Opinion ID: 888067
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: ¶ 3 This case arises out of an automobile collision between Miller and Emma Rosh. Miller was injured as a result. Rosh's liability was not disputed. Miller and Rosh were both insured by State Farm under separate policies. Miller's policy with State Farm provided up to $25,000 in medical payment coverage. State Farm paid medical coverage to Miller in the amount of $24,195.04. Rosh's State Farm policy provided up to $100,000 per person in liability coverage. Miller brought suit against Rosh in the Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin County, for negligence. ¶ 4 State Farm offered to settle the claim with Miller for $70,000. To arrive at the $70,000 offer, State Farm evaluated the claim then reduced that number by $24,195.04, the amount of medical payment coverage Miller received under his policy. State Farm based the reduction on the collateral source rule. Miller filed an action for declaratory judgment arguing that the collateral source rule is not applicable during settlement negotiations, and that it can only be applied after a judgment or verdict is reached. State Farm moved for summary judgment, arguing that Miller failed to present a justiciable controversy, and Miller filed a cross motion for summary judgment. The District Court granted State Farm's motion and denied Miller's. Miller appeals.