North Billings Personal Injury Law Blog

Having a financial strategy for life after divorce in Montana

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP posted in Divorce on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

Many individuals in Montana and elsewhere consider it vital to have a strategy in place to protect their financial futures. When forming a plan for the future, a person might not always factor in certain changes in life, and these changes could have a significant impact on one's future. Those who are facing the end of a marriage could benefit from understanding how a financial strategy for life after divorce might help ease the stress of the transition.

With the potential impact the end of a marriage can have on one's financial future, taking the necessary precautions to protect this area of life can be imperative. Those who are going through a divorce may find it advisable to close joint bank and credit card accounts, as this could prove a vital step to protecting one's credit score. Once the divorce is finalized, a person might benefit from removing his or her former spouse from remaining accounts and updating information to reflect current preferences.

Car accidents: The causes and indications of driver fatigue

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

While there are numerous actions and behaviors that can increase the risk that a collision will take place, drowsy driving remains a major concern in Montana and across the nation. Those who experience fatigue while driving may exhibit similar behaviors as impaired or distracted drivers. Since car accidents involving drowsy drivers can have disastrous results, those who wish to prevent a dangerous incident may benefit from knowing the factors that can increase the risk of driver fatigue.

While virtually anyone can experience fatigue while driving, studies suggest that individuals who operate in certain professions are more prone to drowsiness. For instance, individuals who spend hours on the road at a time or drive during the night may be more susceptible to fatigue. In addition, shift workers and individuals with medical conditions may also be more prone to becoming tired or drowsy while operating a motor vehicle.

Car accidents: Girl struck by vehicle while waiting for bus

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Riding the bus to school is a right of passage that many individuals in Montana and elsewhere must endure while growing up. While waiting for the bus to arrive, it might not be uncommon for some kids to be in close proximity to other motor vehicles, and in areas where children are present, drivers must exercise caution to prevent potentially devastating car accidents from occurring. A recent collision involving similar circumstances in Montana has left a 6-year-old girl with serious injuries.

Initial investigations suggest that the incident took place on a recent Tuesday morning as the girl was crossing the street to wait for the school bus. While the bus was approaching the area, the girl was suddenly struck by a nearby vehicle. Law enforcement agents advised that the driver attempted to maneuver away from the girl, but was unable to do so. Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders airlifted the girl to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Knowing the next steps to take when car accidents occur

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

While most individuals may consider it preferable to avoid being in an accident, preventing every collision could be an impossible task. Even minor car accidents can be harrowing incidents that may leave everyone involved shaken up, and unfortunately, each collision also runs the risk of leaving one or more parties with injuries. Since a collision could occur at any given moment, a person in Montana could benefit from knowing the next steps to take should one take place.

The first step to take after an accident occurs is to remain at the scene and, if possible, check on the safety of everyone involved. Should anyone involved require medical attention, notifying emergency responders is advisable. It may also be advisable to notify the police, and once they investigate the incident, obtain a copy of the official accident report could prove beneficial.

Car accidents: 3 injured, 1 killed in crash at intersection

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

A recent accident that took place at an intersection in Montana has reportedly left three individuals with injuries and claimed the life of a 68-year-old man. Unfortunately, many dangerous car accidents occur when drivers fail to adhere to traffic laws upon approaching an intersection. Those who suffer the consequences of another party's negligent actions may be entitled to pursue restitution, but the process can be intimidating.

According to reports, the incident occurred on a recent Saturday morning as two vehicles were approaching an intersection. The Montana Highway Patrol advised that upon approaching the intersection, one of the drivers failed to yield, and his truck struck the other vehicle soon thereafter. Both the driver and a passenger in the truck reportedly suffered injuries in the process.

A blow to the head can destroy your career and relationships

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.

In recent years, the public has come to understand that head injuries have much broader impact on victims than previously thought. This has led to a large-scale reconsideration of many activities, from contact sports to manual labor. Of course, for those who work physically demanding jobs or enjoy physical activities, a blow to the head may seem like part of a relatively normal day.

This is understandable, especially if a person never experiences any negative effects that seem related to a head injury, but these effects can build up and truly destroy a victim's life. Often, a person may experience a blow to the head in a car accident or on the job and think nothing of it because they did not bleed much or lose consciousness.

Car accidents: Crash involving suspected drunk driver injures 2

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.

The presence of impairment can impact a person's ability to operate a vehicle in various ways. Those who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may put others at risk in the process, and drunk driving continues to be one of the most common causes of dangerous car accidents. A recent accident involving a suspected drunk driver in Montana has reportedly left two men with serious injuries.

The accident reportedly occurred on a recent Sunday as a man was traveling northbound on a two-lane road. According to the man, an oncoming vehicle suddenly shifted in his direction, and he says he was unable to react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Following the resulting head-on crash, one of the drivers reportedly became trapped within his vehicle, and emergency responders worked to free the man before airlifting him to a nearby medical facility.

Car accidents: 2 suffer major injuries in recent crash in Montana

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

Being involved in a major motor vehicle collision can be a devastating experience. Those who suffer serious harm in car accidents involving negligent drivers may encounter a variety of hardships following the incident, physical and financial alike. As many as four individuals were injured in a recent head-on collision involving a truck and car in Montana.

The collision reportedly took place at around 2 p.m. on a recent Thursday. An initial investigation of the crash suggested that the driver of a truck crossed into the wrong lane and proceeded to collide with a nearby car. This reportedly led to a devastating collision that scattered debris all across the road and prompted a need for authorities to stop traffic in the area.

Understanding how divorce may affect the kids

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP posted in Divorce on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

Going through the end of a marriage may rarely be an easy process, especially for children. Parents in Montana who have decided to divorce may wish to protect their kids throughout the process, but they might be uncertain how to achieve this goal. However, by gaining a clearer understanding of how divorce might affect the kids, parents could become better prepared to address any issues they experience.

It might not be uncommon for there to be a certain level of tension between two individuals who have decided to dissolve a marriage. Even if a couple attempts to keep their children away from conflict, kids can pick up on tension, and it can affect them in a variety of ways. Parents may find it helpful to know how to tension can affect the kids and what signs to look for in their behavior so they can take the necessary measures to protect their well-being.

Car accidents: 2 injured in crash involving wrong-way driver

On behalf of Towe, Ball, Mackey, Sommerfeld & Turner, PLLP posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, October 11, 2018.

Driving in the wrong lane of traffic is never advisable and may only increase the chances that a collision will occur. Car accidents involving wrong-way drivers can place the safety of others nearby at risk, and those who encounter such negligence may have insufficient time to veer out of the path of an oncoming vehicle. An accident involving two trucks in Montana has reportedly left both drivers with injuries.

Law enforcement agents advised the crash occurred at around 6 a.m. on a Friday morning. For reasons that remain under investigation, they say that the driver of a truck was traveling south in northbound lanes. His truck proceeded to strike an oncoming vehicle soon thereafter, and both drivers reportedly suffered major injuries in the process.