Ramler Law Office, P.C.Personal Injury and Car Accident Attorney | Bozeman/Belgrade Montana2024-03-20T06:47:37Zhttps://www.ramlerlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1303091/2020/05/cropped-siteicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509142024-03-20T06:47:37Z2024-03-20T06:47:37Zrecent wrong-way collision near Three Forks, an i-Phone recording both was a partial cause of the collision and also a witness to one of the causative events.
The accident
According to a police affidavit filed to obtain additional evidence, Montana Highway Patrol deputies recounted several incidents of a wrong-way driver on I-90. The first report came from a commercial truck driver who spotted the driver westbound near Belgrade.
The driver continued in the wrong lane and was spotted by five more motorists, including a Gallatin County Deputy Sheriff. Two of the drivers reported swerving to avoid the wrong-way driver, and one woman stated that the wrong-way vehicle clipped her outside driver’s side mirror.
By 1:33 a.m., the Gallatin County 911 Call Center had recorded a total of six calls reporting a wrong-way driver. The witnesses gave consistent descriptions of the wrong-way vehicle: a light-colored or white SUV traveling west in the eastbound lane at a high rate of speed.
One of the Gallatin deputies pulled over with its lights flashing and siren sound. The wrong-way vehicle did not respond and continued to speed west in the wrong lane. The deputy used a cross-over and began to pursue the speeding SUV. After a few minutes, the deputy saw the SUV crash head-on into an east-bound Buick Enclave.
The driver of the Enclave, a 22-year-old woman, was declared dead at the scene. The driver of the wrong-way vehicle was hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.
Police records also state that a blood-alcohol test taken on the driver of the wrong-way vehicle about 70 minutes after the accident showed his BAC to be .198%, well over the state limit of 0.08%.
An informative detail
One of the most tantalizing pieces of debris found in the wreckage was a cell phone belonging to the driver of the wrong-way vehicle. The device contained a 2-minute Snapchat video in which the driver filmed himself traveling at 108 mph.
Claims for personal injury and wrongful death
The wrong-way vehicle was charged with several crimes, including vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol, fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, and six counts of criminal endangerment. These charges are sufficient to form the basis for a lawsuit for damages against the wrong-way driver.
The woman who died at the scene was the mother of a young child and she had just learned that she was pregnant with her second. Her family has powerful claims for wrongful death against the wrong-way driver.
]]>On Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509132024-03-05T18:55:52Z2024-03-05T18:55:52Zpersonal injury lawsuit that you file against the driver who harmed you. But what types of injuries are we talking about? Let’s take a closer look at some of these hidden injuries so that you know what to be on the lookout for.
Common hidden car accident injuries
A car accident can wreak havoc on your body and mind. As a result, some of the damage you face won’t present itself immediately. Here are some injuries that might take a while to show up:
Whiplash: Your whole body might ache after being involved in an accident, but whiplash is more than just a bruise or overexerted muscle. This injury occurs when your head moves forward and then backward quickly in a whip-like motion. This can damage nerves, fracture vertebrae, and even dislocate portions of your neck.
Concussion: This traumatic brain injury, caused by a blow to the head, is often suffered in a car accident when your head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, or window. Even though you won’t lose consciousness with a concussion, you can still experience severe symptoms, including headaches, nausea, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, and short-term memory loss. Don’t’ make the mistake of chalking these symptoms up to the stress of the event.
Back injuries: The sudden impact of your car accident can cause a herniated disc, which is the rupturing of the soft gel-like cushion between your vertebrae. This can cause extensive pain due to nerve inflammation that can linger for a significant period of time. In addition to pain, you might experience numbness, loss of feeling, and loss of muscle control. Although less severe, you could also suffer back muscle sprains and strains that can take a while to heal.
