Injured? Request a Free Case Review Talk to an Attorney Now!

Maine Local Accident Resources

Free Case Review

Charities That Local Accident Reports Supports

Maine Local Accident Resources

Have You Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Traffic Accident in Maine?

Have you recently lost someone due to a fatal car accident? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team of experienced Maine wrongful death lawyers is ready to fight for your justice and compensation. Coping with the aftermath of a tragic traffic accident is an incredibly challenging journey, and it’s important to acknowledge the profound grief you may be experiencing. If someone you loved was taken from you in a fatal accident in Maine, the path ahead can feel overwhelming and complex. You might be facing not only the emotional pain of your loss but also practical challenges such as medical expenses and insurance matters. It’s natural to feel a sense of confusion and anger, especially if negligence or reckless behavior played a role in this tragedy. While the road to healing is long and often difficult, please know that there are resources available to support you during this time. Whether it’s finding legal assistance to help navigate the aftermath or connecting with support groups that understand your pain, you don’t have to face this alone. There are people and organizations ready to help guide you through each step of your recovery process. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and lean on others as you honor the memory of your loved one.  

Call a lawyer

Need help with requesting an official copy of the incident police report?

Moving on and putting your life back together following a fatal car accident is one of the most challenging things you will ever have to do. Many Delaware families of wrongful death victims are forced to cope with figuring out what to do about a loss of income due to the death. Whatever problems you might be facing after losing a loved one in a fatal car accident or being injured in one yourself, there are numerous resources available for help, and we have curated a list for you here.

If You Have Lost Income as the Result of a Catastrophic Accident

If your source of income has been taken by a wrongful death accident, you can turn to multiple resources that will help you receive financial aid and support:

  • Social Security Disability in Maine – Perhaps you were also injured in the accident that stole your loved one. Resources for Maine residents suffering from a severe impairment or potentially life-threatening personal injuries.
  • Supplemental Security Income – Nationwide resources for adult and juvenile victims who do not possess adequate resources for financial aid in the State of Maine.
  • Maine State Bar Association – For residents of Maine seeking the representation and assistance of a professional lawyer specializing in car accidents, personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and more.

If You Require Emotional or Psychological Counseling or Additional Therapy

Accidents not only inflict terrible injuries on the body but can also leave a lasting impact on a victim and their family’s minds. If you require emotional support or counseling to cope with your experience in a catastrophic vehicular accident, be sure to visit the links below:

Call a lawyer

If You Require Financial Aid for Incidences Resulting from Criminal Activity

You may require additional help for fees related to legal assistance and/or medical bills. If this is the case, be sure to consider the following resources:

  • Maine Crime Victims’ Compensation Program– Developed by the Office of the Maine Attorney General, this program seeks to provide a lifeline to victims of catastrophic accidents, including those potentially caused by criminal activity.
  • Office for Victims of Crime – A list of programs that victims can explore to seek compensation for accidents caused by violent crimes.

If You Require Aid for Car Insurance and Vehicle Damage

The Maine DMV requires that minimum motor vehicle policies must include the following amounts:

  • $50,000 per single injured victim and fatality
  • $100,000 per accident for multiple victims or deaths
  • $25,000 for damage to property

Vehicular accidents are an unfortunate and tragic part of our lives and can impact victims and their families in terrible, tragic ways. However, you do not have to face these problems alone. Be sure to visit Local Accident Reports for statements related to your accident.

If You or a Loved One Were the Victims of an Accident Caused by DUI

Drunk driving is a terrible offense that can result in severe damage to innocent victims, their families, and friends. As reinforced by state law, the Maine DMV has set the limits of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08% for adults (21 years and older) and any measurement over 0.0% in juvenile or young adult drivers (younger than 21 years) is not tolerated. Commercial drivers cannot exceed 0.04% BAC. Currently, Maine ranks 9th among the states with severe problems related to drunk driving incidents. If you, a loved one, or a friend have been victimized by a DUI incident and require more in-depth support, visit the following links:

  • Maine MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving seeks to provide endless support for victims of drunk driving incidents in the State of Connecticut. To speak with a representative at the national headquarters, call (877) ASK. MADD or (877) 275.6233. To contact Maine MADD, contact the State Office at (207)615.0460 or use the directory to find your local department.

