If you’re injured in a crash, you need to know your legal rights
In Portland, Maine, many serious and fatal car accidents occur at busy intersections and on certain roads. But which ones are the most dangerous intersections and streets in Portland? And why do car accidents occur on certain streets and intersections?
These are important questions drivers need answers to so they can stay safe on the road. And if someone does get hurt in a car crash at an intersection in Portland, it’s important that they fully understand their legal rights. That’s why it’s critical that injury victims talk to a Portland car accident attorney right away.
What are the 10 most dangerous intersections in Portland, Maine?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiles car accident data for every state and city in the country. Numerous news stories have also been written about the most dangerous intersections in Portland, including articles published by WCYY News and The Bangor Daily News.
Based on NHTSA car accident statistics, the 10 most dangerous intersections in Portland include:
- Cumberland Avenue and High Street
- Stevens Avenue and Congress Street
- Congress Street, High Street and Free Street
- West Commercial Street and Beach Street
- Congress Street and Saint John Street
- Brighton Avenue and Stevens Avenue
- Franklin Street and Marginal Way
- Washington Avenue and Allen Avenue
- Forest Avenue and Woodford Street
- York Street and High Street
Which streets in Portland, ME have the most car accidents?
Based on motor vehicle accident statistics compiled by the NHTSA and the Maine Department of Transportation, some of the most dangerous highways and roads in Portland are:
- Interstate 95
- Interstate 295
- Route 1
- Route 1A (Commercial Street)
- Congress Street
- Cumberland Avenue
- Marginal Way
- Veranda Street
Why do intersection accidents happen in Portland?
Car accidents often occur at intersections in Portland because one driver was doing something they should not have been doing on the road. Examples of negligent behavior that result in collisions in Portland include:
- Speeding drivers who don’t have time to slow down and avoid an accident at a busy intersection or on a congested highway like I-95 or I-295 in Portland.
- Reckless drivers who run a red light or don’t stop at a stop sign, resulting in a T-bone accident or left-turn collision.
- Aggressive drivers, especially those who follow other cars too closely, resulting in a rear-end intersection accident.
- Distracted drivers, such as texting drivers who drift into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision.
- Drunk drivers or drivers under the influence of drugs who are not aware of their surroundings and cause an intersection accident.
- Tired drivers who fall asleep at the wheel, especially late at night on I-95 or in downtown Portland.
Occasionally, intersection accidents are caused by other factors, such as defective vehicles or road conditions. But the vast majority of “accidents” are caused by careless drivers.
Who’s responsible for paying for intersection accident claims?
In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for your car accident expenses. However, it’s important to understand how the liability system works in Maine.
Maine has what’s known as a modified comparative fault rule. This means that someone injured in a car accident in Maine can only be financially compensated if they were under 50 percent at fault. Furthermore, how much money someone receives for their car accident injury claim will depend on what percentage they are at fault for causing the collision.
For example, imagine you are involved in a T-bone accident at the intersection of Cumberland Avenue and High Street in Portland. Your accident-related expenses add up to $100,000. Investigators determine that the other driver was 80 percent at fault and you were 20 percent at fault. As a result, you would receive 20 percent less or $80,000 total for your accident-related expenses.
Comparative negligence is an important factor in intersection accidents because there is often a lot of confusion around which driver was making an unsafe maneuver or who had the right of way. That’s why you need an experienced car accident attorney who can protect your rights during the determination of fault.
How much is my intersection injury claim worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to how much money your intersection accident claim is worth. The bottom line is you should be financially compensated for all your accident-related expenses, including but not limited to:
- Emergency medical care and surgical procedures.
- Follow-up medical care, including future doctor’s appointments.
- Physical therapy.
- Pain relief medications or treatments.
- Money to repair damage to your vehicle or buy a new car.
- Replacement income if you cannot work while you’re recovering from your injuries.
- Lost future income if cannot return to work due to a permanent disability sustained in your collision.
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality and enjoyment of life.
The accident itself happened at a single moment in time, but you should be compensated for all costs that result from the crash, even months or years later. An experienced car accident attorney can determine the full cost of the accident and advocate for everything you are entitled to receive under Maine law.
Why should I hire a Portland, Maine car accident attorney?
Car accident injury claims involving collisions in Portland often turn out to be complicated legal cases. Because there’s often so much money at stake, insurance companies are likely to do everything they can to reduce or deny injury claims.
With an experienced, verified Portland car accident lawyer on your side who understands how the legal system works in Maine, you can level the playing field. Your attorney can work with insurance companies to negotiate a settlement offer, and they can take legal action on your behalf if the insurance company won’t cooperate.
Don’t underestimate the complexity of your injury claim. Car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultations, so there is no downside to at least getting answers about your legal rights and options. Talk to a Law.com Premier Attorney in your area today.
