What Are Ridley Advance Medical Payments in a Missoula Car Accident Claim?
Getting Your Medical Bills Paid Before Your Montana Crash Case Settles Key Takeaways: Ridley advance medical payments require an at-fault driver’s liability insurer to pay a Missoula crash victim’s medical expenses as incurred, rather than withholding payment until settlement. The rule comes from Ridley v. Guaranty National Insurance Co. (1997) and rests on Montana’s Unfair Trade Practices Act, which bars insurers from leveraging an injured person’s financial distress. It applies only when liability is reasonably clear, is limited by available policy limits, and is not self-executing, the claimant must send a demand supported by police reports, medical records, and itemized bills. Covered damages are objective and documented, such as medical