Accident Prevention Services in Maine

In recent years, the State of Maine has established tactics for preventing unfortunate motor vehicle accidents and resulting fatalities.
  • MaineDOT Transportation Safety – Sponsored by the Maine Department of Transportation, this program seeks to build relationships with other state groups to improve highway safety on a nationwide level. Resources include links to work safety strategies and crash data for traffic in the State of Maine.
  • Maine Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety – A program affiliated with MaineDOT Transportation that seeks to improve safety programs for bicyclists and pedestrians. Links will take you to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM), Maine Safe Routes to School (MSRS), and pedestrian/bicyclist crash statistics in the state.
Call a lawyer

Charities Supported by Local Accident Reports

  • Arrive Alive Tour: The Arrive Alive Tour goes to schools and universities and spreads awareness about intoxicated driving, distracted driving, and other forms of negligent driving.
  • The Center for Grieving Children: The Center works to provide a safe space for grieving children and families. They offer peer support, education, and outreach.
  • The Compassionate Friends: The Compassionate Friends is an organization dedicated to helping bereaved parents, siblings, or grandparents who have lost a child.
  • Experience Camps: This is a national, free program for kids who have lost a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. They offer summer camp and year-round programs to help reframe the experience of grief and help kids feel empowered by arming them with the necessary coping skills.
  • Healing Tree: The Healing Tree is a nonprofit that advocates healing from trauma and abuse over merely coping with the symptoms.
  • Hospice of Southern Maine: Hospice of Southern Maine offers end-of-life care and helps manage pain and symptoms. They work to help families who are dealing with terminal illnesses.
  • Stop Distractions: Stop Distractions works to help families who have lost loved ones in accidents or had a member suffer serious injuries. It is designed to engage and support families affected by crashes caused by distracted driving.
  • Circle Camps: Circle Camps are camps for girls who have lost a parent. They offer a Leadership Training Program that helps teens become engaged in the community and build leadership skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Deaths in Maine

What constitutes wrongful death in Maine?

Wrongful death is defined as a fatality caused by a wrongful act, breach of contract or warranty, neglect, or default of any individual or entity. This includes any situation where the decedent’s death happened due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person. Some examples of wrongful death cases in the state of Maine include negligently caused car crashes, medical malpractice, defective products, workplace accidents, and criminal acts.

 
A wrongful death lawsuit can generally be filed by a personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate. The probate court often appoints a personal representative who may be named in the will of the deceased individual or appointed according to state law if no will exists. The representative brings a lawsuit on the part of the surviving family members of the deceased person, such as children, parents, spouses, or other dependents who have suffered damages due to the wrongful death. If no appointed personal representative exists, one may be appointed by the court in order to pursue the wrongful death claim. Consulting with a lawyer who is experienced in the wrongful death laws in Maine is important in order to fully understand who can file a wrongful death claim.

In a Maine wrongful death case, various damages may be available in order to compensate surviving loved ones for their losses. These damages generally provide financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages that result from the passing of a family member. Common damages that may result from a wrongful death in Maine include:

Economic Damages:

  • Medical care costs that stem from the decedent’s final injury or illness.
  • Funeral costs/burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support, such as the income of the deceased person, as well as their financial contributions to the family.
  • Loss of household support and services provided by the deceased individual, such as household maintenance, childcare, and chores.
  • Loss of inheritance received by surviving family members if the deceased individual had not lost their life.

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Pain and suffering the deceased individual endured before their passing.
  • Loss of care, companionship, guidance, and consortium of the deceased individual.
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress the surviving family members suffered due to the passing of their loved one.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life the surviving family members may have experienced.

Punitive Damages:

  • In cases involving intentional wrongdoing or egregious conduct, punitive damages may be able to be awarded in order to punish the party responsible for the death and deter the same behavior in the future.

