Auto Accidents

October 17, 2023

Navigating the Complex Terrain of Brain Injuries: A Guide to Compensation

Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and when they involve the head, the consequences can be severe and life-altering. Brain injuries are some of the most devastating outcomes of accidents, impacting not only the victim but also their loved ones. At Peter Thompson and Associates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a brain injury can take.

Understanding Brain Injuries

A brain injury, also known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), occurs when an external force injures the brain. This can happen due to various causes:

September 26, 2023

Farmingdale Tragedy: Understanding Bus Accidents and Your Rights

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a charter bus carrying high school students to a band camp met with a devastating accident on a New York highway. The incident claimed the lives of two adults and left several others seriously injured.

The ill-fated bus was part of a caravan carrying students, band members, color guard, and dancers from Farmingdale High School on Long Island. Their annual pilgrimage to a camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania, ended abruptly only 30 minutes away from their destination. The accident occurred on Interstate 84 in Wawayanda, a town located about 45 miles northwest of New York City. Preliminary investigations suggest that a tire failure may have been a contributing factor in the bus losing control and veering off the road, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.

August 16, 2023

Chain Reaction Crashes: Unraveling the Legal Maze with Peter Thompson & Associates

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article a chain reaction crash occurred in Westbrook, Maine when a driver failed to yield at an intersection, triggering a domino effect that involved multiple vehicles. The consequences were severe, leaving several people injured and vehicles mangled. Such incidents not only cause physical harm but also leave emotional and financial scars that can last a lifetime.

Understanding Chain Reaction Crashes

Chain reaction crashes, often referred to as multi-vehicle collisions or pile-ups occur when a series of vehicles collide in a sequence of impacts. These crashes can happen on highways, at intersections, or in heavy traffic, and they typically involve three or more vehicles. The initial collision sets off a chain reaction as vehicles behind the point of impact are unable to stop in time, leading to a cascade of crashes.

August 9, 2023

Excessive Speed Car Accidents: A Deadly Menace on Maine Roads

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Tragedy struck the peaceful roads of Maine once again as two young lives were cut short in a devastating car crash. According to a recent article, two young men were driving together on Tenney Hill Road around 7 a.m. on June 5 when they collided with another vehicle and then hit a cluster of trees. One was pronounced dead at the scene and another was airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland. He died as a result of his injuries a week later.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of excessive speed and the havoc it can wreak on our roadways. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are deeply saddened by this loss and remain committed to raising awareness about the perils of reckless driving.

August 2, 2023

Stay Awake, Stay Safe: Understanding Accidents Caused by Drowsy Driving

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Accidents have the unsettling ability to disrupt lives in an instant, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. A recent article from CentralMaine.come serves as a sobering reminder of just how swiftly lives can be transformed by a catastrophic collision. In Norridgewock, a driver fell asleep at the wheel and crossed over the center line, striking two other cars, injuring four people. All three vehicles were completely destroyed in the crash. Thankfully, there were no fatalities.

The Alarming Reality:

Drowsy driving is more than just a momentary lapse in attention; it is a leading cause of accidents on our roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for an estimated 72,000 crashes and 800 fatalities annually in the United States. Maine, despite its serene landscapes and tranquil settings, is not immune to the perils of drowsy driving.

July 12, 2023

Tragic ATV Accident Leaves One Dead

by Peter Thompson & Associates

ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) accidents can lead to severe injuries and tragic consequences. As a personal injury law firm based in Maine, we understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on individuals and their families.

According to a recent news article, a 16-year-old individual from Oakland, Maine tragically lost their life in an ATV accident on Manchester Road. The accident occurred when the ATV veered off the road and struck a tree. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but unfortunately, the teenager succumbed to their injuries.

The Prevalence of ATV Accidents in Maine:

ATVs are popular recreational vehicles in Maine, providing an exciting way to explore the state’s beautiful landscapes. However, with increased usage comes an inherent risk of accidents. According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, ATV accidents have been a recurring issue in recent years, resulting in injuries and fatalities.

June 30, 2023

Understanding Maine Car Insurance Requirements

by Peter Thompson & Associates

In the event of a Maine car accident, your vehicle may endure serious property damage. To avoid paying significant out-of-pocket costs, it is important to protect yourself with auto insurance. In addition to purchasing auto insurance, you should learn more about Maine’s insurance laws to make sure you have adequate coverage in every situation you may encounter.

