Maine Injury Lawyer Blog

June 26, 2022

Holiday Weekend Car Accidents in Maine

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury in the United States, with Memorial Day as one of the six holiday periods with an increased number of fatal car accidents. As the Fourth of July quickly approaches, Maine drivers should take heed of the statistics and cautiously approach the roadways.

There are many reasons why car accidents are more common during holiday weekends. While the reasons may vary between winter and summary holidays, the outcomes of either accident can be deadly. Some common reasons for holiday weekend accidents include:

Drunk and impaired driving;
Inexperience with the roadways;
Increased nighttime driving; and
Increased traffic.

Those involved in an accident during a holiday weekend may experience serious injuries. These injuries may be exacerbated as traffic jams can delay emergency responders from arriving at the scene quickly. Thus, it is important that those who suffer injuries or lose a loved one in an accident contact an experienced attorney to discuss their rights and remedies.

June 20, 2022

Determining Fault After a Maine Multi-Car Accident

by Peter Thompson & Associates

In 2020, there were 35,766 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Accidents vary in severity and may involve multiple injuries and/or multiple cars. Accidents that involve more than two cars can be tricky to navigate, especially when attempting to determine who was at fault. Maine is a state that falls under the traditional fault system to determine how those injured in a car accident can be compensated. In other words, the driver who is found to be legally at fault for the accident will bear responsibility for damages. Damages include any losses that are the result of the accident, which may include medical expenses, lost wages due to inability to work, and property damage to vehicles.

In a recent news report, a devastating three-car crash in Lewiston, Maine resulted in one fatality and multiple serious injuries. The accident occurred at the intersection of Lisbon Street and Scribner Boulevard. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident involved a Ford traveling inbound on Lisbon Street and the vehicle struck a Volvo at a high speed while the Volvo was stopped at a red light. The force of the collision pushed the Volvo into a 2017 Chevy Cargo Van. The driver of the Ford was arrested and charged with violating probation, and additional charges are expected, including operating a motor vehicle under suspension. At the time of the report, the other individuals injured in the crash were in stable condition.

It is important to note that all states have a statute of limitations for car accident claims, which is the deadline after which a person can no longer take legal action after being involved in a car accident. If the statute of limitations deadline passes, a person is no longer able to take legal action. In Maine, individuals typically have up to 6 years to file a lawsuit in court after a car accident to take legal action against the driver at fault.

June 10, 2022

Hit and Run Accident in Maine Leads to Severe Injuries for Couple

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Hit-and-Run crashes and fatalities happen at alarming rates and can lead to severe injuries and consequences for all parties involved. According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in 2015, hit-and-run crashes occurred somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds, and in 2016 there were 2,049 fatalities that resulted from hit-and-run crashes. Additionally, a study conducted by ValuePenguin found that fatal hit-and-runs increased by 44 percent between 2010 and 2019.

In a recent news report, a well-known couple from Cornville suffered from severe injuries on their motorcycle after they were struck by a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign and fled the scene. The hit-and-run accident occurred at the intersection of Route 43 and Boardman Road in Maine. The vehicle that struck the motorcycle failed to stop at the stop sign and drove through the intersection. The injured couple was wearing helmets at the time of the crash but suffered severe injuries including broken bones. Both the jeep and the motorcycle were impounded.

A witness followed the perpetrator of the hit-and-run after he fled the scene, and neighbors helped capture the driver and held him until police arrived to arrest him. The driver of the vehicle was given a blood test and charged with aggravated operating under the influence, aggravated driving to endanger, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury. His bail was set at $50,000.

May 31, 2022

Understanding Criminal vs. Civil Claims in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Sometimes, when you are involved in a car accident, the at-fault party who caused the accident may have been operating their vehicle negligently or recklessly because they were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In these situations, the at-fault party may be prosecuted criminally for driving under the influence—but this is a distinct proceeding from any personal injury claims you may be considering bringing against the at-fault party for compensation. Understanding the distinction between the criminal suit against the at-fault party and your civil personal injury lawsuit is crucial to the success of your claim and to ensuring that you are able to recover the damages you deserve for your losses.

According to a recent local news report, two individuals died following a major rear-end accident. The driver of a Chevrolet and her passenger were struck from behind by a Dodge pickup truck when the Chevrolet driver lost control of her car, spun off the side of the road, and crashed into a tree. Neither the Chevrolet driver nor her passenger had been wearing seatbelts and were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Dodge truck and his passenger were uninjured, but police suspect that speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors in the accident. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the accident and reconstruct the crash.

May 26, 2022

Head-On Car Accident in Maine Leads to Multiple Injuries

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Every day, drivers and passengers take on the risks of possible injury that can result from car crashes. It can be tricky to determine which driver caused an accident, but it’s an important part of tort litigation in cases concerning car accidents.

Maine is an at-fault state, which means that the driver who caused the accident must use their insurance to pay for the other driver’s bills (i.e. medical bills or property damage bills) that resulted from the collision. To determine fault, the court and insurance companies use evidence from the crash, such as the police report, videos, photos, and reports from eyewitnesses.

For example, a news report from News Center Maine provided information about a two-vehicle head-on car crash that took place on Federal Road, or Route 4, in Livermore in April. Four people were brought to the hospital as a result of the crash. The four individuals who were involved in the accident were treated for moderate to severe injuries. The crash caused traffic to be redirected. An investigation into the cause of the crash must occur, including an investigation into which driver may have been at fault.

May 17, 2022

Preventing Maine Bicycle and Vehicle Crashes

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Maine biking accidents can have disastrous effects on cyclists, pedestrians, and any road user in the vicinity. The cyclist experiences the most significant injuries and subsequent damages in many cases. As a result of the growing concern about bike accidents in Maine and throughout the country, the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) lead a study to understand the prevalence and risk factors of bicycle crashes. The NTSB analyzed crash and injury data and interviewed national and local traffic safety stakeholders.

