Car Accident Lawyers in Maine

Accident and Injury Lawyers in Maine

Maine gives injured people more time to file a lawsuit than most states — six years from the date of injury. That longer window doesn't mean you should wait, though. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately. Whether you were hurt in a car crash on I-95, a workplace accident at a lumber mill, or a slip and fall at a Portland storefront, a Maine attorney can protect your right to compensation.

Maine Injury Laws

The statute of limitations for most personal injury and accident claims in Maine is six years under 14 M.R.S. § 752. Wrongful death claims have a shorter deadline — two years from the date of death under 18-C M.R.S. § 2-807.

Maine follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 50% bar. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If you're found 30% responsible, your award is reduced by 30%. Cross that 50% threshold, and you recover nothing.

Maine does not cap compensatory damages in most injury cases. There is a cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice claims, set at $400,000. Punitive damages are generally not available under Maine law except in very limited circumstances.

When to Contact a Lawyer in Maine

• You were seriously injured in a car or truck accident and the insurance company is offering a quick settlement
• You suffered a workplace injury and your workers' compensation claim was denied or disputed by your employer
• A family member died due to someone else's negligence and you need to file a wrongful death claim within the two-year deadline
• You were hurt on someone else's property — a slip and fall, structural collapse, or hazardous condition — and the property owner denies responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Injury Claims

Does Maine require car insurance, and how does that affect my claim?

Yes. Maine requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. Maine is a fault state, meaning you file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurer. You can also sue the driver directly if the insurance offer falls short of your actual losses.

Can I still file a claim if my workplace injury is covered by Maine workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation covers most on-the-job injuries regardless of fault. However, if a third party — like an equipment manufacturer or a subcontractor — caused your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim against that party. These third-party claims can recover damages that workers' comp doesn't cover, including pain and suffering.