Maine Injury Lawyer Blog

February 15, 2022

Sherriff’s Offices Wraps Up Investigation into Fatal Maine Car Accident

Last July, a fatal car accident claimed the life of a woman when another motorist attempted to get back into the correct after passing several other vehicles. However, as the passing motorist entered the lane, he clipped another vehicle, causing his vehicle to spin out of control and crash into the woman’s Chevy Trailblazer.

According to a recent news report, the sheriff’s department charged with looking into the fatal accident just concluded its investigation and passed the file off to the local district attorney’s office. The district attorney is now considering whether criminal charges should be filed against the driver responsible for the collision.

Additional Details About the Accident

Evidently, the fatal accident occurred when a westbound Subaru Outback attempted to pass several other vehicles while driving on Surry Road. However, as the driver of the Subaru merged back into his lane, he clipped the side of a Honda Civic, causing him to lose control of his vehicle, which then collided with a Chevy Trailblazer.

February 8, 2022

Drunk Driver Involved in Fatal Accident Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter Charges

by Peter Thompson & Associates

A man who was driving a car that was involved in a fatal 2019 crash in Acadia National Park has pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter in connection with the accident. According to a local news report discussing the legal proceedings, the man had been traveling at around 75 mph on Park Loop Road when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed. The driver was injured in the accident and three passengers who were riding in the vehicle died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The road the man was driving on has a posted speed limit of 25 mph, and he was found to have a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit after the accident.

The man was charged with DUI as well as three counts of manslaughter in connection with the crash. The charges were in question after the man’s attorney successfully argued a motion to suppress the blood test evidence against him in his criminal case. After an appeal by the state of Maine reversed the earlier decision barring evidence, the man decided to plead guilty to the charges against him. As part of the sentencing and restitution process, the families of the victims of his crime may receive some compensation from the defendant for causing their deaths, however, restitution is often woefully insufficient to compensate crime victims and their families.

In addition to criminal restitution, the families of the victims of this crime are entitled to seek damages through a wrongful death claim against the driver of the vehicle. In a wrongful death claim against a negligent or reckless driver, the auto insurance company is required to cover their client’s liability up to the policy limits for liability coverage. Pursuing a civil case in addition to criminal charges is often the best way for crime victims to seek compensation for their losses. The procedural rules that govern a wrongful death claim are more friendly to plaintiffs than in criminal cases, and the types of damages that can be awarded are broader.

January 31, 2022

The Most Dangerous Roads in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

The truth is, an accident can occur on any road, at any time; however, certain roads pose a greater danger than others. Whether it is the way the road is designed, the position of street lights or traffic signals or the amount of traffic at certain times of the day, Maine drivers should be on the lookout for particularly dangerous roads.

According to a recent report, some of the most dangerous roads in Maine include:

Warren Avenue in Portland;

January 25, 2022

Maine School Bus Accident Leaves Eight Children Injured

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Many of us send our kids to school on the school bus every day and rely on these buses to transport our children safely to school and back. Unfortunately, sometimes a bus driver can exercise all of the due diligence and care in the world and external factors can still result in an accident. When the negligence of other drivers results in an injury, those who are responsible must be held accountable for their actions.

According to a recent local news report, a school bus accident left nine people injured, eight of which were children. Local authorities reported that 18 children were on the school bus when a white pick-up truck rear-ended the school bus. Eight children who were on the bus were sent to the hospital with minor injuries, as well as the passenger of the pick-up truck that rear-ended the bus. Police reported that the school bus was attempting to make a stop to pick up a child when it was hit by the truck. The accident remains under investigation.

In Maine, like in many other states, drivers could be ticketed if they do not stop when a school bus puts its stop sign and yellow flashing lights out. Among school bus drivers, other drivers remain their number one concern when it comes to ensuring the safety of the children they transport. Some drivers simply fail to stop and break the law, often because they are distracted while driving. When this takes place, bus drivers are encouraged to provide radio dispatch with a description of the vehicle and driver, the plate number, and the street and time that the incident happened, so that law enforcement can locate and ticket the driver. According to some school bus operators, there is sometimes as frequent as one violation per day in Maine.

January 18, 2022

Winter Weather Car Accidents in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to the most recent data from the Maine Department of Transportation, the state has about 23,450 miles of public roadways; this is more miles per person than any other state in New England. While the state engages in various measures to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors, accidents continue to occur at alarming rates. Every year the state spends nearly 20% on measures to control ice and remove snow. Although deicing, plowing, improving traction, and promoting melting all reduce the likelihood of road hazards, winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Weather-related crashes can stem from sudden rainstorms, snow accumulation, black ice, and a host of other events that can impact roads. In these situations, accidents may involve single vehicles to chain-reaction pileups. Every year almost 6,000 people suffer fatal injuries in winter-related accidents. Unlike many other states where snow is a leading culprit, most New England accidents involve rain and slick roads. However, the most dangerous weather events generally involve rain, snow, freezing rain, slush, fog, and wind. When these forces combine, the results can be devastating.

