Top Westbrook, ME Car Accident Lawyers

When a car accident occurs in Westbrook, the Westbrook Police Department will likely respond to the crash scene. An officer will compile evidence from the crash scene into a police report. This may include statements from witnesses, vehicle damages, arrests, citations, or injuries. An officer may also draw a diagram that depicts how the crash likely occurred. These details will help support your claim.

It’s crucial that you get prompt medical attention after a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries can be masked by shock and adrenaline. Others take a few days to produce symptoms. Seeing a doctor right away can help you identify your injuries and prevent them from getting worse. It can also create a record of your diagnosis and treatment, which can help strengthen your claim.

In Westbrook, you can get medical help at ConvenientMD Urgent Care every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you need 24/7 care, you can find it at Northern Light Mercy Hospital or Maine Medical Center in nearby Portland.

A crash can occur in several ways on Westbrook roads. The most common ones include:

• Intersection accidents: These accidents happen when vehicles collide at intersections. They often include T-bone accidents, rear-end collisions, and head-on collisions.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: These accidents involve multiple vehicles and often occur on highways or during adverse weather conditions. They’re caused by one initial crash that triggers subsequent collisions.
• Rear-end collision: This occurs when one vehicle hits the rear end of the vehicle in front of it. It’s often caused by following too closely, speeding, or distracted driving.
• Head-on collision: This happens when two vehicles collide front-to-front, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Head-on collisions are typically the result of wrong-way driving or attempting to pass in a single lane.
• Sideswipe accidents: These crashes happen when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact, usually due to careless lane changes or merging errors.

Car accident injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. The most common ones include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Car accidents can cause head trauma, leading to TBIs. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They can have long-term effects on cognitive function and daily life.
• Spinal cord injuries: The impact of a crash can damage the spinal cord, resulting in pain and loss of mobility. In some cases, this type of injury can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Internal injuries: The impact of a collision can cause damage to internal organs. This can lead to internal bleeding or life-threatening injuries.
• Fractures and broken bones: Car accidents often result in broken bones in the limbs, ribs, or hips. These can range from simple fractures to more complex fractures.
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These injuries often result in strains or sprains.

Driving in Westbrook requires attentiveness. But some roads and intersections require extra caution, including:

• County Road at Spring Street
• Conant Street at William Clark Drive
• Warren Ave at Cumberland Street
• Spring Street at William Clarke Drive
• New Gorham Road at William Clarke Drive
• US-302
• ME-25
• ME-22

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Maine?

A: In Maine, you generally have six years from the date of your car accident to file a claim. However, the sooner you act, the easier it will be to gather fresh evidence, witness statements, and medical information. These details can build your case. It’s always best practice to consult with an attorney who can file a claim on your behalf.

Q: Can I still file a claim if the accident was partially my fault?

A: Yes, you can still file a claim in Maine even if the accident was partially your fault. Maine follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. It’s best to speak with an attorney who can determine how much money you’re eligible for.

Q: What does it cost to hire a lawyer?

A: Car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if they win your case. In this arrangement, the lawyer's fee is typically a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. Contingency fees allow you to pursue legal action without upfront costs.