Motor Vehicle Accidents Foster Law Injury Trial Lawyers

Portland Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

A Light in the Storm for Auto Accident Victims Throughout Maine

A car accident can send your life into a tailspin. When a crash causes serious injuries, you may be unable to return to work, and you will likely face significant medical bills. When the accident was not your fault, you should not be expected to shoulder these and other financial burdens. It's in these difficult times that you need a trusted advocate, and Foster Law is here to provide a safe harbor.

Our Portland car accident lawyer is down to earth and understands the challenges you are facing. We are local residents of Maine who care about our community and are committed to protecting the rights of personal injury victims. With over 22 years of experience and many millions recovered for our clients, we have what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer near you today by calling (207) 305-3854 or contacting us online.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Maine

A range of factors can contribute to car crashes, but many accidents are linked to driver negligence. All drivers are legally obligated to follow the rules of the road and exercise a reasonable level of care when behind the wheel. When they violate traffic laws or behave recklessly, they are generally considered negligent and become liable for any injuries their actions cause.

Many car accidents in Maine are the unfortunate result of:

Distracted driving. This has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of smartphones. Activities like texting, looking up directions, or changing the music while driving can divert attention from the road and lead to collisions.
Speeding. Driving over the posted speed limit is a common cause of accidents. Higher speeds give drivers less time to react to unexpected situations, increasing the risk of crashes.
Impaired driving. Whether due to alcohol or drugs, driving under the influence significantly affects a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle. Such impairment can lead to slower reaction times, compromised judgment, and an increased likelihood of taking risks.
Reckless driving. This can include aggressive maneuvers like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, or running red lights. Such reckless behavior puts not only the driver but also other road users at risk.
Ignoring traffic signals. Drivers who disregard traffic signals or signs can cause dangerous, often high-speed accidents. This includes running red lights or stop signs and failing to yield.
Driving in dangerous weather conditions. Failing to adjust driving habits to accommodate for harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can lead to accidents. Slick roads require slower speeds due to increased stopping distances.

It may not always be immediately obvious what caused a collision. If you think the other driver may have been responsible, we encourage you to reach out to our Portland car accident attorney right away. We can carefully investigate the accident, work to establish fault, and determine your legal options.

Steps to Take after Suffering Injuries in a Maine Car Accident

Do not hesitate to request an ambulance and go to the nearest hospital if you suffer severe injuries in a car accident. If you can remain at the scene, taking certain steps to protect yourself can significantly impact your ability to recover just compensation for your injuries and losses.

Following a car crash, you should make every effort to:

Report the accident to the police. If anyone was injured, reporting the accident to the police is not only a legal requirement but also an essential step in establishing a record of the incident. The negligent driver may try to convince you to not involve law enforcement, but you should always call 9-1-1 and remain at the scene until the police arrive. The responding officer will generate a police report that details the accident's circumstances, which can be critical evidence in your claim.
Stay quiet. Emotions can understandably run high after an accident, and you may be tempted to discuss the incident with the other driver and try to assign blame immediately. However, making statements at the scene could inadvertently result in admitting fault or liability for the accident, even if you were not actually at fault. Any statements could be distorted and used against you later by insurance companies or in a court of law, potentially impacting your ability to receive compensation for damages. Instead, avoid engaging in any discussion about the accident except for exchanging necessary information.
Gather information. When possible, collect as much information as you can at the accident scene. This includes the other driver's name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. You should also attempt to get contact information from any witnesses. Try to take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical attention will also provide documentation of your injuries, which will become important evidence in a personal injury claim.
Follow medical advice and document your recovery. Follow your doctor's instructions for your recovery. Keep track of all medical appointments, prescribed treatments, and any changes in your health. This documentation can help demonstrate the impact of the injuries on your life.
Get in touch with Foster Law. Navigating the legal and insurance landscape after an accident can be complex and overwhelming. Our Portland car accident lawyer knows the ins and outs of how to get you fair compensation. We can walk you through your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident attorney near you today by calling (207) 305-3854 or contacting us online.

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At Foster Law, we give your case the time and attention you deserve. Read some of our client testimonials below, or call us at (207) 305-3854 today to get started.

