When a driver speeds on the road, they place themselves and everyone else in danger of a serious car accident. In particular, driving at high speeds can lead drivers to lose control of their vehicles, striking another driver as a result. When a person suffers injuries from a driver’s high speeds, they may bring a negligence lawsuit against the responsible driver.
In one extreme example, a man who caused a high-speed police chase died after striking another driver in Gray, Maine. The incident began in Leeds when police noticed a man driving erratically. Soon after, police in Oxford observed the same man speeding on the highway. An officer followed him south before eventually ending his pursuit because of the unsafe speed at which the man was driving. Then, the man crashed into an oncoming vehicle. Due to his high speed, the other driver could not get his vehicle out of the way in time. The driver was unharmed, but the man who crashed into the driver died at the scene.
What Damages Are Available After a Maine High-Speed Accident?
When a speeding driver crashes into your vehicle, you may be able to seek several types of damages. When bringing a negligence lawsuit, plaintiffs often seek compensatory damages. These damages are intended to place an accident victim in the same position as if the accident had never occurred. Examples of compensatory damages may include medical expenses—including for psychological treatment—funeral expenses, and lost earnings. If the accident damages a plaintiff’s vehicle, they may also seek compensation for property damage. Finally, compensatory damages can cover the emotional harm a person has suffered from the accident, often referred to as “pain and suffering.” Finally, an accident victim’s spouse can sue for loss of consortium, which accounts for the loss of a spouse’s companionship.
Can You Recover Damages if You Were at Fault?
To recover damages in Maine, plaintiffs must be less than 50% at fault for the accident that led to their injuries. Otherwise, they cannot recover any damages from the other drivers involved. However, if a plaintiff’s fault is 49% or less, they can still recover damages. Maine car accident victims should also know that Maine reduces a plaintiff’s damages award by their proportion of fault for the accident. For example, if a plaintiff was 20% at fault, they will receive a 20% reduction in their damages award.
Have You Been Injured in a Maine High-Speed Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maine high-speed accident, contact the Maine personal injury lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates today. Our attorneys possess years of experience representing plaintiffs in Maine personal injury lawsuits. Through our skilled representation, we have secured significant compensatory damages for our clients. For a free initial consultation, call our office at 800-804-2004 or reach out using our website. Calling is free and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.