According to a recent article, a tragic car crash in Lewiston has claimed the lives of three people, including a young mother, her infant daughter, and the child’s father. The Lewiston Police Department confirmed that 20-year-old Adaysia Read died from her injuries over the weekend, days after the late-night crash occurred on Grove Street. Her 7-month-old daughter, Kinsley Willigar, and the vehicle’s driver, 20-year-old Tyrell Willigar of Brunswick, also died as a result of the crash.
Witnesses say the car collided with a tree in a residential yard, and police believe speed was a contributing factor. Both Read and her daughter were initially taken to Central Maine Medical Center in critical condition and later transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Kinsley was pronounced dead the following morning.
Why Speed Matters
Speeding is one of the leading factors in serious and fatal car crashes across the state. When drivers ignore speed limits, they put themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk. The faster a vehicle travels, the less time a driver has to react to sudden hazards, like a pedestrian stepping into the street or a vehicle stopping unexpectedly. High-speed collisions also result in far greater force upon impact, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic injuries or death. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding has been a factor in roughly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities nationwide. In Maine, rural roads and highways are often the site of these high-speed crashes, where drivers may feel more comfortable exceeding posted speed limits.
Common Injuries from High-Speed Crashes
Victims of high-speed accidents often suffer severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and internal injuries
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Long-term psychological trauma
These injuries typically require extensive medical care, rehabilitation and can lead to lasting disabilities that impact a victim’s ability to work or enjoy life.
Speeding and Liability
In personal injury law, a driver who is speeding and causes an accident is often found liable for the resulting damages. Maine follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning a victim can still recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the crash. Proving speeding played a role in the accident is crucial—and that’s where our team steps in.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we work with accident reconstruction experts, gather black box data, and review surveillance or dashcam footage to build a strong case for our clients. We fight to ensure victims receive full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a High-Speed Crash
If you or a loved one has been injured in a high-speed accident, take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the scene with photos or videos, if safe to do so.
- Get witness information from anyone nearby who saw the crash.
- Avoid making statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case.
We’re Here to Help
High-speed accidents change lives in an instant. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we’re committed to helping crash victims throughout Maine seek justice and recover the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been hurt due to another driver’s reckless speed, don’t face the aftermath alone.
Call us at 207-874-0909 today for a free consultation, or visit our website. Let us fight for you, so you can focus on healing.