Severe traumatic brain injury: Brain damage doesn’t always show right away, and it doesn’t always result in physical limitations like many people think. Many traumatic brain injury sufferers experience periods of forgetfulness, irritation, personality change, and bouts of anger. Since traumatic brain injuries can’t be diagnosed without medical treatment, you should be on the lookout for these symptoms so that you can seek out medical care when needed.
Internal injuries: The impact of your collision can cause extensive internal damage, including harm to your organs. Yet, you probably won’t know that unless you start experiencing symptoms, including swelling of your abdomen and the seemingly sudden onset of a high fever. If you see these signs, then seek immediate medical care. Otherwise, you could end up with a life-threatening condition like sepsis.
Your body and mind can be ravaged by a car accident. To recover from your injuries as fully as possible, you need compensation and closure, both of which can be obtained through a successful personal injury lawsuit. So, if you want to find the best path forward toward the outcome you want and deserve, then now is the time to start building your case.]]>On Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509122024-03-05T10:59:01Z2024-03-05T10:59:01Zis currently the worst state in the nation for drunk driving. In addition, law enforcement is reporting that they are seeing a worrisome spike in drivers who are driving under the influence of drugs. People who are on the road need to think about the risks they face and know what they can do if they are injured or lose a loved one in a DUI crash.
DUI numbers paint a troubling picture
Forbes Advisor recently reported that in 2024, Montana has the worst rate for drunk drivers. For every 1,000 residents, an estimated seven people are losing their lives in an auto accident because of a drunk driver. For 2023, there were 195 roadway fatalities in the state. Of those, nearly 37% cited alcohol as a factor.
Montana Highway Patrol says they are increasingly vigilant about watching for telltale signs of drug use when they make a traffic stop investigating a potential DUI. With alcohol-related DUI, the driver might show specific signs. It can be different with drugs. Those trained in drug recognition are experienced in knowing what to look for.
If the driver was smoking marijuana, that has a distinctive and recognizable odor. Other types of drugs can cause the driver to have a rapid or slower heart rate, exhibit an unusual body temperature or their eyes can respond unusually to having light shined in them. In some cases, the driver combined alcohol and drugs. The drugs could be prescription medications or street drugs.
After a DUI accident with injuries, people have options
Any auto accident can result in serious injuries and loss of life. DUI crashes are especially egregious because of the lack of care and responsibility the drunk or drugged driver exhibited. Those who were harmed need to think about medical expenses, long-term challenges, the inability to work, the emotional upheaval, rehabilitation and how it can change their family life. The entire case needs to be assessed and investigated to accrue evidence that it was related to a DUI. It is imperative to know what steps to take in the immediate aftermath.
]]>On Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509102024-02-20T23:04:33Z2024-02-20T23:04:33Zsettling a giant case involving a number of bad faith actions by State Farm during a two-year period from November 1, 2019 to April 1, 2021.
The investigation
The CSI began investigating State Farm’s claims settlement practices after receiving a number of complaints from State Farm policy holders. According to media accounts, the policy holders alleged that State Farm followed a uniform practice if it was asked to pay a liability claim on behalf of a driver insured by the insurance giant. Instead of paying the claim based on the facts of the case, State Farm would routinely and arbitrarily assign a relatively small percentage of fault say, 10-15%, to the victim, thereby reducing the amount that it owed the victim.
The settlement
The CSI announced that State Farm has agreed to pay a fine of $2,000,000 for claims handled in this matter prior to conclusion of the investigation. The commissioner said that State Farm was not paying the amounts required by law and were unlawfully shifting the burden of injuries and property damage to the victims.
The settlement agreement gives State Farm a contingent refund of half of the fine, or $2,000,000, if it polices its claim settlement policies within one year. State Farm is also obligated to pay reparations to persons who were entitled to receive compensation. State Farm said that it has already reviewed 2,400 Montana claims and paid $1,182,927 in reparations to individuals who were wrongfully denied a payment from the insurer.]]>On Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509082024-02-06T16:04:56Z2024-02-06T16:04:56ZSigns of insurance bad faith
Before taking legal action, though, you need evidence that the insurance company is acting in bad faith. Here are some signs to look for that are indicative that the insurance company is treating you unfairly:
The insurance company doesn’t communicate with you despite your efforts to get information from them.
