Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims in Montana
Drivers in Montana are required to carry liability insurance before they get behind the wheel—but not everyone follows the law. When a crash is caused by a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance, the injured person often ends up relying on their own policy for help. Unfortunately, many Montanans only discover coverage gaps or insurer pushback after the accident has already turned their life upside down.
At Western Justice Associates, we help clients throughout Bozeman, Missoula, and the surrounding Montana communities navigate uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, and we hold insurance companies accountable when they fail to deal fairly with their policyholders.
Required Auto Insurance in Montana
Montana requires every driver to carry minimum liability coverage. This insurance is meant to pay for injuries or property damage you cause to someone else in a crash. But when a motorist ignores this requirement—or carries only the bare minimum—accident victims can be left with significant financial burdens.
Montana’s minimum liability limits include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 for property damage
These amounts are often far too low to cover hospital bills, lost income, and repairs after a serious collision. And if the at-fault driver has no insurance at all, recovering compensation becomes even more challenging.
How Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage Works
Most Montana auto policies include the option to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you when the driver who caused the accident cannot.
UM/UIM coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Other financial and physical losses
Even though UM/UIM coverage is meant to help policyholders, many people encounter delays, low settlement offers, or outright denials from their own insurers. Insurance companies may be friendly on the phone, but they still prioritize their bottom line—not your recovery.
What to Do If You Were Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Montana
If you were involved in a collision and learn the other driver does not have adequate coverage, you may need to rely on your own insurance. Key steps include:
1. Get a copy of the accident report
The official report will document the other driver’s lack of insurance, potential causes of the crash, and other important details.
2. Seek medical care immediately
Even mild symptoms can worsen over time. A medical evaluation creates crucial documentation linking your injuries directly to the crash.
3. Review your insurance policy
Your declarations page will outline how much UM/UIM and MedPay coverage you have available.
4. Notify your insurance company—but be cautious
Your insurer may still attempt to minimize your payout. Do not give recorded statements, sign releases, or accept early settlement offers without legal advice.
At Western Justice Associates, we help clients avoid common pitfalls that can reduce or jeopardize their claims.
Why UM/UIM Claims Can Still Be Difficult
Even though you’re filing a claim with your own insurer, you may experience:
- Pressure to accept a low or quick settlement
- Requests for unnecessary medical records
- Delays in communication
- Blame shifting or questioning your injuries
- Disputes over the value of your claim
Insurance companies often approach UM/UIM claims with the same adversarial attitude they use against claimants in any other type of injury case. That’s why many Montanans choose to have an attorney step in early.
How Western Justice Associates Can Help
Our team represents injured Montanans who feel overwhelmed, ignored, or mistreated by insurance companies. We can:
- Review your policy to identify all available coverage
- Investigate the crash and gather supporting evidence
- Handle communications with your insurer
- Negotiate for a full and fair settlement
- Prepare your case for litigation when necessary
We understand the tactics insurers use to reduce payments—and we work to ensure you are not taken advantage of at your most vulnerable moment.
Talk to a Montana Uninsured Motorist Attorney
If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Montana, you still have options. The attorneys at Western Justice Associates serve clients in Bozeman, Missoula, and communities across the state, and we are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact Western Justice Associates today to discuss your uninsured motorist claim and learn how we can support you through the process.