"I Felt Protected"
Because he took his time, he was able to represent me very well resulting in a fair settlement.10 out of 10 experience!!!

- Rebecca T.
"He Cares About Justice"
He took time to answer all questions and if needed he would repeat until we all understood. We feel honored and grateful that Mr. Foster was our attorney.

- Carlo & Denise G.
"Compassionate and Knowledgable"
His knowledge of the law and his guidance left me feeling like I was really being taken care of and he settled my case quickly... he's a five-star attorney who gets the job done.

- Lisa
"Highly Recommend!"
I could not be happier with the service and results I received from Attorney Foster and I highly recommend him for your needs.

- Lee B.
"Better Than "Best Case""
He knows what he's doing but beyond that, his personality has a great calming effect. I prepared myself for the worst case and got me better than the "best case".

- John
"Thrilled With the Outcome"
Christian Foster went above-and-beyond the call of duty in what was very complex litigation. I was thrilled with the outcome of my case.

- Adam C.
"He Assuaged My Fears"
Christian was incredibly friendly, yet straightforward. I appreciated his pragmatism as well as his sense of optimism. He was extremely knowledgeable.

- Anonymous
"Christian Foster is a rare species among personal injury lawyers."
Despite formidable delays and obstacles created by COVID and the insurance company, Christian persevered in creative ways, always with the highest integrity and my unique interests and concerns in mind.

- Lucille M.

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Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries can vary greatly in severity, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. Many injuries will require potentially costly medical treatment. Especially severe injuries may limit your ability to work.

Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

Whiplash. This injury is a common result of rear-end collisions and occurs when the head and neck are abruptly jerked back and forth. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A sudden impact can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to a concussion or another TBI. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to cognitive difficulties, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or permanent brain damage.
Broken bones. The force of a collision can easily break bones, particularly ribs. Other common breaks can occur in the arms, legs, and collarbone.
Internal injuries. These can include damage to organs, internal bleeding, or ruptures to the spleen or liver. Such injuries necessitate immediate medical attention.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Catastrophic accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. This is a life-altering condition that requires ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
Cuts and scrapes. Flying debris, broken glass, and metal can lead to cuts and scrapes. While these injuries are sometimes minor, they can also be severe, leading to significant blood loss or even disfigurement.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health consequences. After a serious car accident, victims may experience emotional distress or develop PTSD. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the accident.

Schedule a free initial consultation with a car crash lawyer near you today by calling (207) 305-3854 or contacting us online.

We Can Help You Secure Compensation for Car Accident Injuries in Maine

You do not have unlimited time to take legal action against a negligent driver. In Maine, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is six years, meaning you generally have six years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. You will be unable to recover compensation if you miss this deadline, which is why it is so important to get legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.

Our Portland car accident attorney will fight to get you full and fair compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including:

Medical expenses
Lost income
Reduced earning potential
Property damage
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering

Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially Responsible for a Maine Car Accident?

Not all car accidents are cut and dry. While the other driver may be largely to blame, you may know in your heart that your actions contributed to an accident.

Fortunately, being partially responsible for a collision does not necessarily mean you cannot recover compensation in Maine. The state follows modified comparative negligence rules in these cases. This means that so long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover some compensation for damages. Any awarded compensation will be reduced by your share of the blame. For example, if the court finds you are 25% responsible for an accident and your damages total $100,000, you would be awarded $75,000. We are not afraid to take on these cases but will be direct and realistic with you when discussing what you can expect to recover.

Explore your legal options with us today by calling (207) 305-3854 or contacting us online! We look forward to speaking with you.

Maine Car Accident FAQ

When should I contact a car accident attorney?

It's advisable to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can protect your rights, handle communication with insurance companies, gather evidence to support your claim, and navigate the legal process on your behalf.

What damages can I recover in a car accident claim?

Victims of car accidents may be entitled to various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced car accident attorney can assess your case and pursue compensation for all applicable damages.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Maine?

In Maine, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally six years from the date of the accident. However, it's crucial to consult with an attorney promptly, as certain circumstances may affect the deadline for filing your claim.

What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?

Maine follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, you may still be eligible to recover damages proportionate to the other party's level of fault

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