Auto Accidents

June 23, 2025

Two Group Home Residents Killed In Tragic Accident

According to a recent article, a Honda Odyssey transporting clients of John F. Murphy Homes—a group home for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado after attempting to cross. Two women in the van, Catherine Chafin (57) and Emily Bennett (44), tragically lost their lives at Central Maine Medical Center. The driver, a 21-year-old direct caregiver, and another staff member sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The truck’s driver escaped serious harm.

At Peter Thompson & Associates, we recognize that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are among the most vulnerable members of our communities. When families entrust the care of a loved one to a group home or residential facility, they expect a safe environment, attentive supervision, and respectful treatment. Tragically, this trust is sometimes broken—resulting in serious injuries, emotional trauma, or even death.

When preventable harm occurs in a group home setting, legal action may be warranted—not just to secure compensation, but to protect others from similar risks.

June 12, 2025

Deer on Turnpike Leads to Multi-Vehicle Pile Up in York

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, on Tuesday evening near mile marker 13 in York, Maine, a deer-related accident on the Maine Turnpike triggered a multi-vehicle crash. The incident began when a red Mitsubishi Mirage struck a deer in the center lane and became disabled. Although the driver exited safely, a fuel-carrying commercial truck soon crashed into the stalled car, forcing it into the median. The truck then collided with a nearby BMW crossover, sending both vehicles off the right side of the highway. Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded quickly to the scene. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported, though the deer was killed in the collision.

Maine’s beautiful wilderness is one of the state’s most cherished features—but it also presents unique challenges for drivers. Every year, hundreds of car accidents in Maine are caused by encounters with wildlife, particularly moose and deer. These accidents can result in serious injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and in the worst cases, fatalities. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and options when wildlife unexpectedly turns a scenic drive into a life-altering event.

The Scope of the Problem

May 18, 2025

Teenage Brothers Critically Injured After Dirt Bike Accident

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, two teenage brothers from Ellsworth (aged 14 and 16) are receiving critical medical treatment in Boston following a serious dirt bike collision. The incident occurred at a gravel pit near Route 200 in Franklin, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Authorities report that the brothers, Bentley and Cooper Miles, were riding toward each other on a trail when one made a sharp left turn, leading to a crash. Neither teen was wearing a helmet, and both sustained significant injuries to their heads, upper bodies, and limbs.

In response to the accident, the local community has mobilized to assist the family. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $30,000, and area businesses are contributing as well. One local company is creating custom decals to distribute in exchange for donations, helping cover the family’s expenses. “They’ve given so much to others—it’s only right we give back,” said Mark Baxter, owner of Forge Training Center. Jean Wood of the Down East Family YMCA echoed that sentiment, noting the community’s strong tradition of support.

March 17, 2025

East Millinocket Crash Kills One After Driver Crosses Center Line

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a two-vehicle crash in East Millinocket on Friday claimed the life of a Medway woman and left two children injured. The accident occurred just after 12:30 p.m. on Main Street near Dolby Landfill Road. East Millinocket Police have determined that a small Chevy sedan traveling east crossed the center line into the path of a westbound Chevy 3500 service truck. The truck driver attempted to avoid the collision by moving into the opposite lane, but the sedan corrected its course, ultimately colliding with the truck and causing it to overturn. The sedan sustained significant front-end damage. The sedan’s driver, a 66-year-old woman from Medway, was transported via LifeFlight to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. One of the two child passengers, ages 8 and 6, was also flown to the hospital but was reported to be in stable condition. The second child was treated at Millinocket Regional Hospital and later released.

Wrong-way crashes are among the most catastrophic types of motor vehicle accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. These collisions typically occur when a vehicle travels against the designated flow of traffic, frequently leading to head-on impacts at high speeds. Unfortunately, wrong-way crashes are a persistent danger on Maine’s roadways, with devastating consequences for victims and their families.

Common Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents

February 25, 2025

Two Dead, One Hospitalized in Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a serious accident occurred on Interstate 95 South in Wells, Maine, leaving two dead and another critically injured. The crash involved three vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, and resulted in the temporary closure of the southbound lanes. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and manage the situation. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident and have urged drivers to exercise caution in the area.

