Maine Truck Accident Attorney

How Our Law Firm Approaches Maine Truck Accident and Injury Cases

The Goldwater Law Firm works with law firm partners to serve accident victims in all 50 states. Our award-winning law firm has a strong reputation for getting our clients the results they need. We build strategic partnerships with co-counsels nationwide to ensure victims get the support and advocacy they deserve.

We work with some of the largest and most successful law firms nationwide. We know this is a difficult time for you. You are probably scared and angry, but you don’t have to go through this alone.

All our law firm partners work based on contingency. You will never pay upfront fees for an attorney to work on your case. They also have access to our extensive network of experts and specialists to help build a strong, compelling case for maximum compensation.

Building a Truck Accident Case Against the At-Fault Driver or Trucking Company

Maine follows fault-based car accident laws. According to the Maine Bureau of Insurance, the state requires all drivers to carry auto liability insurance coverage and pay for damages they cause. When a commercial truck driver is behind the wheel of a large, heavy tractor-trailer, the possibility of significant injuries and major damage is greater.

When a truck driver makes a mistake behind the wheel, catastrophic injuries or death could occur. Some ways truck drivers or trucking companies cause collisions include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Drug or alcohol-impaired driving
• Improper lane changes
• Following too closely
• Failure to yield
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
• Inadequate truck maintenance

Who Is Liable for a Maine Truck Accident?

Trucking companies are typically liable for accidents their drivers cause as long as they are acting within the scope of their employment. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligence while they are working.

The trucking company could also be liable for negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, or failure to maintain the vehicle.

Maine Truck Accident Victims Often Suffer Serious Injuries

The size and weight of commercial 18-wheelers often cause significant injuries in accidents, especially to those in other vehicles. Some possible truck accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, whiplash, and severe burns. These accidents may cause long-term disabilities or fatal injuries.

When a crash causes catastrophic injuries, Maine has several trauma centers that provide specialized emergency care for critically injured patients.​ Maine Medical Center in Portland is the state’s only verified Level I trauma center, offering the highest level of trauma care. The hospital also has a pediatric emergency department.​ In Bangor, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center provides Level II trauma center services.

Victims with serious injuries may require stabilization, treatment, and hospitalization at a facility capable of treating and rehabilitating their injuries. The costs of treatment and therapies could be extensive. However, medical care is a recoverable damage in a case against the truck driver, trucking company, or another liable party.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Maine Truck Accident Case?

When our co-counsels build a claim or lawsuit for compensation, you can recover money for the economic and non-economic costs and losses you suffered. This could include a wide range of expenses, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Future support and care costs
• Lost income
• Diminished earning ability
• Property damage replacement or repair
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Wrongful Death in a Maine Truck Accident

If your loved one passed away from their truck accident injuries, your family could recover compensation for the financial and emotional harm you suffered as a result. This could include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of services performed
• Loss of comfort, society, and companionship

Evidence a Truck Accident Lawyer Will Use to Support Your Claim for Compensation

When a truck accident lawyer from one of our co-counsels handles your case, they will investigate what happened and gather evidence to convince the liable party’s insurance carrier or a jury to pay appropriate compensation for your injuries.

The evidence often used to support a truck accident case includes:

• The truck’s black box data
• Driver logbooks
• Truck maintenance records
• Dashcam or surveillance footage of the crash
• Eyewitness statements
• Police reports
• Expert accident reconstruction analysis
• Medical expert testimony
• Bills, receipts, and other documentation of damages
• Employment records for the driver
• Company training and safety policies

An attorney from one of our law firm partners works to negotiate fair compensation from trucking companies and their insurance carriers when possible. This is the most common way they secure a payout for victims. However, they sometimes must litigate a case and go to trial to recover fair compensation. If this happens in your case, they will be by your side throughout the process and represent your best interests.

What Is the Deadline to Sue Based on a Maine Truck Accident?

Like other states, Maine sets a statute of limitations for filing an injury lawsuit. The state’s deadline for filing depends on the nature of the case.

• Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: You have six years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for injuries after a car accident.​
• Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations: If the accident caused a fatality, the deceased party’s loved ones have up to three years from their date of death to sue. ​

It is important to note that these deadlines apply to filing a lawsuit in a Maine civil court. They do not apply to insurance claims. However, the ability to sue does provide essential leverage during settlement negotiations. Negotiating a fair settlement can be difficult or impossible if you cannot sue for damages.

In addition, you will want to act quickly after your accident to ensure you have an attorney who can preserve evidence and protect your rights. Contact us about your case as soon as your injuries allow.​