In Maine, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is typically years from the date of the deceased individual’s passing. This means that the lawsuit has to be filed within two years of the date of the death, or the right to pursue legal action may be terminated.

Variations or exceptions to the statute of limitations may exist depending on the particular circumstances of the case, so it is smart to talk to a lawyer who is proficient in Maine’s wrongful death laws.

In Maine, fault in a wrongful death case is determined based on negligence law and its principles. To determine fault, the party bringing the wrongful death claim, or the plaintiff, generally has to prove the following elements:

  1. Duty of Care: The defendant, or the person accused of causing the fatality, owed the deceased individual a duty of care. The duty of care is generally based on any reasonable standard of care exercised by a prudent person in similar circumstances.
  2. Breach of Duty: The duty of care was breached by the defendant, who failed to act reasonably by engaging in reckless, negligent, or intentional conduct that led to the death of the deceased individual.
  3. Causation: The breach of duty demonstrated by the defendant directly caused the death. A clear connection between the actions of the defendant and the fatality must be proven.
  4. Damages: The plaintiff must have suffered damages as a result of the defendant’s actions, such as monetary losses, emotional distress, or other damages defined under Maine law.

Evidence like expert opinions, eyewitness testimony, accident reports, medical records, and other documentation may be utilized to help establish fault in a wrongful death case. The state of Maine follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if the deceased individual was partially at fault for their passing, the damages awarded to their family may be reduced based on the percentage that they were at fault.

To prove a wrongful death in Maine, you generally need to present various forms of evidence to establish the elements of the claim. While the required evidence may vary, some common types include:

  1. Documentation of the Incident: Any documents related to the cause of the death, such as police reports, accident reports, medical records, and statements from witnesses.
  2. Expert Testimony: Qualified expert testimonies from medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, or forensic specialists who can provide opinions concerning the cause of death, the actions of negligence demonstrated by the defendant, or other technical aspects of the claim.
  3. Witness Testimony: Testimony provided by eyewitnesses who may have observed the incident or events that led up to the fatality, as well as testimony from people who can comment on the deceased person’s state of mind, physical condition, or other relevant factors.
  4. Financial Records: Proof of the decedent’s financial situation, including expenses, income, employment history, benefits, and financial contributions to their family, to figure out the economic damages suffered by the surviving loved ones.
  5. Medical Records: Medical records outlining the injuries suffered by the deceased person, medical care, and cause of death, along with expert testimony from medical professionals documenting the injuries suffered by the deceased person, as well as proof of the extent of those injuries and the required medical care.
  6. Documentation of Losses: Record of the losses suffered by the surviving family members, such as funeral/burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other intangible damages.
  7. Communication Records: Any required communications, such as text messages, emails, or written correspondence, that may be able to help prove the defendant’s liability or negligence.
  8. Physical Evidence: Physical evidence like pictures, videos, or tangible objects related to the incident that may be able to help reconstruct the events leading up to the passing or that may be able to help show the defendant’s negligence.

It’s vital to gather and preserve as much evidence as you can to support your wrongful death claim. Consulting with a skilled wrongful death lawyer in Maine can help make sure the necessary evidence is gathered and a strong case is being supported on behalf of your loved one.

While it is not legally necessary to have an attorney when you are pursuing a wrongful death case in Maine, it is highly recommended to seek legal representation. Wrongful death cases are complicated and often involve medical, legal, and financial intricacies. A skilled wrongful death attorney can provide valuable assistance throughout the legal process, including:

  1. Assessing Your Case: An attorney can evaluate the circumstances around the passing of your family member and figure out if you have a valid wrongful death claim.
  2. Investigating the Case: A lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case by gathering valuable evidence, interviewing witnesses, and determining liability.
  3. Handling Legal Procedures: An attorney will traverse the often complicated legalities involved in filing a wrongful death lawsuit, including completing paperwork, meeting deadlines, and representing yourself in court.
  4. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: If needed, a lawyer will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies for you in order to seek full and fair compensation for your losses.
  5. Advocating for Your Rights: An attorney will advocate for your rights and best interests throughout the legal process, working hard to obtain the financial compensation you need and deserve.
  6. Providing Legal Guidance: An attorney can provide guidance and support, answer your questions, address your concerns, and keep you informed about the progress of your case.

