Car accidents are a disruptive and painful reality of life in Maine. If you’ve been injured in a collision, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Beyond the physical pain and emotional stress, you’re likely facing questions about medical bills, lost income, and dealing with insurance companies. You shouldn’t have to face this challenging time alone. At internetlawyers.net, we connect you with experienced legal professionals, and we understand that when you’re searching for “The Best Accident Lawyer Near Me,” you need someone who can provide immediate support and guidance.
Our network of Maine car accident lawyers is dedicated to helping you recover and fight for the compensation you deserve. We know that searching for the right legal representation can be daunting, especially when you are already dealing with the aftermath of an accident. Let us simplify this process and connect you with a skilled Maine car accident lawyer who will prioritize your recovery while advocating for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
What To Do Immediately Following A Car Accident in Maine
The moments and days following a car accident are crucial. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your potential legal claim. Here’s what you should do after a high-speed accident in Maine:
- Remain at the Scene if Possible and Safe: Your safety is paramount. Only stay at the accident scene if it is safe to do so, away from traffic and further hazards.
- Call 911 and Emergency Services: Contact law enforcement and emergency medical personnel immediately. Police presence ensures an official accident report is filed, which is vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Medical responders can assess injuries and provide immediate care.
- Exchange Information Carefully: Exchange essential information with other drivers involved, including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration details. Avoid discussing fault or the details of the accident beyond what is necessary for identification.
- Document the Scene Thoroughly: Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Jot down notes about the accident while your memory is fresh, including the time, weather, and any contributing factors you observed. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Even if you feel initially unharmed, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical attention not only ensures your health but also creates a crucial record of your injuries linked to the accident.
- Consult with an Attorney Before Speaking to Insurance Companies: Before giving statements to insurance adjusters (including your own), it’s wise to speak with a car accident lawyer. Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, and a lawyer can protect your rights and advise you on what to say and what not to say. When you search for “the best accident lawyer near me,” you are looking for someone who can guide you through these critical early stages.
- Meticulously Document Expenses and Lost Income: Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, prescription costs, therapy, vehicle repair estimates, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses. Also, document any lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries. This documentation is essential for pursuing a compensation claim.
- Focus on Your Recovery: Healing should be your priority. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, attend therapy if needed, and allow yourself time to recover both physically and emotionally. Knowing you have legal support handling the complexities of your claim can significantly reduce stress and allow you to concentrate on getting better.
Car Accident Lawyer Maine
Common Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents in Maine
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe and life-altering. In Maine, common car accident injuries include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: From minor fractures to complex breaks requiring surgery, bone injuries are frequent in car accidents.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage with long-term cognitive and physical effects.
- Concussions: A milder form of TBI, concussions still require medical attention and can cause headaches, dizziness, and cognitive issues.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden neck movements during a crash can cause whiplash, sprains, and strains in the neck and shoulder area.
- Back Injuries: Car accidents can cause various back injuries, including muscle strains, ligament damage, and herniated discs.
- Herniated Discs: These injuries occur when the soft cushion between vertebrae is damaged, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.
- Sprains and Strains: These soft tissue injuries involve stretching or tearing of ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains).
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can result in spinal cord damage, potentially causing paralysis or loss of function.
- Lacerations and Bruising: Cuts, scrapes, and bruises are common and can range from minor to deep wounds requiring medical treatment.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, car accidents can cause significant emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These psychological injuries are just as valid and deserving of attention as physical ones.
It’s important to remember that even seemingly minor injuries can have long-term consequences. Seeking prompt medical attention and consulting with a Maine car accident lawyer is crucial to protect your health and legal rights, ensuring all injuries, both visible and invisible, are properly addressed in your claim.
Frequent Causes of High-Speed Car Crashes in Maine
Many car accidents, particularly high-speed collisions, are caused by driver negligence. Negligence, in legal terms, refers to a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle, leading to an accident. Common examples of negligent driving behaviors in Maine include:
- Distracted Driving: This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for conditions significantly increases the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal and drastically reduces reaction time and judgment, leading to numerous accidents.
- Reckless Driving: This encompasses aggressive behaviors like excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic laws.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and improper lane changes are common causes of collisions.
- Driver Fatigue: Driving while tired impairs judgment and reaction time, similar to driving under the influence.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Driving too fast or failing to adjust driving behavior for rain, snow, ice, or fog can lead to accidents.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: Although less frequent, mechanical failures like brake issues or tire blowouts can cause accidents. In some cases, improper vehicle maintenance or manufacturing defects can be the root cause and involve liability beyond the driver.
To build a strong car accident claim, it’s essential to gather evidence demonstrating the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. Experienced Maine car accident lawyers are adept at collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions to establish fault and maximize your compensation.
Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
A concerning reality is that some drivers in Maine operate vehicles without insurance or with insufficient coverage to fully compensate for accident damages. However, being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver does not automatically mean you are without recourse.
Maine law and insurance policies often include provisions for Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. Your own insurance policy may provide coverage in these situations, even if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
An experienced Maine car accident lawyer can:
- Review your insurance policy to determine the extent of your UM/UIM coverage.
- Investigate the at-fault driver’s insurance status and assets.
- Handle the claim process with your own insurance company, as these claims can be complex and adversarial, despite it being your own insurer.
- Explore all potential avenues of compensation, including personal injury lawsuits against the at-fault driver, if appropriate.
Navigating UM/UIM claims can be challenging. Having a skilled attorney advocate for you ensures your rights are protected and you pursue all available compensation.
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims in Maine
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your losses. Maine law allows for various types of recoverable damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all medical bills related to your accident injuries, including emergency care, hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and future medical care needs.
- Lost Wages: You can recover lost income if your injuries have caused you to miss work, both past and future lost earnings if your earning capacity is diminished.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries and the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss of quality of life.
- Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Emotional Distress: In some cases, compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident is recoverable.
- Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a fatality, the deceased’s family can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and financial support.
A dedicated Maine car accident lawyer will thoroughly assess your case to identify all applicable damages and aggressively pursue maximum compensation on your behalf, ensuring all your losses are accounted for.
Contact The Best Accident Lawyer Near Me in Maine Today
When you’re searching for “the best accident lawyer near me” after a car accident in Maine, look no further. Our network of experienced and compassionate Maine car accident attorneys is ready to provide you with the legal support you need during this challenging time.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take. Our priority is to guide you through the legal process, handle communication with insurance companies, and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. With our extensive experience in Maine personal injury law, we are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of your case and advocate for your best interests.
Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us connect you with a leading Maine car accident lawyer who will prioritize your recovery and help you rebuild your life. We have multiple locations across Maine for your convenience, ensuring accessible legal support when you need it most. Take the first step towards recovery and justice – reach out to us now.
