Maine Injury Lawyer Blog

July 26, 2022

Three Maine Drivers Injured in Multi-Car Collision

Too often, we meet with clients who are victims of car accidents that could have easily been avoided. For many clients, the accidents they report are the result of erratic driving and brief moments in which one driver is not paying attention to the road. Unfortunately, these collisions can sometimes be the worst we encounter in our practice, and the injuries that result can often be detrimental. However, accident victims can pursue a personal injury lawsuit seeking monetary compensation for the damages they sustained in an accident. These cases can make a great difference in a victim’s life, providing them with money pay for all their medical expenses, lost wages, as well as the non-economic impact the accident had on their life.

One such accident happened one recent Sunday afternoon. According to a local news report from Goldsboro, two cars were driving on the road over the weekend when one driver made a snap decision that resulted in costly injuries. At the intersection of Route 1 and Clinic Road, a Jeep was stopped at an intersection when another car drove in front of a third car near the stoplight. The second and third cars collided, sliding into the Jeep that had been stopped at the intersection. All three cars were caught up in the accident, and a witness nearby called 911 immediately.

Passengers involved in the crash were immediately taken to the hospital. Several were released and deemed to be only minorly hurt, but three were kept for surveillance for additional treatment due to the severity of their injuries.

July 26, 2022

Two Dogs Ejected from Vehicle in Harrowing Maine Rollover

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Nighttime driving is usually more hazardous than daytime travel for various reasons. Low visibility, erratic drivers, and unpredictable weather conditions all can increase the danger. of driving at night. Some of the largest concerns with nighttime driving are fatigue and drowsiness, which result in accidents that kill hundreds of Americans each year. Drowsy driving has been blamed for a recent crash in Maine which injured at least one person and nearly killed two dogs that were ejected from a vehicle involved.

According to a local news report discussing the recent crash, the two vehicles involved were traveling along I-95 near Lincoln when the driver of the trailing SUV appeared to fall asleep at the wheel. The trailing car then rear-ended the other vehicle, causing both vehicles to lose control and roll over into the shoulder. According to the report, two dogs were thrown from the front vehicle as it rolled over. Fortunately, although both animals were injured as a result of the crash, they have since been safely returned to their owners.

Although the animals involved in this recent accident have been safely returned home, that is not always the case with pets involved in auto accidents. If someone’s pet is injured or killed in an auto accident caused by the negligence of another driver, they may be able to recover damages from the at-fault driver. Car insurance policies cover injuries to people involved in a crash, but animals are not covered in the same way. Although many pet owners see their pets as family, auto insurance coverage for bodily injury liability will not cover injuries suffered to an animal.

July 10, 2022

Fourth of July DUI Accidents in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Drunk and impaired driving continues to pose serious hazards throughout the country. Despite widespread public service campaigns about the dangers of drunk driving and enhanced law enforcement presence, drunk driving continues to be a problem in Maine.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Independence Day week was forecasted to be the deadliest in 2022. Previously from 2016 to 2020, there were over 1300 fatalities over the Fourth of July period, and over 40% of the drivers who died were drunk. Thus, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and anyone else using the road over the Fourth of July weekend should use special care to avoid an accident.

Of course, no amount of care can avoid every accident. Drunk drivers, by definition, are operating with impaired judgment. Thus, these accidents tend to occur randomly and without any advance notice. A drunk driver may run through a red light, cross over the median, or drift up onto the sidewalk, giving potential victims almost no time to react.

June 26, 2022

Holiday Weekend Car Accidents in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury in the United States, with Memorial Day as one of the six holiday periods with an increased number of fatal car accidents. As the Fourth of July quickly approaches, Maine drivers should take heed of the statistics and cautiously approach the roadways.

There are many reasons why car accidents are more common during holiday weekends. While the reasons may vary between winter and summary holidays, the outcomes of either accident can be deadly. Some common reasons for holiday weekend accidents include:

Drunk and impaired driving;
Inexperience with the roadways;
Increased nighttime driving; and
Increased traffic.

