Portland, Maine Car Accident Lawyers
We help injured crash victims demand maximum compensation
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye in Maine. In an instant, your world is forever changed. Whether it’s a rear-end crash on Commercial Street in Portland or a high-speed collision caused by a distracted driver on I-95, all it takes is one small mistake by a reckless or aggressive driver.
Physical pain from injuries and mounting medical bills can create a sense of uncertainty. Constant phone calls from insurance companies pressuring you to accept a lowball settlement offer. During this challenging time, you need an advocate by your side, someone who understands what you’re going through and is ready to fight on your behalf.
“Highly recommend this law group. Worked with me to get my settlement in a timely manner. Very professional.” – David J., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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You don’t have to face this battle alone, because the dedicated and compassionate Portland, Maine car accident attorneys at Romanow Law Group are here to help. We want to assure you that your voice matters and your rights deserve to be protected. We understand the toll a car accident can have on your family, career, and future. That’s why we fight to seek the maximum compensation, so you can begin rebuilding your life.
Reach out to Romanow Law Group. We can guide you through the legal world and pursue the justice you deserve. We know exactly what to do because we have been doing this work for years. That’s why car accident injury victims trust us to fight for their rights, every step of the way in Maine. We don’t just do more. We do whatever it takes to win your case.
Maine car accidents by the numbers
- 156 Car Accident Fatalities Per Year (Average for 2014 – 2024)
- 37 Percent Increase In Car Accident Deaths In Past Decade
- Drunk Driving – 1 out of 3 Car Accident Deaths
- Speeding – 30 Percent of Car Accident Fatalities
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
FAQs about car accident claims in Maine
- What should I do after a car accident in Maine?
- What are the most common types of car accidents?
- What are common car accident injuries?
- What car accident expenses can I be compensated for?
- How much is my Maine car accident worth?
- Should I accept a settlement offer for my car crash?
- Should I file a Maine car accident lawsuit?
- Who can I sue if I’m injured in a Maine car accident?
- Why should I hire a Maine car accident attorney?
What should I do after a car accident in Maine?
After a car accident in Maine, there are a few crucial steps you should take to protect your well-being and your recovery. These steps are also essential for any potential legal action you may pursue.
- Call 911. Contact emergency services as soon as it is safe to do so. They will dispatch medical assistance for you or anyone else if needed. Do not leave the scene until the police arrive.
- Gather evidence. Collecting details at the accident scene is crucial. Take pictures of your crash, your injuries, and damage to the vehicles involved.
- Get the other driver’s information. Obtain the contact information of the other driver as well as their insurance information.
- Resist going into detail. In conversations you have with police or the other driver, keep your comments brief. A slip-up of words could later be used against you.
- Talk to witnesses. If someone saw your accident, get the name and phone number of witnesses as well. Statements from eyewitnesses can be valuable pieces of evidence in support of your case.
- Get your accident report. The police will create an accident report, officially called a State of Maine Crash Report. Your report will serve as evidence in the future. To have easier access to your report and other information about your accident, get the investigating police officer’s name and badge number before you leave your crash site.
- Get medical attention. After the police secure the scene and you get the okay to leave, you should seek further medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it is important to undergo a medical evaluation. Some injuries (including whiplash and concussions) have delayed pain and other symptoms that are not immediately apparent. A doctor can identify any hidden injuries and get started on the necessary medical treatments.
- Call a car accident lawyer. You’ll need to contact your insurance company to report the accident, but it is helpful to call a lawyer beforehand. We can speak with the insurance companies on your behalf and get started right away on building a strong case.
What are the most common types of car accidents?
After a car crash, it's important to understand the legal implications and potential challenges that may arise. Our Maine law firm handles legal cases involving some of the most common types of car accidents:
- Rear-end accidents: The driver who rear-ends another vehicle is typically at fault, but this is not always the case. Establishing liability may involve gathering evidence, such as witness statements and accident reconstruction, to prove negligence. The insurance company will likely also dispute the amount of your damages.
- Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries and complex legal issues. The impact of two vehicles hitting head-on often leaves drivers and passengers seriously injured.
- T-bone accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents can have devastating consequences. Determining liability may depend on factors such as traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and potential driver distractions.
- Hit and runs: Hit-and-run accidents present unique challenges. Seeking legal assistance promptly is crucial to identifying the driver and exploring all available options for compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage.
- Uber/Lyft accidents: If you are involved in an accident while using Uber as a passenger, you may be entitled to compensation, but you need the right lawyer to identify what happened and what your options may be.
- Commercial vehicle accidents: Accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as trucks or delivery vans, often involve multiple parties and complex liability issues. Determining responsibility may involve investigating the driver's actions, vehicle maintenance records, and potential employer negligence.
- Fatal car accidents: In cases of fatal car accidents, the legal process may involve wrongful death claims on behalf of the deceased person's family.
What are common car accident injuries?
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries that often disrupt everyday life. Some injuries heal in a few weeks, while others can have long-term effects that require ongoing medical care. This is why it’s critical that you take your car accident injury seriously and seek immediate medical attention. Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash: Sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck can strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often leaving victims with lasting pain and stiffness.
- Concussions: A blow to the head during a crash can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects memory, focus, and balance.
- Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and other bones are especially vulnerable to fractures in high-impact collisions.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in mobility problems, nerve pain, or even paralysis in severe cases.
- Internal injuries: Collisions can cause internal bleeding or organ damage that may not be visible right away but can become life-threatening.
- Soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments and bruised muscles are common after a crash and can lead to chronic discomfort if untreated.
These injuries highlight why medical evaluations after a crash are so important. Some symptoms are delayed symptoms and do not show up until hours or days later, which is why prompt treatment can protect both your health and your legal case. If your injuries are connected to another driver’s negligence, documenting them from the start makes it easier to secure fair compensation.