For instance, Maine news reports described a tragic single-vehicle accident. According to reports, the 81-year-old driver lost control of his car, veered off the road, and slammed into a tree. An initial investigation revealed that inclement weather and improper tires likely contributed to the collision. Sadly, the man died at the scene of the accident.

January 10, 2022

New Year’s Eve Crash in Maine Kills One

by Peter Thompson & Associates

New Year’s Eve is known as one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Motorists who aren’t usually out on the road find themselves driving back from late-night celebrations. Adding to the risks is the fact that a much higher rate of drivers than normal are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And while drivers must take special care when navigating the roads over any holiday weekend, this is especially the case when New Year’s Eve falls on a weekend as it did this year.

According to a local news report, one person was killed and another seriously injured in a head-on accident that occurred on New Year’s Eve. Evidently, a 39-year-old man was driving southbound near the Route 129/Route 130 split in Lincoln County. At some point, the driver crossed over the middle line, crashing into an oncoming motorist’s vehicle.

The driver of the struck vehicle, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, suffered fatal injuries in the collision. The at-fault driver was wearing a seatbelt and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. There was also a young child in that vehicle, who was secured in a car seat. The child suffered minor injuries but is expected to make a full recovery.

December 31, 2021

The Number of Maine Pedestrian Accidents Continue to Increase, Despite Cold Weather

by Peter Thompson & Associates

As with any holiday, accidents are more frequent when Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are taking place. In fact, behind Halloween, New Year’s Eve is often the most dangerous day of the year for drivers and pedestrians alike. Sometimes, however, traveling during the holidays is inevitable, whether it happens by foot or by car. Thus, Maine pedestrians and drivers alike should exercise caution this holiday, so that they can celebrate the end of 2021 and welcome 2022 safely.

According to a recent local news report, a woman was struck by a car while on a walk. Local authorities reported that the woman was walking against traffic with her six-year-old son when she was hit by a Subaru. Although the woman’s son was not hit or injured by the car, the woman was transported to a local hospital, where she later died. The driver of the Subaru was also taken to a separate hospital and treated for minor injuries. An investigation into the details of the accident is ongoing.

In 2019 alone, 6,205 pedestrians died from pedestrian accidents, and a pedestrian was killed every 85 minutes in traffic crashes. To best protect yourself and your loved ones while walking, these tips below will help you stay proactive about safety while celebrating the season.

December 24, 2021

The Rights of Maine Pedestrian Accident Victims

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Pedestrians have the right to use the state’s public walkways to travel and cross the road safely. However, every year thousands of Maine pedestrians suffer injuries because of negligent drivers. According to recent data by the Governors Highway Safety Association, Maine has experienced a rise in pedestrian fatalities. The rate of pedestrian deaths in the state tripled between 2018 and 2019.

Recently, a local news source reported on a Maine accident involving a pedestrian. According to the police, the investigation is in its initial phase. However, the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. near Bangor, Maine. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries, and emergency responders rushed the pedestrian to a local hospital for treatment.

The inherent lack of protection between pedestrians and vehicles naturally makes these accidents and subsequent injuries more devastating than two-vehicle crashes. Many victims experience:

December 18, 2021

Staying Safe This Holiday as a Pedestrian in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

During this time of year, everything feels a little more chaotic and busy because of the holidays. As people rush to finish their holiday shopping and preparations for hosting or seeing friends and family, Maine roads and sidewalks are more congested than ever. With this in mind, it is crucial that drivers and pedestrians alike remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings both to maintain personal safety, but also the safety of others.

According to a recent local news report, a Maine pedestrian died after being struck by a pickup truck. Local authorities reported that the woman was pronounced dead on the scene and that the driver of the pickup truck has been identified and is cooperating with the process. Police have declined to release any additional details surrounding the crash as the accident remains under investigation.

Maine, unfortunately, is no stranger to similar pedestrian deaths and related accidents. Between 2016 and 2020, there were 1,324 total pedestrian highway crashes in Maine. More than 90 percent of these crashes resulted in injuries, with the remaining 10 percent resulting in fatalities or property damage only.

December 10, 2021

Recovering Damages After a DUI/OUI Accident in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

In Maine, operating under the influence (OUI) refers to drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 people die in drunk driving accidents every day. These preventable deaths take a toll on victims, their families, and the community as a whole. Those who have suffered injuries or whose loved ones died because of a drunk, or impaired driver may be able to recover compensation for their damages.

Alcohol reduces brain function, including a person’s ability to effectively reason, think, and control their muscles. These abilities are critical to operating a vehicle safely, and any impairment can have disastrous consequences. An increase in a person’s alcohol level simultaneously negatively affects their central nervous system functioning. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can affect a person’s driving ability. Further, interactions between alcohol and other substances can increase impairment and the likelihood of an accident.

For instance, local news reports provided details regarding a multi-vehicle crash in Maine. According to Deputies, an SUV driver veered into the center line and slammed into a dump truck, a Hyundai, and then a Silverado. Emergency responders transported the SUV driver’s occupants and the Silverado driver to a local hospital for treatment. An investigation reveals that alcohol impairment and speed may contribute to the accident.