on their severity, the impact on an accident victim’s life, and the long-term repercussions. In general, injuries are broken into two categories: catastrophic and non-catastrophic. Understanding the difference between these types of injuries is critical when seeking compensation after a car crash. Your personal injury attorney will investigate your case and work with your medical team to make sure you receive compensation that covers all of your injuries ..read more

In the world of trucking, the only constant is change. The trucking industry is dynamic and ever-evolving, heavily influenced by supply and demand. Because of this, the changing seasons play a pivotal role, impacting trucking companies, fleet owners, and truck drivers alike. After all, the need for goods and services increases around the holidays. January – March: The Slow Season As the new year begins, the trucking industry often starts on a relatively calm note. The holiday season has just concluded, and customers are finalizing their sales strategies for the year ahead. Meanwhile, carriers ..read more

Many trucking companies hire truck drivers who were previously terminated for safety reasons.  While it is important to acknowledge that not all trucking companies engage in this practice, many prioritize profits over the public’s safety. In a highly competitive industry with critical delivery schedules and profit margins, some companies cut corners by hiring drivers with questionable safety records. This can be a dangerous gamble, putting innocent lives at risk on the roads. If you’re injured in a truck accident because of an unsafe truck driver, the company that hired them may be liable ..read more

A significant move to undercut consumers and protect sellers and product manufacturers occurred when the Montana legislature eroded product liability laws on May 4, 2023, by enacting SB 216.  The bill is a drastic change to the state of the law that has existed for decades and it undercuts Montana consumers’ ability to hold corporations accountable when a product harms a consumer.  The reality of this new law is that it protects large out-of-state corporations.  Consumers in Montana should understand these changes and how they might affect their product liability case. Comparati ..read more

Imagine driving down a beautiful Montana city street in the Helena Valley. As you navigate through the streets, you accidentally collide with a rare, exotic, or luxury car parked on the side of the road. Your heart sinks, realizing the gravity of the situation. This is no ordinary car—it’s worth a small fortune. At that moment, numerous questions flood your mind. What are the consequences of damaging such an expensive car? Who is liable for the damages? How will this impact you legally and financially? Understanding liability in these cases becomes paramount. The implications of damaging a sup ..read more

Getting attacked by a dog is a scary and traumatic experience. While it’s easy to see dogs as friendly companions, the reality is that dog bites are a serious issue, and many dogs are dangerous. Dog bites can range from small nips to full-on attacks, often requiring hospitalization. This is especially concerning for young children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to severe injuries or infections. It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with dog bites. As more households adopt dogs, taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of dog bites becomes increasingly important ..read more

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies large trucks as commercial vehicles with a gross weight rating exceeding 10,000 lbs. Every year, approximately 4,600 fatal accidents involve semi-truck drivers, resulting in devastating consequences. These accidents also cause injuries to approximately 182,000 people yearly. The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks often cause significant injury in accidents. A fully-loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When you compare that to a passenger vehicle that weighs just 3,000 pounds, you can see why drivers in passenge ..read more