Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
Crosswalks are some of the most dangerous places for pedestrians in Maine cities and towns. Even with safety infrastructure improvements like signaled and raised crosswalks, fatal accidents involving pedestrians at crosswalks are not uncommon in our state. A recent multi-vehicle accident in Augusta that left two pedestrians injured serves as a reminder of the dangers pedestrians encounter, and the importance of holding irresponsible drivers accountable when people get hurt.
According to a local news report discussing the accident, two pedestrians were crossing the street at an intersection using a crosswalk. When the light changed, the pedestrians were still partially in the intersection when a vehicle rear-ended the car that had stopped for the pedestrians. The front vehicle was pushed into the two pedestrians, resulting in injuries requiring emergency assistance and hospitalization. Although the crash remains under investigation, the article does not mention if the drivers involved were cited or charged with any criminal offense or infraction.
Maine drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk. If a pedestrian starts to cross the street and the light changes before they are out of the roadway, drivers must wait and continue to yield the right of way to the pedestrian. If a driver entered an intersection and injures a pedestrian who was crossing the street, that driver could be civilly or criminally responsible for the injuries, even if the traffic light signaling the driver was green at the moment of the collision.
Maine law requires drivers to be reasonably prudent on the road, considering the circumstances. This demand requires drivers to follow all relevant traffic laws when on the road but also includes other responsibilities that may not be directly applicable to any traffic law. If a pedestrian or driver is injured in some incident or crash, another party may be responsible even if they appear to be following all of the relevant traffic laws leading up to the incident. Additionally, the determination of fault made by law enforcement when initially responding to an accident is not a final legal ruling on who is responsible for any damages related to the accident. While citations and police reports are relevant to a personal injury claim, they are not always accurate, and a thorough independent investigation is often needed to determine liability.
Contact an Experienced Maine Car Accident Lawyer for Immediate Assistance
Arguing who is at fault for a car accident is an important, something frustrating part of pursuing a personal injury claim. Sometimes multiple theories of fault may apply to the same set of facts, and it takes a skilled advocate to devise the best course of action. If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a Maine car accident, retaining quality legal counsel can be critical to your success. The experienced Maine personal injury attorneys with Peter Thompson & Associates can help you prove your case and collect the damages you deserve. We represent Maine clients in most types of personal injury claims, including auto-pedestrian accidents. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today, call us at 1-800-804-2004 or reach out to us through our website.