Top Ellsworth, ME Car Accident Lawyers

When the Ellsworth Police Department responds to a car accident, they will assess the situation and secure the area. An officer will then gather information from all parties involved and evidence from the crash scene. The police report may include a diagram of how the crash occurred, as well as the road conditions, witness statements, vehicle damage, and injuries. Your attorney can use this information to prove who was at fault for your crash.

Seeking immediate medical attention after a crash is crucial for your well-being and ability to pursue damages. Even if you feel fine initially, you might develop injury symptoms within hours or days of your collision. The adrenaline rush from the accident can mask pain or discomfort, making it difficult to recognize potential injuries.

You can identify any underlying injuries by getting a medical evaluation as soon as possible. This can help you establish a link between your injury and the collision that caused it. You can get 24-hour emergency medical treatment at Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital in Ellsworth or nearby Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital. ConvenientMD Urgent Care offers treatment seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There are many ways a collision can occur on Ellsworth roads. Some of the most common types of car accidents here include:

• Head-on collisions: A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles collide front-to-front. They’re commonly caused by wrong-way driving or overtaking on narrow roads.
• Rear-end collisions: A rear-end collision occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the rear of another. This often results from distracted driving or traveling too fast for the conditions.
• Parking lot accidents: Parking lot accidents often include low-impact fender benders or collisions with pedestrians. These accidents occur due to distracted driving, failure to yield, or failure to follow parking lot markings.
• T-bone collisions: A T-bone collision occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents typically happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield or runs through a stop sign or red light. 
• Pileups: Pileups happen when one initial crash causes a chain reaction of collisions. These accidents often occur on highways during adverse weather conditions. 

Crash-related injuries can range from minor to severe. They typically include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury caused by the sudden jerking movement of the head during a collision. It can result in damage to the neck and spine. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited range of motion.
• Traumatic brain injury: Traumatic brain injuries occur when there is a blow to the head. It can range from a concussion to a diffuse axonal injury. Symptoms may include confusion, dizziness, memory problems, headaches, and changes in mood or behavior. 
• Broken bones: The force of impact in a car accident can cause bone fractures to the limbs, ribs, or hips. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or loss of mobility. 
• Internal injuries: The impact of a collision can damage internal organs or cause internal bleeding. This can lead to ruptures of the spleen, liver, kidney, or other vulnerable internal organs.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause serious back pain and tingling in the limbs. Sometimes, it can cause partial or complete paralysis, affecting motor and sensory functions.

All Ellsworth roads and intersections require attentiveness and caution. But some areas stand out as particularly dangerous. These include:

• Bucksport Road and West Main Street
• Main Street at High Street
• High Street at Downeast Highway
• Bucksport Road at Dollard Farm Way
• Main Street at Beals Ave
• US-1
• US-1A
• ME-3
• ME-179

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Maine, you generally have six years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to gather evidence or witness statements. It’s best to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to get your claim started. 

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

A: As long as you were found less than 50% at fault for your crash, you may be able to collect damages. That’s because Maine follows the modified comparative negligence rule, specifically the 50% rule. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault you contributed. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

Q: What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?

A: You can still recover crash-related damages if the other driver was uninsured. Maine requires all drivers to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) unless you reject it in writing. UM/UIM covers $50,000 per injured person and $100,000 per crash. It can pay for medical costs, lost wages, and property damage.