What Types of Auto Insurance Do You Have to Buy in Maine?

Under Maine’s insurance laws, anyone who owns or operates a vehicle in the state must carry minimum policy amounts for several types of insurance. These coverage limits do not represent the amount you pay upfront. Rather, the limits are the maximum amount your insurance company will pay in the event of an accident. Specifically, drivers must carry liability insurance, medical payments coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you are at fault for an accident, liability insurance will pay for another person’s injuries and property damage resulting from the crash. Under Maine law, drivers must carry $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, as well as $25,000 for property damage. Additionally, medical payments cover your medical expenses and your passengers’ medical expenses in the event of an auto accident. The law requires Maine drivers to purchase at least $2,000 per person in medical payments coverage. Drivers can also purchase $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000 coverage limits without a significant bump in cost.

June 26, 2023

Protecting Pedestrians in Maine: Understanding the Dangers of Pedestrian Accidents

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, causing severe injuries and even fatalities. Maine’s picturesque landscapes and bustling communities make it important for both pedestrians and drivers to be aware of their surroundings and prioritize safety.

According to a recent article, a 13-year-old student was struck by a tractor-trailer while crossing the road after getting off a school bus in Gray. This unfortunate accident occurred during a critical moment when the bus’s stop-arm was extended to indicate that children were entering or exiting the vehicle. The student sustained severe injuries, requiring immediate medical attention.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents is crucial in raising awareness and implementing effective safety measures. Some key factors that contribute to such accidents include:

June 20, 2023

How to Get a Maine Accident Report

by Peter Thompson & Associates

If you are involved in a Maine car accident, you will often notice that the responding officer will interview you and other witnesses, inspect the scene, and record notes. These notes will form the basis of an accident report, which contains a police officer’s observations in the aftermath of a crash. Crucially, the report may also include the officer’s opinions about the accident, including the person they believe was responsible. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Maine car accident, you should request a copy of the accident report as soon as possible.

Why Should You Request an Accident Report?

In the event that you sue the responsible party for negligence, the accident report could support your version of events. If an officer believes that another party’s negligent behavior contributed to the crash, you can introduce the accident report as evidence to support your claim. In addition to helping your claim, an accident report can also negate a defendant’s alternative story of the accident. For example, the defendant may claim you struck their vehicle, but the officer may reach the opposite conclusion. An accident report can thus provide powerful, unbiased evidence from a neutral third party that you were not at fault, or the defendant was more at fault.

In addition to helping your case in a negligence lawsuit, accident reports can also prove helpful in the insurance process. If your vehicle suffers property damage from an accident, you can use the accident report to file a claim with your insurance carrier. If the officer concluded you were not at fault for the accident, you could have a stronger claim for your insurance carrier to cover your expenses.

June 7, 2023

Two Injured in Maine Head-On Collision

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other. This type of car accident can result in severe injury to drivers and passengers. A recent Maine accident demonstrates the serious consequences of a head-on collision.

As a recent news article reported, a head-on collision in Woolwich, Maine, injured two people and killed a dog. The accident occurred when a seafood delivery driver suddenly veered across the roadway and into oncoming traffic. As a result, his delivery van collided with a Subaru head-on. First responders had to remove both drivers from their vehicles. They were transported to the hospital for serious injuries. The Subaru driver’s dog died from the crash. According to local officials, the crash occurred during a period of steady rain.

What Are the Causes of a Head-On Collision?

Many contributing factors can lead to a head-on collision. First, inclement weather may cause the roads to become more slippery, making it harder for drivers to control their vehicles. To prevent a head-on collision, avoid driving in dangerous weather conditions when possible. If you must drive in inclement weather, be sure to drive slowly and look out for any slippery patches on the road. Second, a head-on collision may occur when a driver speeds or attempts to pass a vehicle by veering into the opposite lane. Too often, a driver does not see an oncoming vehicle until it is too late. To stay safe, leave early for your destination so you can resist the urge to speed. Finally, a collision may occur when drivers fail to give their full attention to the road. Distracted driving, drowsy driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can all place you and other drivers at serious risk of a head-on collision. When you get behind the wheel, make sure you focus on the road to avoid a collision.