What car accident expenses can I be compensated for?
Damages (financial compensation) in car accident claims fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the financial losses you suffered as a direct result of the accident. This can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages that can be measured with a dollar amount. Non-economic damages encompass intangible losses you experience, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on your relationships and mental well-being.
When pursuing a car accident claim in Maine, it's essential to consider both the economic and non-economic damages you have suffered. These damages together paint a comprehensive picture of the impact your accident had on your life. Understanding the nature of damages allows you to seek compensation that covers the full extent of your losses. Here are common expenses to consider when calculating your settlement:
- Medical expenses: This covers the present and future cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other healthcare services related to your injuries.
- Lost earnings: If the accident caused you to miss work or resulted in a diminished earning capacity, you may be entitled to money for lost wages, including current and future income.
- Modifications to your home or vehicle: If your injuries require modifications to your residence or vehicle to accommodate disabilities or limitations, you may be able to seek compensation for the expenses associated with these home repairs or modifications.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering includes physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by your accident. It seeks to compensate you for the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on your overall well-being.
- Loss of quality of life: If your accident has significantly impacted your ability to enjoy life and participate in activities you once enjoyed, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for the loss of enjoyment and diminished quality of life.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases where the at-fault party's actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. This money aims to punish the responsible party if they were, for example, excessively speeding, drunk driving, or engaging in other reckless behaviors behind the wheel.
It's important to note that the availability and number of damages can vary depending on the specific details of your case. With an experienced Portland, Maine car accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your car crash.
How much is my Maine car accident worth?
The value of your car accident claim often depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and how the crash has affected your life. No two cases are alike, which is why it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can carefully calculate how much your case could potentially be worth.
Economic losses, such as hospital bills, physical rehabilitation, and lost wages, often make up the largest part of a claim. However, non-economic damages (financial losses without a specific bill associated with them), such as pain and suffering and reduced quality of life, can also play a major role in the size of your settlement or verdict.
Because each case is different, estimates based on averages are not reliable. A skilled car accident lawyer who understands Maine’s legal system can build a case that reflects your specific situation and total financial impact.
Should I accept a settlement offer for my car crash?
Don’t be surprised if the at-fault driver’s insurance company makes a quick settlement offer after your crash. You might be tempted to accept this offer, but it’s rarely in your best interest. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, which means early offers usually fall far short of what you truly need. Accepting too soon can leave you responsible for all future costs.
It is important to understand the full extent of your injuries and all financial losses before making a decision. Some injuries take time to show their full financial impact. If you accept an offer too soon, you cannot go back and ask for more money later. Reviewing all medical bills, future anticipated medical procedures, and other possible expenses is a key step in this process.
So, what should you do? Talk to a lawyer before you agree to accept a settlement offer. Your Maine car accident attorney can review any offers you receive and decide if it’s a fair amount. And if it’s not, your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and fight for more money.
Should I file a Maine car accident lawsuit?
Sometimes, filing a lawsuit may be the best way to get the money you deserve for your car accident-related expenses in Maine. This is especially true if an insurance company refuses to negotiate and makes a lowball settlement offer that doesn’t even come close to paying for your car accident. A lawsuit then gives you the opportunity to present your case to a judge or jury.
Whether you should file depends on the details of your accident and the response from the insurance company. If your losses are significant and negotiations stall, legal action may be the best option. Lawsuits also send a strong message that you are serious about pursuing justice. After you file a lawsuit, many insurance companies will agree to negotiate in good faith.
If you are considering taking legal action, having an experienced Maine car accident lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Your lawyer can prepare evidence, represent you in court, and fight to protect your rights. You don’t have to fight for your rights alone. Our Maine law firm can help.
Who can I sue if I’m injured in a Maine car accident?
When you’re injured in a Maine car accident, there may be several potential at-fault parties who may be held responsible for paying for your accident. Who you can sue depends on how the crash happened and who contributed to causing it. Identifying all liable parties (those legally responsible for paying for your accident) gives you the best chance at full compensation. Possible at-fault parties you can sue could include:
- Negligent drivers: The most common party sued is the driver whose reckless or careless actions caused the crash.
- Vehicle owners: If the at-fault driver was operating someone else’s car, the owner of the car may also be held responsible.
- Employers: When commercial drivers cause accidents while working, their employers can be liable for damages (financial losses).
- Manufacturers: Defective car parts, such as faulty brakes or airbags, can lead to product liability claims against the manufacturer.
- Government entities: Poorly maintained roads or missing traffic signs may allow claims against government agencies responsible for road safety.
Each of these parties, or others, may have played a role in causing your accident. Sometimes, multiple lawsuits are necessary for obtaining full compensation. Determining liability (who’s responsible for paying for your accident) requires a detailed investigation of your crash. A skilled Maine car accident lawyer can guide you through this process and make sure every responsible party is held accountable.
Why should I hire a Maine car accident attorney?
Having legal representation is the key to obtaining the money you rightfully deserve. The right car accident attorney can give your case the upper hand you need to win.
Our Maine attorneys investigate car accidents, leaving no stone unturned. We gather evidence to build a strong case. We have effective negotiation skills and know how to speak with insurance companies. We know what we have to do to get the job done right. Whether it’s through negotiating the best possible settlement or fighting for your rights in court, we strive for the best outcome possible and the maximum compensation.
At Romanow Law Group, we understand the impact a car crash can have on your life. Our dedicated team of Portland, Maine car accident lawyers is here to provide you with personalized support and guidance throughout the legal process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and give you the advantage in your car accident claim. Together, we will work towards a favorable outcome and help you move forward with confidence.