Car Accident Laws in Maine: Key Steps to Take After an Accident
Car accidents can happen unexpectedly, even to the safest drivers. Knowing what to do in the aftermath can help protect your rights and make handling the situation easier. Here’s a guide to the essential steps if you’re involved in a car accident in Maine.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Maine:
If you’re in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, Maine law requires you to report the incident to state or local police.
Step-by-Step Actions to Take:
- Check for Injuries
Make sure everyone involved, including yourself and your passengers, is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. - Move to a Safe Location
If possible, move your vehicle off the road to prevent further accidents. Assist the other party if it’s safe to do so. - Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be useful for insurance claims or legal actions. - Exchange Information
You are legally required to exchange insurance information with any other drivers involved. Do not leave the scene until this has been done.
Who to Notify After a Car Accident in Maine:
After you leave the accident scene, make sure to inform the following parties:
- Local Police (if they weren’t already on the scene)
- The Local DMV (optional but beneficial for record-keeping)
- Your Insurance Company (report the accident to start a claim)
When Should You Report the Accident to the Police?
It’s generally recommended to report the accident to law enforcement as soon as possible. If police are already on the scene, a report will automatically be filed, and you do not need to take further action with them.
Reporting the Accident to the DMV:
While Maine doesn’t require you to report an accident directly to the DMV, accident information will be accessible through the Maine State Police Crash Database. You can request a copy of the report for a small fee if you need it for a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance claim.
Why Work with a Legal Professional?
If you’re considering a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident, working with a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the legal process effectively. Legal Chiefs can connect you with experienced attorneys who specialize in car accident cases in Maine.
Find an Auto Accident Injury Attorney Today
Auto Accident FAQ
What should I do immediately after an auto accident?
Your first and foremost action following an accident is to stay calm, check if you or anyone else involved has been injured, and call the police. Get the name and contact information of all parties involved in the accident as well as any witnesses of the event. To document the damage, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles, and your injuries. It’s important not to admit liability until you hire an attorney because they will conduct a thorough investigation to establish the driver at fault.
Should I seek medical treatment after an auto accident, even if I feel fine?
Right after a car accident, you may feel fine, but injuries can surface days, weeks, and even months later. That’s why it’s good to see a doctor even if you don’t believe you were injured in the accident. Your doctor can recognize issues or injuries that won’t immediately become apparent to you and alert you to warning signs of injuries that may arise due to the accident. If you fail to treat your injuries within a certain period of time, you may forfeit your right to get reimbursement for future medical costs. The general rule is not to settle auto accident claims without having been examined by a medical professional.
Do I have to go to court if I decide to file an auto injury claim?
In most cases, you won’t have to go to court. The majority of auto accident claims are resolved outside of court after negotiating the terms with the insurer. Most insurance companies generally try to settle claims as quickly as possible and for as little money as possible, so it’s wise to have an attorney negotiate on your behalf.
What information is necessary when filing auto accident claims?
In addition to taking pictures of the accident scene and taking the contact information of the involved parties and witnesses, your detailed explanation of how the accident happened is also necessary to file a claim. Law enforcement reports of the accident will also serve as crucial evidence in your claim.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
Many factors determine the driver at fault in an auto accident case. Do not accept any part of the blame until the investigation has concluded. Even if the investigation finds that you are partially at fault, you may still be entitled to receive compensation. There are cases when the victim also shares part of the blame for an accident. If, for example, you were driving five to ten mph over the speed limit when the accident happened, this would have limited your reaction time, and you could likely be considered a negligent driver even if you weren’t the one to cause the crash. Different states have different ways of settling auto accident claims where more than one driver is at fault. So it’s best to check the specific laws in your state (or the state where the accident took place) or discuss the matter with your auto accident injury lawyer.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, or I’m the victim of a hit-and-run accident?
It happens surprisingly often that people get into an auto accident where the driver at fault doesn’t have insurance. In these situations, it’s wise to have an auto insurance policy that comes with Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. That way, if you get into an accident and the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you will still be able to file your claim under the UM coverage you have with your own insurance company. Your insurer will then process the claim following the same process as it would for an opposing insurer. The only difference is that the claim will be against your UM coverage and not against another driver. Likewise, if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident where the responsible driver fled the scene before you could take their information, you can again seek compensation from your UM coverage.
What type of damages could I be entitled to in an auto accident case?
Suppose you suffered injuries after an auto accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence. In that case, there are two main types of damages that you may seek compensation for: compensatory (a.k.a. monetary) and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are the most common type of damages in a personal injury claim, and they often include: ● Current and future medical bills ● Property damage ● Emotional duress ● Lost wages ● Loss of enjoyment of life ● Loss of future earnings potential On the other hand, punitive damages are much rarer, but they can occur in situations where the vehicle manufacturer is to blame.