According to a recent article, two young twin boys tragically died after being struck by a suspected impaired driver while their mother was pushing them in a stroller along Hussey Road in Albion, Maine. The driver, 44-year-old Benjamin Lancaster, allegedly fled the scene and has since been charged with manslaughter, aggravated criminal OUI, and leaving the scene of an accident. One of the twins died at the scene, while his brother later died from his injuries at Maine Medical Center. Their mother remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Community members are mourning the loss and calling for justice, while authorities are asking residents to review surveillance footage that may help with the investigation.
Drunk Driving in Maine: A Serious Public Safety Threat
Every year, countless Mainers suffer devastating injuries—or worse—due to accidents caused by drunk drivers. Despite public awareness campaigns, strict DUI laws, and widespread knowledge of the dangers, impaired driving remains a leading cause of preventable traffic accidents across the state.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we have represented numerous individuals and families whose lives were changed in an instant by a drunk driver’s reckless decision. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an intoxicated motorist, you deserve justice, and we’re here to help you get it.
Driving under the influence is not only illegal under Maine law—it’s extraordinarily dangerous. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and increases the likelihood of poor decision-making behind the wheel. According to the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, alcohol-impaired driving contributes to a significant number of serious and fatal crashes each year.
Legal Remedies for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
Under Maine law, if you were injured by a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. This can include damages for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (in extreme cases of recklessness)
In many cases, the intoxicated driver may also face criminal charges, but a criminal conviction is separate from your civil right to seek compensation. Even if the driver avoids jail, you can still hold them financially accountable in civil court.
Third-Party Liability: Bars and Restaurants May Share Responsibility
Maine’s “Dram Shop” law allows victims to pursue claims against businesses that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who then cause harm. If a bar, restaurant, or other establishment over-served the driver who hit you, they may also be liable.
These cases can be complex and require thorough investigation, but they can provide additional avenues of compensation, especially when the drunk driver has limited insurance coverage or assets.
Why Choose Peter Thompson & Associates?
Our firm has decades of experience handling serious personal injury cases throughout Maine. We understand the devastating impact drunk driving can have, and we are committed to fighting for full and fair compensation for our clients.
When you work with us, we will:
- Conduct a full investigation of the crash
- Gather evidence of intoxication and liability
- Identify all potential sources of compensation
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
- We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Maine, don’t wait. Time limits apply, and evidence can disappear quickly. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and fight for the justice you deserve. We’re here to help you rebuild—and to hold drunk drivers accountable. Give us a call at 207-874-0909 or visit our website now.