Maine Car Accident Attorney

How The Goldwater Law Firm Can Help

The Goldwater Law Firm has been helping the injured pursue compensation and justice after acts of negligence for over twenty years. We partner with some of the largest and most successful law firms nationwide to connect you with dedicated legal representation.

A lawyer can help you by:

• Filing all necessary paperwork, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Investigating the accident to determine all liable parties
• Gathering evidence to support your accident claim
• Negotiating with the insurance company
• Advising you during the settlement process
• Representing you in court, when necessary

In addition, you can expect your lawyer to keep you updated throughout the legal process. They will answer your questions in a timely manner and support you during the entirety of your case.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Maine?

Car accidents can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma. The effects of these injuries can be lifelong, including limiting your mobility, endangering your financial future, and causing you lasting physical pain. Fair compensation accounts for your present and future needs after an accident.

You may qualify for compensation that covers losses like:

Medical Expenses

These include doctor appointments, emergency medical services, surgeries, diagnostic exams and testing, and physical therapy. In addition to past and present medical bills related to your injuries, you may also be eligible for compensation accounting for expected future medical needs.

Property Damage

This includes repairs for damage to your vehicle and, if necessary, replacement of your car. It can also include other property damaged during the accident.

Job-Related Losses

Whether you miss a substantial amount of work while recovering or your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may qualify for coverage of your lost wages or diminished earning capacity.

Non-Economic Losses

Non-economic damages include losses that aren’t directly financial, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfiguration, and lowered quality of life.

Other Related Losses

Other economic costs, such as home modifications to address a change in your mobility levels or gas to go to and from medical appointments, may all be recoverable.

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one tragically passed away due to a car accident, we are so sorry for your loss. While financial compensation cannot bring your loved one back, it may alleviate some of the financial stress a loss can cause. You may qualify to recover compensation for your loved one’s medical bills related to the accident, the loss of their economic support, the loss of their companionship, and funeral expenses.

If you’re facing an uncertain financial future after an accident caused by someone else, an attorney can help. Contact The Goldwater Law Firm to be connected with one of our co-counsels in your area.

How Do Attorneys Prove Negligence?

To pursue financial compensation after an automobile accident, your lawyer must prove that another party’s negligence directly led to the losses you’ve suffered.

Negligent parties may include:

• Other drivers
• Companies, if a commercial vehicle was involved in the accident
• Manufacturers, if a defective part played a role
• Government entities, if hazardous road conditions were a factor

Your lawyer will investigate, ensuring that all negligent parties are held responsible for their actions. They may investigate by:

Interviewing Witnesses

Witnesses can include eyewitnesses, such as bystanders, other drivers, passengers, and expert witnesses. For example, a bystander may be able to offer impartial testimony about the negligent driver’s actions, while an accident reconstructionist can use evidence to show how the accident likely occurred.

Obtaining Video and Photos

Depending on where your accident took place, there may be photographic or video evidence available from:

• Security cameras
• Traffic cameras
• Dashcams
• Cell phones

Reviewing Accident-Related Documents

Your lawyer can request any helpful documents or records for your case. These might include:

• The police report from the accident
• Phone records, if needed, to prove that the at-fault party was distracted before or during the collision
• Maintenance logs on commercial vehicles

Important Maine Laws to Know

While many local, state, and federal laws may apply to your case, there are two state laws to pay particular attention to:

The Statute of Limitations

In Maine, you generally have six years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions to this deadline, so it’s essential to discuss any concerns with your personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Maine follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this law, you can pursue compensation from an at-fault party even when you hold some fault for the accident.

However, you are barred from recovering compensation if you are more than 49% at fault. Additionally, your percentage of blame will reduce your recoverable compensation. For example, if your final damage award is $100,000 in losses, but you were 35% at fault, you can only recover $65,000.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident

Protecting your health and preserving your legal right to compensation go hand-in-hand after an accident. Below are some steps to take if you’ve been in a motor vehicle crash.

You should:

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Call the police to report the accident.
• Document the accident by taking photographs of the accident scene and your visible injuries.
• Avoid talking to insurance adjusters without your lawyer present.
• Avoid posting about the accident on social media, as the insurer can use your posts against you.

If you cannot take any of these steps on your own, your attorney can assist you.

Can You Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Accident Case?

Yes. The majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you have no upfront costs; instead, you pay your lawyer’s fees only when they recover compensation for you.

At that point, they take their fee as a percentage of your settlement.