Multi-vehicle accidents, often referred to as pile-ups or chain-reaction crashes, are among the most complex types of motor vehicle collisions. These accidents involve three or more vehicles and can lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and challenging legal battles. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we understand the difficulties that victims face and are committed to helping those involved in multi-vehicle accidents secure the compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

January 29, 2025

62-year-old Madison Man Killed In Semi-Truck Collision

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a fatal crash occurred on Sunday night in West Forks, Maine, when a pickup truck crossed the center line on Route 201 and collided with an oncoming semi-truck. Authorities responded to the scene after receiving a report around 7:48 p.m. The driver of the pickup, a 62-year-old Madison man, was wearing his seatbelt but was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck, operated by a 43-year-old Quebec man transporting paper products, did not sustain injuries. The investigation continued into Monday afternoon, and Route 201 has since reopened to traffic.

Accidents involving 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles can have devastating consequences for those involved. Given the size and weight of these vehicles, crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we have extensive experience helping victims of trucking accidents recover compensation for their injuries and losses. Continue reading

January 13, 2025

Monmouth Police Lieutenant Critically Injured In Head-On Collision

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, Monmouth Police Lt. Dana Wessling was critically injured in a head-on collision on Turner Center Road in Maine on Monday afternoon. Authorities report that the crash occurred when a Ford F-150, driven by Sean McNeil, crossed the center line and collided with Wessling’s police cruiser, which he was driving home after picking up his 7-year-old son from daycare. Wessling was airlifted to Maine Medical Center in critical condition, while his son was taken to a local hospital as a precaution. The crash remains under investigation.

Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of car accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. In Maine, with its mix of rural roads and harsh weather conditions, these accidents are unfortunately all too common. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we understand the life-altering consequences of head-on collisions and are committed to helping victims navigate the legal challenges that follow.

The Causes of Head-On Collisions

December 9, 2024

9,000 Gallons of Waste Spilled After Tanker Accident in Gardiner

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, on December 5, 2024, a tanker truck crash on Interstate 295 in Gardiner, Maine, created a hazardous and disruptive situation. The accident involved a tanker carrying approximately 9,000 gallons of foul-smelling liquid waste, also known as “dirty water,” from a landfill. The tanker collided with a truck hauling a traffic director trailer in a construction zone, resulting in a spill that covered the highway with hazardous materials. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection was called to manage the cleanup, and the tanker driver faced citations for failing to maintain control of their vehicle and for not yielding to a highway maintenance vehicle.

The Dangers of Toxic Spills

Toxic spills following tanker truck collisions present a significant risk to public health, the environment, and motorists. In addition to immediate hazards such as slippery road conditions and exposure to harmful substances, these incidents can cause long-term environmental damage and economic losses due to prolonged cleanup efforts.

September 5, 2024

South Portland Man Charged With Manslaughter After Drunk-Driving Accident

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a man has been charged with manslaughter and operating under the influence (OUI) following a fatal head-on collision in Gray. The crash took place around 11:30 p.m. on Portland Road near Sugar Maple Road. Jean Claude Nshimiyimana, 43, is accused of driving drunk in a 2022 Jeep Gladiator when he collided head-on with a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban traveling in the opposite direction. The driver of the Suburban, 50-year-old Daniel Fackrell of Cumberland, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two children in the Suburban sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

From drunk driving accidents to incidents involving alcohol-fueled violence, alcohol-related injuries can have devastating consequences. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are dedicated to helping victims of alcohol-related injuries seek justice and compensation for their losses.

Common Types of Alcohol-Related Injuries

August 12, 2024

Tractor-Trailer Carrying 240-Foot Turbine Blade Overturns on Route 1

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a tractor-trailer carrying a massive 240-foot turbine blade overturned on Route 1 in Stockton Springs early Friday morning after hitting a railroad bridge. The accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. while the vehicle was transporting the blade to a wind project in Columbia. The tractor-trailer wasn’t properly aligned in the left lane as it passed under the bridge, causing the blade to strike the bridge’s trestle and flip the vehicle.

Maine State Police shared photos of the overturned tractor-trailer and the efforts to remove the blade, which involved a crane. The road was shut down, and traffic was rerouted as crews worked to clear the scene. Due to the blade’s length, turning the vehicle around wasn’t possible. Instead, the blade was transferred to another trailer and reversed back to Searsport. While, fortunately, no one was injured in this accident, the situation still serves as a grave reminder of the unpredictable nature of road hazards.

Common Road Hazards in Maine