Payout of your claim is significantly delayed trying to get you to accept something less than you’re owed.
Your claim is denied without any explanation.
You’re pressured to accept a settlement that’s less than what your claim is worth.
The insurance company changes or even cancels your policy without notice or reason.
Insurance representatives threaten you.
The investigation into your claim lacked thoroughness.
You request documentation from the insurance company, but they deny you access.
If you’ve experienced any of these signs of insurance bad faith, don’t let them slide. Instead, dig deeper into the issue to see if the insurance company is acting in bad faith.
Are you ready to hold an insurance company accountable?
If so, then you need to figure out the best way to craft your legal arguments. That’s going to require familiarity with the law, though, so be sure you understand the process and how to use it to your advantage.]]>On Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509072024-01-25T16:29:15Z2024-01-24T16:28:33Zgun injuries happen because a firearm fails catastrophically.
These sorts of injuries can leave those in the greater Bozeman area as well as visitors to our state with costly medical bills and lost income. Some of these injuries can be debilitating or even fatal.
All of them in a way put a black mark on the outdoor sports many Montanans love and enjoy.
There are some types of firearm failures which tend to lead to serious injuries:
Ammunition can get stuck in the barrel of the gun. If the user fires again, then the firearm could explode.
In some cases, a malfunction can cause a weapon to fire well after the user pulls the trigger.
Sometimes, even if the projectile leaves the firearm normally, the cartridge fails to eject. Re-loading in these circumstances could cause the gun to explode.
There have been other types of catastrophic firearm failures. For example, some Remington rifles had a known defect which caused them to discharge without a trigger pull. This problem has led to tragic results after rifles fired unexpectedly.
Victims of defective firearms may be entitled to compensation
Montanans who use firearms recreationally should do so safely and according to instructions.
Too often, though, tragic firearms accidents happen because of a mechanical or design problem with the gun itself. Severe injuries can impact even those who diligently practice gun safety.
Victims in this type of situation should evaluate their legal options. They may be able to receive compensation for their injuries both from the manufacturer of the weapon and other responsible parties.]]>On Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509052024-01-08T18:30:29Z2024-01-08T18:30:29ZHow to get the most out of your car accident settlement talks
Most car accident personal injury cases resolve through settlement. You just have to make sure you get what you need and what you’re owed during your settlement process.
But how do you do that? Here are some tips for maximizing your settlement:
Follow your doctor’s recommendations for follow up care so that you can adequately demonstrate the care you received, your need for ongoing treatment, and your prognosis.
Keep a journal that details how your accident injuries have negatively impacted your daily living.
Develop a tracking system for all invoices and receipts tied to your accident recovery.
Analyze your case for any weaknesses that the defense can exploit, that way you can craft ways to effectively counter them.
Avoid social media so that you don’t make any posts that wind up being used against you.
Preserve evidence so that you have a strong argument going into your settlement talks.
Know how to advocate for what you deserve
Although settlement negotiations may not seem as tense as courtroom litigation, you still need to be prepared to advocate for yourself. To successfully do so, you need to know the law and how it applies to the facts of your case.]]>On Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509042024-01-02T12:55:53Z2024-01-02T12:55:53ZTips for speeding up your car accident recovery
Although it may feel like your life is spinning out of control, there are ways for you to take charge of your accident recovery. This includes doing the following:
Seeking medical care: This sounds obvious, but you need to seek out appropriate medical care after your accident. Additionally, you should be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations so that you’re getting all the treatment that you need. If you start to experience a new or worsening symptom, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. By being proactive, you might be able to mitigate your harm and speed your recovery forward.