Overall, obtaining the experienced and knowledgeable assistance of a wrongful death lawyer can greatly increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome and ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Traffic in Maine

In this section, you will learn the statistics regarding traffic congestion and the percentage of fatal accidents in Maine. As of the year 2022, Maine has a total population of 1.372 million residents and a relatively low percentage of fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents. Maine sees approximately 41,000 car accidents per year that cause injuries to approximately 10,000 people per year and take the lives of around 130 people annually.  

Call a lawyer

Common Reasons Car Accidents Happen in Maine

Fatal car accidents happen in Maine for many reasons. For example, Maine Bureau of Safety Officials notes that only 77.5% of drivers who traveled at night were observed using seat belts. That rate is the lowest in 12 years, according to the bureau. About 60% of car crash deaths in Maine in 2022 involved people who were not wearing seatbelts. Intoxicated driving has been a serious issue in Maine over the past few decades. For instance, between 2012 and 2021, dozens of individuals lost their lives yearly due to accidents caused by intoxicated drivers in Maine, according to car accident statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Speeding is another common reason auto accidents happen in Maine. During the same decade, anywhere from 26 to 78 car crash deaths took place in a single year in Maine between 2012 and 2021, according to the NHTSA. Officials in Maine are working on proactively reducing how many accidents happen per year in the state. Information gathered from recent social media posts from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety show that this means educating motorists about the dangers of some of the most common reasons accidents happen, including:

  • Intoxicated driving: Drunk driving has become a serious issue in the United States and throughout the state of Maine. Across the country, over 30% of accident fatality rates are attributed to intoxicated driving.
  • Drowsy driving: Fatigued driving causes over 100,000 annual auto accidents throughout the United States each year and takes the lives of around 1,400 people per year.
  • Distracted driving: Driver distraction has become the leading reason car accidents occur in the United States, causing over 400,000 traffic accidents per year and taking the lives of around 3,000 annually.

From 2017 to 2021, 2.64% of the total car wrecks in Maine involved drivers who were intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. DUIs made up about 6,556 wrecks over those five years. These numbers are a grave reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and underscore the requirement for stricter enforcement of DUI laws and public awareness campaigns. Overtired driving may substantially impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Within the given time frame, 1.67% of the total accidents, or 4,147 of them, involved drivers who were fatigued while behind the wheel. This outlines the importance of getting enough rest before operating a vehicle, especially for long drives.

Call a lawyer

Fatal Car Accident Statistics by The Year

The Maine Department of Transportation gathered data, including information from incident reports filed by drivers after non-injury accidents. From 2017 to 2021, Maine saw 166,842 car crashes. Over 20% of these accidents, or 38,889, caused injuries, and 2,927 caused severe injuries. Sadly, 719 crashes, about 0.45% of the total, caused fatalities.

Maine Grief & Trauma Resources

Resources by State

Consult a Maine Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you or a loved one has experienced a personal injury or wrongful death in Maine, it’s critical to have the support of an experienced legal professional who understands the complexities of Maine’s laws. At Local Accident Reports, our dedicated team of attorneys is ready to assist you through this difficult time. We provide compassionate guidance and skilled legal representation to ensure your rights are upheld, and you receive the compensation you deserve. From investigating the details of your case to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, representing you in court, we’ll support you at every stage. Contact us for a detailed consultation to explore your legal options. Call us today at (888) 657-1460 to speak with an attorney who can provide you with the advice and reassurance needed to proceed with your case. Let us help you pursue justice today.

Request Your Free Case Review Now

Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths by Road User Type and State

Car Occupants

Car Occupants

63

Pickup and SUV Occupants

Pickup and SUV Occupants

51

Large Truck Occupants

Large Truck Occupants

5

Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists

26

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

20

Bicyclists

Bicyclists

2

Scroll to Top