Top Caribou, ME Car Accident Lawyers

When an officer from the Caribou Police Department arrives at the crash scene, they will launch an initial investigation. This involves speaking to the parties involved and witnesses and documenting their statements. A police officer will also take pictures of the crash scene, create a diagram of how the crash occurred, and issue citations for any traffic violations.

A police report can help strengthen your case because it provides an unbiased account regarding your car accident. An attorney can obtain a copy of the report from the Caribou Police Department on your behalf.

No matter how you feel after a car accident, it’s always a good idea to get medical help as soon as possible. While you might not feel any immediate pain, you could have sustained whiplash, a concussion, soft tissue damage, or an internal injury. If left untreated, these injuries can worsen and become potentially serious.

Getting a medical evaluation can help you address an injury before it worsens. Plus, your medical record can connect your injury to your car accident and strengthen your claim. You can get 24/7 medical attention at Cary Medical Center in Caribou. Another good option is Caribou Health Center.

There are a variety of car accidents that occur on Caribou roads, from fender benders to high-impact collisions. Some of the most common ones include:

• Weather-related accidents: Weather-related accidents are caused by adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or fog. These accidents often happen due to reduced visibility, slippery roads, or decreased vehicle control. Drivers must adapt their speed and driving behavior to the conditions to avoid collisions and ensure road safety.
• Pedestrian accidents: These accidents involve a person on foot being struck by a vehicle. Pedestrian accidents occur due to failure to yield or distracted driving. 
• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions occur when a driver fails to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and ends up hitting it from behind. These accidents commonly happen due to distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops, and can lead to injuries like whiplash or property damage.
• Side-impact collisions: Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, occur when the front end of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. These accidents frequently happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light. Side-impact collisions can cause significant damage to the side of the vehicle and can result in serious injuries, especially to occupants on the impacted side.
• Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions happen when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the front end of another vehicle at a combined speed. These accidents are typically caused by wrong-way driving, impaired driving, loss of control, or attempting to pass in a no-passing zone.

A collision can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which may be severe. Here are some common car accident injuries:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is caused by the sudden jerking movement of the head in a car accident. It can damage the neck and spine, leading to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited range of motion.
• Traumatic brain injury: A traumatic brain injury can occur when the head suffers a blow or jolt during a crash. This can result in headaches, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and even impaired cognitive function.
• Broken bones: The impact of a car accident can lead to broken bones, especially in the arms and legs. Symptoms of a fracture may include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the affected limb. 
• Lacerations: Lacerations can range from minor surface scratches to deep wounds requiring stitches. These injuries can be caused by contact with sharp vehicle parts, broken glass, or flying debris.
• Spinal injuries: Car accidents can cause damage to the vertebrae, discs, or spinal cord. Symptoms can include localized pain and difficulty moving. In severe cases, paralysis or loss of sensation can occur.

Car accidents can happen anywhere in Caribou. But the roads and intersections that see a high number of crashes include:

• High Street at Main Street
• US-1 at ME-161
• US-1 at ME-164
• ME-205 at Hardison Road
• US-1
• ME-161
• ME-164
• ME-205

Q: How can a lawyer help me after a car accident?

A: After a car accident, a lawyer can thoroughly investigate the crash, determine the extent of your damages, and handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies. This ensures that your rights are always protected and you don’t jeopardize your case. Your attorney will also work tirelessly to fight for a fair settlement or court verdict.

Q: What types of compensation am I entitled to?

A: A car accident attorney can determine the value of your claim by tallying up your medical expenses, wage loss, property damage, and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering). Your attorney will work to recover these damages through a financial settlement. If the at-fault driver’s actions were intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent, your attorney may also pursue punitive damages. 

Q: Can I still be compensated if I was partially at fault for the accident?

A: In Maine, you may still be eligible for compensation after a car accident even if you were partially at fault. Maine follows a modified comparative fault rule, specifically the 50% rule. As long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can pursue compensation. However, your total compensation amount will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault and awarded $10,000 in damages, your final compensation would be $8,000.