Maine Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a traffic accident, you need legal advice as soon as possible. It may be very difficult to think about talking to an attorney right now, but it a very important step in ensuring your family’s financial stability in the years to come. If you are unable to travel as a result of your injuries or because you are caring for an injured loved one, most Maine motor vehicle accident lawyers will gladly come to you, there is no cost for your initial consultation and you pay no fees up front. Please, do no put off getting the help you need any longer.
Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers
In Maine, it is required by law that every auto insurance policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This means that if you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you turn to your own insurance company to pay for your injuries. Your UM/UIM coverage is also used when you are hurt in a hit and run accident and the driver cannot be identified and located.
Time Limits in Maine Traffic Accidents
The statute of limitations is your time limit for filing your lawsuit. Each state sets its own statute of limitations for personal injury. In Maine, the statute of limitations for most traffic accident lawsuits is six years. That is longer than most states, but there are several conditions that can mean you have far less time to take legal action. You may have as little as six months, in fact.
If you were injured in a defective roadway accident, such as a malfunctioning traffic signal, you lawsuit will be against a government entity. The same goes for accidents caused by government workers while they are on the job. There are many circumstances that can mean you will be suing the government, and that means you only have six months to give notice of your intent to sue, and the statute of limitations for filing your suit is only two years.
Drunk driving accidents can put you in the same boat. Liquor vendors and social hosts can be held liable for negligently or recklessly providing alcohol to the person that caused your injuries, if they serve someone who was obviously intoxicated or under 21 years old. But, again, you only have six months to give notice of your intent to sue and the statute of limitations in the type of case is two years.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or lost a loved one in a fatal crash in Maine, please call one of the car accident attorneys listed.