Bigfork man must pay $618k for accident

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that a Bigfork man must pay over $618,000 in restitution to a woman whose leg was amputated after a vehicle crash.

Brent Passwater’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit when he turned left off Montana 83 in July 2012, with his pickup truck striking a motorcycle carrying Bryce and Lynn Boot.

The impact sent the couple flying and skidding 42 feet.

Lynn Boot’s left leg had to be amputated below the knee while Bryce Boot suffered broken toes and smashed knees.

The court ruling filed Thursday says Passwater failed to prove the restitution ordered was based on speculation. It included money for lost wages, medical bills and prosthetics for Lynn Boot.

Passwater was sentenced in March 2014 to four years with the Department of Corrections followed by six years of probation after pleading guilty to negligent vehicular assault.

The sentence was handed down by Flathead District Judge Robert Allison.