Subaru overcorrected on curve, plunged off 40-foot cliff, and rolled multiple times
April 07, 2026 | Butte, MT
Five teenagers escaped serious harm after their Subaru veered off a 40-foot cliff near the Big M landmark on April 7, rolling multiple times before coming to rest.
What Happened in the Crash?
Evelyn Hardman was injured after a Subaru went off a 40-foot cliff and rolled near the Big M in Butte.
The incident unfolded around 12:40 p.m. when the Subaru's driver overcorrected while navigating a sharp curve, causing the vehicle to plunge off the cliff and tumble down the embankment.
Key details include:
- Location: Near the Big M on Big Butte.
- Vehicle: Subaru, single-vehicle accident.
- Occupants: Five teens, and all survived.
- Time: Approximately 12:40 p.m. on April 7.
One passenger, Evelyn Hardman, sustained significant injuries to her wrist and back. She was initially taken to St. James Hospital in Butte and later transferred to Billings Hospital, where she has begun walking slowly, according to her mother, Kate.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family: Support the Family.
Why Do Single-Vehicle Accidents Like This Occur?
Authorities continue to investigate the crash to pinpoint the exact cause. Factors in single-vehicle incidents often involve driver distraction, fatigue, reckless speed, or impairment.
The crash investigation focuses on road conditions, vehicle handling, and driver actions during the curve.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Crashes |
Annual U.S. Impact (NTSB Data) |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
Over 3,000 fatalities |
Speeding |
Contributes to 29% of crashes |
Fatigue |
Affects 13% of incidents |
Impairment |
Leads to 10,000+ deaths yearly |
Source: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Note: More than 19,000 people suffer injuries in U.S. crashes each year, with most deemed preventable.
Legal Insights on Motor Vehicle Crashes
In cases such as this, conducting an independent investigation promptly is crucial to gathering evidence.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Your lawyer has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide victims during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights.”
Key takeaways:
- Preserve evidence through swift independent investigations.
- Attorneys can access specialized resources for thorough reviews.
- Legal guidance supports victims in navigating claims without added stress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added: “When vehicle accidents result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, victims are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action.”
Pending investigation outcomes, injured parties like Evelyn Hardman may pursue personal injury claims covering medical costs, lost wages, pain, and emotional distress. Passengers can file a claim against the driver's insurance without affecting their own policy.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).