A Yellowstone County jury has returned a $1.47 million verdict in a personal injury case stemming from a December 2020 auto accident that seriously injured a Billings woman.

The plaintiff was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Lewis Avenue and 24^th Street West when her vehicle was struck from behind by a truck driven at a high rate of speed by the defendant, also of Billings.

As a result of the wreck, testimony from the plaintiff's treating physicians revealed she suffered a traumatic head injury in addition to other debilitating injuries. The defendant was not seriously injured, and admitted she was distracted immediately prior to the accident.

Following a four-day trial in district court, on October 3 the jury awarded the plaintiff $1.17 million for past and future medical expenses, with the balance of the compensation for other emotional and physical distress from the car accident.

“We appreciate the jury’s diligence in evaluating the testimony of witnesses about the nature of my client’s injuries, and understanding what she has suffered and will be living with for the rest of her life,” says Mark Kovacich, attorney for the plaintiff.

“I hope this verdict serves as a warning to every driver of the importance of obeying our traffic laws and of the dangers of any lack of attention behind the wheel,” added Mr. Kovacich, partner in the firm of Kovacich Snipes Johnson. Mr. Kovacich tried the case with Paul Odegaard, a partner with Odegaard Injury Lawyers.

The case is Mundahl v. Waldner, No. DV-56-2022-000498, in the 13^th Judicial District Court for Yellowstone County.

About Kovacich Snipes Johnson Trial Lawyers

Kovacich Snipes Johnson Trial Lawyers is a law firm serving clients in Great Falls and throughout Montana. With decades of experience and numerous prestigious awards, the firm’s attorneys have successfully represented plaintiffs in cases ranging from truck accidents to oil field accidents to mining accidents and beyond. The firm has recovered more than $500 million in judgments and settlements to date.

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