Those involved in an accident during a holiday weekend may experience serious injuries. These injuries may be exacerbated as traffic jams can delay emergency responders from arriving at the scene quickly. Thus, it is important that those who suffer injuries or lose a loved one in an accident contact an experienced attorney to discuss their rights and remedies.

June 20, 2022

Determining Fault After a Maine Multi-Car Accident

by Peter Thompson & Associates

In 2020, there were 35,766 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Accidents vary in severity and may involve multiple injuries and/or multiple cars. Accidents that involve more than two cars can be tricky to navigate, especially when attempting to determine who was at fault. Maine is a state that falls under the traditional fault system to determine how those injured in a car accident can be compensated. In other words, the driver who is found to be legally at fault for the accident will bear responsibility for damages. Damages include any losses that are the result of the accident, which may include medical expenses, lost wages due to inability to work, and property damage to vehicles.

In a recent news report, a devastating three-car crash in Lewiston, Maine resulted in one fatality and multiple serious injuries. The accident occurred at the intersection of Lisbon Street and Scribner Boulevard. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident involved a Ford traveling inbound on Lisbon Street and the vehicle struck a Volvo at a high speed while the Volvo was stopped at a red light. The force of the collision pushed the Volvo into a 2017 Chevy Cargo Van. The driver of the Ford was arrested and charged with violating probation, and additional charges are expected, including operating a motor vehicle under suspension. At the time of the report, the other individuals injured in the crash were in stable condition.

It is important to note that all states have a statute of limitations for car accident claims, which is the deadline after which a person can no longer take legal action after being involved in a car accident. If the statute of limitations deadline passes, a person is no longer able to take legal action. In Maine, individuals typically have up to 6 years to file a lawsuit in court after a car accident to take legal action against the driver at fault.

June 10, 2022

Hit and Run Accident in Maine Leads to Severe Injuries for Couple

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Hit-and-Run crashes and fatalities happen at alarming rates and can lead to severe injuries and consequences for all parties involved. According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in 2015, hit-and-run crashes occurred somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds, and in 2016 there were 2,049 fatalities that resulted from hit-and-run crashes. Additionally, a study conducted by ValuePenguin found that fatal hit-and-runs increased by 44 percent between 2010 and 2019.

In a recent news report, a well-known couple from Cornville suffered from severe injuries on their motorcycle after they were struck by a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign and fled the scene. The hit-and-run accident occurred at the intersection of Route 43 and Boardman Road in Maine. The vehicle that struck the motorcycle failed to stop at the stop sign and drove through the intersection. The injured couple was wearing helmets at the time of the crash but suffered severe injuries including broken bones. Both the jeep and the motorcycle were impounded.

A witness followed the perpetrator of the hit-and-run after he fled the scene, and neighbors helped capture the driver and held him until police arrived to arrest him. The driver of the vehicle was given a blood test and charged with aggravated operating under the influence, aggravated driving to endanger, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury. His bail was set at $50,000.

May 31, 2022

Understanding Criminal vs. Civil Claims in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Sometimes, when you are involved in a car accident, the at-fault party who caused the accident may have been operating their vehicle negligently or recklessly because they were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In these situations, the at-fault party may be prosecuted criminally for driving under the influence—but this is a distinct proceeding from any personal injury claims you may be considering bringing against the at-fault party for compensation. Understanding the distinction between the criminal suit against the at-fault party and your civil personal injury lawsuit is crucial to the success of your claim and to ensuring that you are able to recover the damages you deserve for your losses.

According to a recent local news report, two individuals died following a major rear-end accident. The driver of a Chevrolet and her passenger were struck from behind by a Dodge pickup truck when the Chevrolet driver lost control of her car, spun off the side of the road, and crashed into a tree. Neither the Chevrolet driver nor her passenger had been wearing seatbelts and were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Dodge truck and his passenger were uninjured, but police suspect that speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors in the accident. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the accident and reconstruct the crash.

May 26, 2022

Head-On Car Accident in Maine Leads to Multiple Injuries

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Every day, drivers and passengers take on the risks of possible injury that can result from car crashes. It can be tricky to determine which driver caused an accident, but it’s an important part of tort litigation in cases concerning car accidents.

