Earlier this month, a Maine car accident in Lisbon sent five to the hospital, three of whom remained hospitalized for more than 24 hours with critical injuries. According to a local news report covering the accident, the two vehicles, a Subaru and a Chrysler, were headed in opposite directions on Route 196, also known as Lisbon Road, early in the afternoon. For unknown reasons, the Subaru crossed into the opposite lane of traffic and collided with the Chrysler. The crash was so severe that Route 196 was closed for two and a half hours afterward, and police are still investigating exactly what happened.
All five people involved—an older couple in the Chrysler and a young couple with an infant in the Subaru—were taken to the hospital after the crash. Unfortunately, the passengers of both cars, a 71-year-old woman and a 29-year-olf woman, remained in critical condition more than 24 hours later. The latter suffered very severe upper-body injuries and had to be taken to the Intensive Care Unit. The driver of the Subaru, presumed to be at-fault, also suffered severe injuries.
When an accident occurs as a result of a driver’s mistake, Maine law allows the victims to hold the at-fault party responsible, usually through a negligence action. Under Maine personal injury law, all drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care on the road, to avoid injuring others. If they breach that duty, a plaintiff injured by their actions – whether it be intoxicated driving, distracted driving, or reckless driving—may be able to hold them liable.
In order to do establish a case of negligence, a plaintiff must prove: (1) that a duty was owed; (2) that the duty was breached; (3) that the breach of duty was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries; and (4) the plaintiff suffered actual injuries. The plaintiff will be required to supply evidence of the cost of the injuries, such as medical bills or proof of lost wages. While this process might seem straight forward, it can be deceivingly difficult, especially because failure to prove even one of the above elements can completely bar a claim. Thus, accident victims in Maine are encouraged to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney about their claim, to ensure the greatest chance of success.
Do You Need a Maine Personal Injury Attorney?
If you or a loved one have recently been injured in a Maine car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates today to discuss your claims. Our experienced attorneys handle cases all across the state of Maine, and are familiar with common barriers facing plaintiffs and how to overcome them. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you and your loved ones receive the compensation you deserve. If successful, you may receive compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more, call 800-804-2004 today to schedule a free consultation. Calling is risk-free, as our firm will not charge you anything for our services unless we can help you obtain compensation.