Car Accident Attorneys in Maine

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Car accidents can happen anywhere, at any given moment and are among of the most common causes of personal injury. No matter how cautious you may be when navigating the roads, other individuals may become reckless and careless in their driving. Some of the most common causes of auto accidents include

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to abide by traffic signals
• Inattention
• Carelessness
• Dangerous road conditions
• Defective auto parts

If you have been involved in a collision, you need to seek experienced legal representation right away. The right car accident lawyer will be able to represent your rights and seek maximum compensation for you and your family. In most cases, you will need to face the insurance company that represents the negligent driver. Many of these insurance companies are large corporations with a lot of resources. Often, insurance companies will do everything in their power to pay victims as little as possible.

Facing a legal battle after an accident can be an overwhelming experience, so it is important to put a knowledgeable car accident attorney on your side of the courtroom. The Maine auto accident attorneys from Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. understand the need for relentless legal guidance and we strive to help clients secure justice and the maximum compensation possible.

Don’t wait. If you have been harmed due to the negligence of another driver, contact our firm today!

What Are My Rights After an Auto Accident?

Whether you were in a minor crash or have lost a family member in an accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you have rights after an accident. Having a skilled car accident lawyer on your side can prove to be an invaluable asset during your pursuit for compensation.

If someone else's reckless or negligent driving behavior caused your crash, you may eligible to receive compensation, with the help of a lawyer, in order to recover damages such as:

• Medical costs
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Chiropractic expenses
• Lost wages
• Physical Pain
• Emotional distresses
• Property damages
• Medical and funeral expenses connected to wrongful death

Don’t go into the fight alone. Let us represent you. From investigation and evidence gathering to creating an effective strategy that establishes the degree of your injuries, our firm can be with you every step of the way as we help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Car Accident Laws in Maine

Car accidents can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for those involved. Understanding Maine's car accident laws is essential to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation in the aftermath of an accident. If you've been injured in a car accident in Maine, it is advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and advocate for your best interests.

Statute of Limitations

Individuals involved in a car accident in Maine should be aware of the state's statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for how long an injured party has to initiate legal action after an accident. In Maine, the statute of limitations for most car accident cases is generally six years from the date of the accident. Failure to file a lawsuit within this timeframe may result in the loss of the right to seek compensation through the court system.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Maine

To drive legally in Maine, motorists must carry a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. As of 2023, Maine's minimum liability insurance requirements are as follows:

• $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person

• $100,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident

• $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident

Maine’s Fault-based System

Maine follows a "fault-based" system when it comes to car accidents. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for covering the damages resulting from the accident. When a collision occurs, the parties involved (or their insurance companies) will typically investigate the circumstances to determine who was at fault. The driver found to be negligent or responsible for the accident will be liable for the resulting injuries, property damage, and other losses.

Comparative Negligence: When Fault is Shared

Determining fault is not always a black and white matter. In situations where responsibility for the collision is shared between multiple parties, Maine follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule in determining compensation for car accident cases.

Under this rule, the amount of compensation an injured party can recover may be reduced if they are found partially at fault for the accident. If the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they may be barred from recovering any damages at all. However, if they are less than 50% at fault, their compensation will be reduced proportionally based on their degree of fault.

How Is Fault Determined After a Car Accident?

In car accident cases in Maine, fault is determined based on the principle of negligence. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to others. When an accident occurs, investigators and insurance adjusters review the circumstances to identify which party was negligent and, therefore, at fault for the collision.

To establish liability, evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and expert opinions may be examined. The process can be complex, and it's advisable for those involved in a car accident to seek legal representation to ensure their rights are protected and that liability is fairly assigned based on the evidence presented.

Evidence that may be used to determine liability includes:

• Scene Investigation: We begin by visiting the accident site to assess the physical evidence. Examining skid marks, vehicle positions, road conditions, and any other relevant factors helps reconstruct the events leading to the accident.
• Witness Interviews: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable in understanding what happened. We talk to individuals who saw the accident occur, obtaining statements that can provide critical insights into the sequence of events and who might be at fault.
• Police Reports: We obtain and analyze the official police report, which contains crucial details and the officer's initial assessment of fault. This document often serves as a starting point for our investigation.
• Photographs and Videos: Photos and videos taken at the accident scene can provide valuable visual evidence. We collect and analyze any available media that might shed light on liability.
• Expert Analysis: In some cases, we work with accident reconstruction experts or other specialists who can provide professional insights into the factors contributing to the accident and help establish liability.
• Review of Medical Records: Understanding the extent of injuries sustained by our client and the other parties involved is crucial in determining the impact of the accident on each individual.
• Examination of Traffic Laws and Regulations: We review relevant traffic laws and regulations to identify any potential violations committed by the parties involved in the accident.
• Insurance Policy Assessment: We analyze the insurance policies of all parties involved to understand coverage limits and the potential for pursuing claims.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen anywhere, at any given moment and are among the most common causes of personal injury. No matter how cautious you may be when navigating the roads, other individuals may become reckless and careless in their driving.

Some of the most common causes of auto accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to abide by traffic signals
• Inattention
• Carelessness
• Dangerous road conditions
• Defective auto parts

In the aftermath of your car accident, make sure that you have an experienced legal team investigate the causes and liable parties in order to help you prepare a strong case.

What To Do After a Car Accident

Making sure that you take the proper steps after an accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your car accident claim. If you have been injured in a car accident, follow these important tips below.

• Stay calm. It may be tempting to panic or to get angry, but these responses are counterproductive and will make you more likely to forget to follow protocol.
• Check for injuries. If you, any of your passengers, or anyone in the other vehicle were hurt, call an ambulance immediately.
• Call 911 to report the accident, even if there are no injuries. When police arrive at the scene of the accident, they will create a police report containing the details of the accident.
• Don’t admit fault. Avoid making any statements about who may have been to blame for the accident. Even a simple statement like “I’m sorry” could be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company as evidence of admission of guilt, so try to say as little as possible and leave it up to the insurance companies to decide who was at fault.
• Swap insurance information. Drivers are required by law to exchange insurance information after an accident. Make sure to take down the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance company information. Also make a note of the description of the vehicle and their license plate number.
• Gather evidence. Take photos of videos of the damage caused by the accident, including injuries and damage to your vehicle. If there were witnesses, take down their names and contact information as well as a brief statement of what they saw.
• Seek medical care immediately. Although you may not feel hurt, you should still have a doctor monitor your health to document any injuries that arise as a result of the accident.
• Contact an attorney for help filing a claim. An attorney knows how much your case is worth, and how to fight for the highest possible compensation from your insurer.

Speak with a Maine Auto Accident Lawyer at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, do not hesitate to contact a compassionate and aggressive Maine car accident attorney from our firm. We know your rights after an accident and can use our experience to counter any argument made by the other driver’s insurance company. We work ceaselessly to maximize your settlement after someone else's negligence caused you harm, losses, or damages.

Call (207) 222-7261 today for your free case consultation. We can discuss your case and inform you of your rights during this time.