Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
Due to the sheer force of a head-on collision, these accidents can be particularly dangerous for drivers and their passengers. When people suffer injuries in a head-on collision, they may seek to hold another driver responsible for their harm. However, determining who is at fault for a head-on collision can grow even more complicated when an accident involves more than two vehicles. In these scenarios, more than one driver could have caused the injured person’s harm.
For example, a recent news article reported that two people suffered severe injuries following a head-on collision involving three vehicles in Peru, Maine. A truck was driving on the highway when it passed a car; it then collided with a second truck traveling in the opposite direction. Two of the three drivers were transported to the hospital for serious injuries.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Head-On Collision?
After a head-on collision, an injured plaintiff can file a negligence claim for civil damages. Typically, plaintiffs will receive an award for compensatory damages. This type of damages award is meant to put the injured plaintiff in the same position as if the accident never occurred. Compensatory damages can include medical expenses resulting from the accident, property damage repair, and redress for emotional and psychological harm.
How Does Maine Apportion Fault Among Multiple Defendants?
After a head-on accident involving multiple vehicles, injured plaintiffs may wish to hold more than one driver accountable for the harm they suffered. Under Maine state law, plaintiffs can sue multiple defendants for the same injury. Maine follows the theory of joint and several liability. In negligence lawsuits with multiple defendants. Under this system, a plaintiff can seek the full damages amount from each defendant. This is different from a system that holds each defendant responsible for only their portion of fault for the accident. A plaintiff can recover from each defendant so long as the jury or judge finds each defendant liable for negligence.
Under Maine law, plaintiffs can also recover even if they were partially at fault for the accident. This is known as a comparative negligence scheme. However, plaintiffs should also know that their damages award will be reduced by their proportion of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is 10% at fault for the accident, the plaintiff’s damages award will be reduced by 10%. To prevail on a negligence claim, the plaintiff must show that each defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care, breached that duty by acting carelessly, that the breach caused the accident in question, and that the accident resulted in harm to the plaintiff.
Have You Been Injured in a Maine Head-On Collision?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or died in a Maine head-on collision, you may be entitled to relief. The experienced attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates handle claims involving car, truck, and other road accidents, pedestrian injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation. Through our skilled representation, we have secured significant compensation for our deserving clients. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 800-804-2004 or contact us through our website.