The agency identified three primary safety issue areas in the report: (1) improving roadway infrastructure for bicyclists, (2) enhancing conspicuity, and (3) mitigating head injury. According to the study, while more bike crashes involving motor vehicles occur at intersections, crash severity is higher when an accident occurs at a midblock location. The agency asserts that improving public road infrastructure with distinct bike lanes and road diets can reduce the likelihood of accidents at intersections and midblock crossings. Road diets refer to a roadway reconfiguration that eliminates travel from the road and utilizes space for other uses, such as bicycles.

Further, although there are different reasons why drivers and bikers may not detect each other in time to prevent an accident, enhancing conspicuity can reduce these occurrences. Cyclists wearing reflective clothing, bikes with lights, and in-vehicle crash warning systems could alert motorists to bicycle traffic. Finally, because head injury is the leading cause of bike-related deaths, bike helmets are an effective way to mitigate this concern.

May 10, 2022

Hockey Trainers Allege Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals from the Operation of Ice Resurfacing Equipment.

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Anyone who has watched a hockey game in person is probably aware of the ubiquitous Zamboni ice resurfacing machine. The Zamboni is a vehicle similar to a commercial or industrial floor cleaner, which smooths the ice surface to make it appropriate for a professional hockey game. The standard Zamboni, which has been used for decades, runs on an internal combustion engine and emits known carcinogens in its exhaust. When used in a semi-enclosed space over extended periods of time, Zambonis may present a health risk to anyone regularly present while the machines are in use. Two athletic trainers for the Philadelphia Flyers professional hockey team have filed a lawsuit against the team and facilities, alleging they have developed health problems as a result of the defendants’ unsafe use of Zambonis.

According to the facts discussed in a local news report describing the recently filed case, the two plaintiffs have been employed by the team for over 15 years, and each was repeatedly exposed to the Zamboni machines extensively while the teams were practicing. The plaintiffs’ claims allege that each of the men developed essential thrombocythemia, which is a rare blood disorder that may be linked to the carcinogens present in the Zamboni exhaust. One of the plaintiffs has also developed a type of blood cancer that may be linked to the chemicals The plaintiffs further allege that the defendants knew or should have known of the carcinogenic risk from using the Zambonis as they did. Furthermore, the plaintiffs noted that there are effective alternatives to a Zamboni that do not utilize an internal combustion engine that emits carcinogens, and such machinery could have should have been used instead of the Zambonis.

Although the case has only recently been filed and the defendants have responded that the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit, the plaintiffs may be entitled to a significant settlement or judgment if they can demonstrate that the defendants knew of the dangers to the plaintiffs, kept them in the dark about it, and repeatedly allowed them to be exposed to the dangerous chemicals. When exposure to dangerous chemicals results in permanent health problems, the damages awarded can be substantial.

May 1, 2022

Bicyclist Injured in Portland Bike Accident

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Recently, a cyclist was seriously injured after being involved in a bike accident in Portland, Maine. According to a local news report, the collision occurred on the corner of Mellen St. and Park Ave. at around 2:30 in the afternoon. When emergency responders arrived on the scene, they found the cyclist in critical condition and transported him to the Maine Medical Center. The driver of the vehicle involved in the accident suffered minor injuries and was transported to a different hospital.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident, and are asking anyone with knowledge of the collision to come forward.

Maine Bike Accidents

Bicycles are a great way to get around Maine in the warmer months. However, cycling is not without its risks. For example, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, in 2019, nearly 850 people were killed in bike accidents. The vast majority of these collisions were entirely preventable.

How to Stay Safe When Cycling in Maine

Cyclists should always follow some basic safety tips when riding on Maine roads.

April 23, 2022

Understanding Maine Car Accident Liability and Fault Rules

by Peter Thompson & Associates

When a major car accident causes significant injury or property damage and was because of the at-fault party’s negligence or recklessness, you may have grounds to bring a personal injury claim against them. Sometimes, however, it is unclear whether the other party is entirely at fault or if you contributed to causing the accident also. Because establishing liability in a personal injury accident is crucial to any legal claim you are considering, it is important to understand how Maine allocates responsibility and liability in similar cases.

According to a recent local news report, a head-on car accident resulted in a temporary road closure for Route 1 in Hancock. Local authorities reported that a tractor-trailer was transporting a manufactured mobile home when the load shifted and caused the tractor-trailer to jackknife and crash into another car head-on. It is unclear whether there were injuries, and the accident remains under investigation.

When an accident takes place in Maine, because the state is an “at-fault” state, this means that the driver who caused the collision must use their insurance to pay for accident-related expenses such as property damage or medical bills.

April 17, 2022

Understanding Maine Car Insurance Requirements and Laws

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Everyone who owns a car typically also has car insurance. After all, it is required by law in most states, Maine included. Each state, however, typically has its own requirements for minimum coverage amounts and types of coverage each driver must have to remain in good standing. Understanding what each type of coverage pertains to is crucial so that if you are ever involved in an accident, you know exactly how much the insurance company will cover.

According to a recent local news report, a 71-year-old woman died following a major accident. Police reported that her car struck a tree after colliding with multiple vehicles and that the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the accident, another individual was transferred to a local hospital with minor injuries. Authorities noted that the accident involved at least four cars when the local fire department arrived on the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

Maine, like other states across the country, has specific requirements for drivers when it comes to car insurance. Every Maine driver must have liability insurance, medical payments coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, at a minimum. Failing to meet these minimum requirements may result in a fine or license suspension.