Maine is an at-fault state, which means that the driver who caused the accident must use their insurance to pay for the other driver’s bills (i.e. medical bills or property damage bills) that resulted from the collision. To determine fault, the court and insurance companies use evidence from the crash, such as the police report, videos, photos, and reports from eyewitnesses.

For example, a news report from News Center Maine provided information about a two-vehicle head-on car crash that took place on Federal Road, or Route 4, in Livermore in April. Four people were brought to the hospital as a result of the crash. The four individuals who were involved in the accident were treated for moderate to severe injuries. The crash caused traffic to be redirected. An investigation into the cause of the crash must occur, including an investigation into which driver may have been at fault.

May 17, 2022

Preventing Maine Bicycle and Vehicle Crashes

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Maine biking accidents can have disastrous effects on cyclists, pedestrians, and any road user in the vicinity. The cyclist experiences the most significant injuries and subsequent damages in many cases. As a result of the growing concern about bike accidents in Maine and throughout the country, the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) lead a study to understand the prevalence and risk factors of bicycle crashes. The NTSB analyzed crash and injury data and interviewed national and local traffic safety stakeholders.

The agency identified three primary safety issue areas in the report: (1) improving roadway infrastructure for bicyclists, (2) enhancing conspicuity, and (3) mitigating head injury. According to the study, while more bike crashes involving motor vehicles occur at intersections, crash severity is higher when an accident occurs at a midblock location. The agency asserts that improving public road infrastructure with distinct bike lanes and road diets can reduce the likelihood of accidents at intersections and midblock crossings. Road diets refer to a roadway reconfiguration that eliminates travel from the road and utilizes space for other uses, such as bicycles.

Further, although there are different reasons why drivers and bikers may not detect each other in time to prevent an accident, enhancing conspicuity can reduce these occurrences. Cyclists wearing reflective clothing, bikes with lights, and in-vehicle crash warning systems could alert motorists to bicycle traffic. Finally, because head injury is the leading cause of bike-related deaths, bike helmets are an effective way to mitigate this concern.

May 10, 2022

Hockey Trainers Allege Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals from the Operation of Ice Resurfacing Equipment.

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Anyone who has watched a hockey game in person is probably aware of the ubiquitous Zamboni ice resurfacing machine. The Zamboni is a vehicle similar to a commercial or industrial floor cleaner, which smooths the ice surface to make it appropriate for a professional hockey game. The standard Zamboni, which has been used for decades, runs on an internal combustion engine and emits known carcinogens in its exhaust. When used in a semi-enclosed space over extended periods of time, Zambonis may present a health risk to anyone regularly present while the machines are in use. Two athletic trainers for the Philadelphia Flyers professional hockey team have filed a lawsuit against the team and facilities, alleging they have developed health problems as a result of the defendants’ unsafe use of Zambonis.

According to the facts discussed in a local news report describing the recently filed case, the two plaintiffs have been employed by the team for over 15 years, and each was repeatedly exposed to the Zamboni machines extensively while the teams were practicing. The plaintiffs’ claims allege that each of the men developed essential thrombocythemia, which is a rare blood disorder that may be linked to the carcinogens present in the Zamboni exhaust. One of the plaintiffs has also developed a type of blood cancer that may be linked to the chemicals The plaintiffs further allege that the defendants knew or should have known of the carcinogenic risk from using the Zambonis as they did. Furthermore, the plaintiffs noted that there are effective alternatives to a Zamboni that do not utilize an internal combustion engine that emits carcinogens, and such machinery could have should have been used instead of the Zambonis.

Although the case has only recently been filed and the defendants have responded that the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit, the plaintiffs may be entitled to a significant settlement or judgment if they can demonstrate that the defendants knew of the dangers to the plaintiffs, kept them in the dark about it, and repeatedly allowed them to be exposed to the dangerous chemicals. When exposure to dangerous chemicals results in permanent health problems, the damages awarded can be substantial.