The Maine Department of Transportation reports that 33,918 crashes happened in the state in 2022. Out of these, 171 crashes were fatal. According to the Maine Department of Transportation accident statistics, in 2022, there were also 268 pedestrian accidents, with 21 being fatal, and another 180 bicycle accidents.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you
should not have to pay for their mistake. The experienced car accident lawyers at Fales & Fales, P.A. can help you obtain financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses you’ve suffered.
We have extensive experience handling car accident claims and dealing with insurance companies. Let us protect your rights. Call us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Maine happen for many reasons. Some of the main causes of accidents include:
- Human error: Driving is a skill that requires being able to perform multiple functions at one time. Judgment errors or overcorrections sometimes lead to auto accidents.
- Violation of laws: Some drivers choose to break the law by speeding, texting while driving, engaging in other forms of distracted driving, or drunk driving. These dangerous behaviors increase the likelihood of a crash.
- Vehicle problems: Vehicles that are not properly maintained or have defects can fail at a critical time and cause a crash.
- Bad road conditions: Windy roads, poor maintenance, and dangerous road design can also contribute to car accidents.
- Bad weather – Maine winters can be dangerous. Drivers who don’t adjust their speed and driving behaviors to account for inclement weather can cause crashes.
How Our Law Firm Can Help After an Auto Accident
Victims of vehicle accidents have enough to worry about after an accident without the added stress and frustration of an insurance claim. Insurance adjusters want to pay as little as possible. Personal injury attorneys can help level the playing field and help obtain fair compensation while you focus on your recovery.
When you hire our experienced car accident lawyers, you will have an advocate on your side who can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Identify all liable parties
- Gather evidence for your injury claim
- Review all insurance policies that apply to your claim
- Guide you through the claims process
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate for maximum compensation
Contact our compassionate personal injury lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accident victims often suffer serious injuries. Motor vehicle accidents involve tremendous forces and high speeds. The human body is susceptible to suffering severe injuries in these collisions.
Some of the most common injuries our experienced lawyers see in motor vehicle accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Catastrophic injuries, including paralysis and amputations
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Scarring and burns
Not all personal injuries are visible injuries. Many injured parties suffer psychological injuries, including PTSD.
What Damages Can I Recover After an Auto Accident in Maine?
The injured party has the right to seek accident compensation from the at-fault party. An accident injury claim can demand money for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Vehicle damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages are not typically awarded in motor vehicle cases unless they involve particularly dangerous situations, such as street racing or egregious drunk driving accidents.
Our auto accident attorneys can review your case and determine the damages you may be eligible to request as part of your insurance claim.
Maine Minimum Insurance Requirements
In Maine, all vehicles must maintain consistent liability insurance coverage for damage drivers cause to others. This liability coverage must include at least the following minimum amounts:
- $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage for bodily injury or death of one person in a single accident
- $100,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in a single accident
- $25,000 for property damage coverage per accident
Maine drivers must also carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage equal to their liability policy limits unless they choose a lower limit in writing.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Maine?
If you are involved in an auto accident in Maine, follow these steps to protect your legal rights:
Report the Accident
Maine law requires motorists to report a car accident that causes any of the following:
- Personal injury
- Death
- Property damage of $1,000 or more
Report the accident to the police so that a law enforcement officer can respond to the scene and prepare a crash report. Crash reports often include valuable information about the other driver, road and weather conditions, and the law enforcement officer’s opinions. The insurance company will also likely ask for a copy of the crash report.
Seek Medical Attention
If injured, get medical help right away. The full extent of your injuries may not be obvious after an accident. Even minor injuries can get progressively worse and become chronic if left untreated. Follow your doctor’s advice and keep all of your medical records. You will need them for your claim.
Exchange Information
Obtain the other driver’s information, including their name, contact information, a description of their vehicle, and their insurance information.
Document the Scene
Ask witnesses for their contact information. Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer
Many accident injury attorneys offer a free case review to prospective clients. This allows the personal injury lawyer to learn about the accident and determine if the injured party has a right to file a claim against the party responsible for the accident. A skilled car accident lawyer can review your case, explain the next steps, and represent your legal interests throughout the claims process.
File an Insurance Claim
Your auto accident lawyer can assist you with the process of filing a claim with the insurance company responsible for your damages. Once a claim is filed, the insurance company appoints an adjuster and investigates your case. Depending on your insurance, you might also be filing a claim with your own insurance provider, and you must adhere to your insurance policy’s filing deadlines and procedures.
What Is the Deadline to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Maine
You have six years to file a car accident lawsuit in Maine, but you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Contact the Experienced Car Accident Attorneys at Fales & Fales, P.A.
If you were injured in a car accident in Maine, the skilled attorneys at Fales & Fales, P.A. want to help you. Our car accident lawyers can help navigate the insurance claims process and protect your rights so that you have the space and time to heal. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
