Billings Sued After Trainee Cop's Distracted Driving Crash

City faces lawsuit following 2024 incident where officer was looking at computer instead of road

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 2024 car crash in downtown Billings, Montana has resulted in a lawsuit against the city after a trainee police officer admitted he was distracted by his work computer on the vehicle's dashboard and not paying attention to the road at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks of distracted driving, especially among emergency responders who may be tempted to multitask while on the road. It also raises questions about municipal liability and the need for better training and policies around safe driving practices for law enforcement.

The details

The officer, whose name has not been released, was responding to a call when he crashed into another vehicle, causing injuries to the other driver. An investigation found that the officer had his eyes on the computer screen in the patrol car rather than the road ahead.

  • The incident occurred in 2024 in downtown Billings.
  • The lawsuit against the city was filed in early 2026.

The players

Billings Police Department

The municipal law enforcement agency responsible for the trainee officer involved in the crash.

City of Billings

The defendant in the lawsuit filed over the 2024 car crash caused by the distracted trainee officer.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure our officers are fully focused on the road when responding to calls to protect both themselves and the public.”

— Mayor Jennifer Crittendon, Mayor of Billings (Billings Gazette)

What’s next

The city of Billings is expected to review its policies around distracted driving and officer safety in the wake of this lawsuit.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical need for law enforcement agencies to prioritize safe driving practices and limit distractions for officers, especially when responding to emergencies, in order to protect both public safety and municipal liability.