Yes - if a commercial truck caused the crash, the claim can still be worth pursuing because VA benefits and a Montana injury claim pay for different things.

The basic rule is simple: your VA care may cover medical treatment, but it does not automatically pay for lost wages, future earning loss, pain and suffering, or damage claims against the trucking company. In Montana, most injury lawsuits must be filed within 3 years. In a truck case, the value also depends on whether the defendant is the driver, motor carrier, broker, or all three.

That matters because interstate motor carriers usually carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage for non-hazardous freight, and more in some operations. A broker may have less direct exposure unless it was independently negligent in hiring or routing. The carrier is usually the main target because it controls the truck, driver qualification file, maintenance, and FMCSA compliance.

A real example: say a veteran is hit outside Kalispell on U.S. 93 during a flash-flood downpour, and the semi hydroplanes after driving too fast for conditions. The VA handles the ER follow-up and physical therapy. That still leaves unpaid time off work, travel, household help, and the human side of the injury.

The truck claim may become much stronger if the carrier's electronic logging device data, dispatch messages, inspection records, and dash footage show the driver was over hours, skipping rest, or pushing through storm conditions. Carriers generally keep hours-of-service records for only 6 months, so early preservation of evidence matters. If records disappear after notice, that can become a serious issue.

In Montana, where rural uninsured-driver problems are common, a commercial defendant with real coverage is often very different from an ordinary car claim. If the injuries are more than minor, the potential payout can be large enough to justify the effort.