Rest up: We live hectic lives, which can make it difficult to slow down and rest. But after a serious car accident, your body needs time to heal. So, be intentional about giving yourself a break and resting up. You should also ensure that you drink plenty of fluids so that your body has the hydration it needs to keep your recovery going.
Use ice to ease pain and reduce inflammation: Your accident injuries are probably going to lead to extensive pain and swelling. While certain medications can help alleviate your pain, ice is a safe way to take the edge off your pain while also reducing inflammation and thus swelling.
Utilize existing therapies: Your road to recovery could be long. By staying focused and being diligent, though, you can incrementally get to where you want to be. Physical therapy, as well as therapy that focuses on your mental health, can be quite helpful here, giving you the tools and support that you need to ensure that you continue to progress in your recovery in a steady and healthy fashion.
Eat a healthy diet: Your body needs fuel to maintain your recovery. By eating right, you can help your body along, ensuring that has what it needs to put you on the path to the best recovery possible.
Stay positive: It’s easy to slip into despair after suffering a serious injury. But you should take comfort knowing that you will find a way to live a normal life with your newfound injuries, even if your recovery is stymied in some fashion. Just focus on what you can do and set realistic goals so that you can gain momentum in your recovery.
Don’t forget the value of a personal injury claim
In addition to the steps mentioned above, a successful personal injury lawsuit can go a long way toward supporting your recovery. The closure a legal claim can bring can ease your mental strain, and any financial award you recover can help pay for your treatment and provide you with financial stability, both of which can ease your stress and ensure that you have what you need to focus on your recovery.
So, if you’re ready to take charge of your recovery, then please continue to read our website to learn what it takes to succeed on a personal injury claim.
]]>On Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509032023-12-29T08:48:59Z2023-12-27T08:48:11ZHow dangerous are roads subjected to wintry conditions?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 1,300 people die each year in accidents that occur in wintry conditions. Another 116,000 people are injured in these kinds of wrecks. This means that each year, thousands upon thousands are families are left to pick up the pieces after these devastating crashes.
What should you do if you’re injured in a winter accident?
First, you need to seek out medical care. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to start considering if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. If it was, then it’s time to gather evidence so that you can build a strong personal injury case.
Key factors in your case when weather was a factor include the other driver’s speed, where on the road the impact occurred, and when the other driver hit their brakes. You’ll want to be comprehensive in analyzing the facts of your case, as these wintry road claims often involve aggressive defense arguments that try to attribute the wreck to the weather and nothing else.
Are you ready to fight for the outcome you deserve?
A wintry crash can take a lot from you and your family. You deserve better. But to obtain the outcome that you want, you have to be prepared to fight to win your case. Fortunately, that’s not a process that you have to face alone.
]]>On Behalf of Ramler Law Office, P.C.https://www.ramlerlaw.com/?p=509022023-12-19T05:14:26Z2023-12-13T05:13:18ZAccident injuries
Traumatic brain injuries occur when an external force hits the victim’s head and there are several situations where this can occur. One of the most common situations is where a motor vehicle accident causes the victim to hit the steering wheel or windshield. Pedestrians can also be struck by a vehicle.
Victims can be injured in a motorcycle accident, if they slip on wet or uneven surfaces or if they fall off a ladder or stairs and injure their head. In the workplace, an accident involving debris or other falling objects can also cause them to be hurt.
If the victim is physically attacked and is hit in the head, the impact can cause a traumatic brain injury or if the victim is involved in high-impact sports that can lead to head injuries.
Quality of life
Traumatic brain injuries can cause memory loss, both short-term and long-term, attention issues, and concentration problems. Your loved one may lose their balance and coordination, have difficulty communicating, and may not be able to participate in social activities.
The victim may no longer be able to perform tasks of daily living, like dressing, bathing or feeding themselves. This loss of function can lead to anxiety, depression and irritability as well.
It may be necessary to seek compensation to offset the costs of their ongoing care.
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