If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Maine, the aftermath can be overwhelming. These cases often involve serious injuries, complex insurance claims, and questions about who’s truly responsible, especially when large commercial vehicles like semis are involved.
We represent truck accident victims from all backgrounds, including members of the Punjabi community. While Punjabi-speaking support is available, we’re here to help anyone injured in a truck crash get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our dedicated Maine truck accident team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
What Does A Maine Punjabi Truck Accident Attorney Do?
A truck accident can leave victims with long-term injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of dealing with powerful insurance companies. That’s why having a knowledgeable truck accident attorney by your side makes all the difference.
Our Maine truck accident attorneys focus on investigating the cause of the crash, identifying all liable parties, and building a strong case on your behalf. We work closely with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and insurance adjusters to ensure every detail is accounted for. Whether you were hit by a semi on I-95 or involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle on a rural road, our team is prepared to advocate for you. From negotiation to litigation, we pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Maine
Truck accidents in Maine can occur for many reasons, but most stem from preventable errors or failures to follow safety regulations. Drawing on Maine DOT and Department of Public Safety data helps to highlight the most frequent causes and supports stronger legal claims. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Long-haul and commercial drivers on Maine’s highways (including I‑95 and US‑1) frequently push long hours, increasing the risk of drowsy-driving accidents.
- Distracted driving: Whether due to cell phone use, eating, or navigating GPS, even a few seconds of inattention can result in a catastrophic truck collision.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Trucks need longer stopping distances, and speeding dramatically raises the risk and severity of crashes.
- Improper cargo loading: Freight that is loaded unevenly or not secured properly can shift unexpectedly, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Mechanical failures: Brake failure, worn tires, and poor maintenance are common elements in Maine truck crashes.
- Weather conditions: Maine‘s winters bring heavy snow, ice, and reduced visibility—conditions that exacerbate risk for large commercial vehicles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Maine Department of Transportation provide public data on safety inspections and crash trends, which can help support claims against negligent parties.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Maine
Truck accidents in Maine can occur for many reasons, but most stem from preventable errors or failures to follow safety regulations. Drawing on Maine DOT and Department of Public Safety data helps to highlight the most frequent causes and supports stronger legal claims.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Long-haul and commercial drivers on Maine’s highways (including I‑95 and US‑1) frequently push long hours, increasing the risk of drowsy-driving accidents.
- Distracted driving: Whether due to cell phone use, eating, or navigating GPS, even a few seconds of inattention can result in a catastrophic truck collision.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Trucks need longer stopping distances, and speeding dramatically raises the risk and severity of crashes.
- Improper cargo loading: Freight that is loaded unevenly or not secured properly can shift unexpectedly, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Mechanical failures: Brake failure, worn tires, and poor maintenance are common elements in Maine truck crashes.
- Weather conditions: Maine‘s winters bring heavy snow, ice, and reduced visibility—conditions that exacerbate risk for large commercial vehicles.
According to the Maine Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Highway Safety, over recent years, serious injury and fatal crashes on state roads have increased, with 182 fatalities reported in 2022, the highest since at least 2007. For legal professionals pursuing claims, referencing state-reported crash and safety data strengthens arguments on liability, particularly in showing systemic issues like poor road design or freight-related negligence.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Maine
Knowing what to do immediately after a truck accident can make a major difference in your physical recovery, legal case, and ability to seek compensation. Emotions run high after a crash, but taking the right steps ensures your safety and protects your rights.
Ensure Safety
If you’re physically able, move yourself and others to a safe area away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights to alert oncoming drivers, and check for visible or potential injuries.
Call Emergency Services
Dial 911 right away. Police and medical responders will document the scene and assist anyone who’s hurt. A police report from the Maine State Police or local law enforcement is essential for your legal claim.
Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos or videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any injuries. These visuals are often critical evidence.
Exchange Information
MaGather the truck driver’s name, license number, insurance details, and the name of their trucking company. Also, collect contact info from any witnesses at the scene.
Call a Lawyer
Before giving statements to the truck company or insurance adjusters, contact an experienced truck crash lawyer. Insurance companies often try to limit payouts, and having a knowledgeable advocate on your side helps level the playing field.
Damages Available After a Truck Accident in Maine
Victims of truck accidents in Maine may be entitled to compensation across three primary categories, each governed by state-specific regulations and statutory limits.
Economic Damages
These cover measurable, out-of-pocket losses, including:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgeries, follow-up treatment)
- Lost wages or future loss of earning potential if injuries prevent work
- Property damage to vehicles or personal items
- Additional expenses such as medical transport, home modifications, or assistive devices
The Maine Bureau of Insurance offers guidance on how insurance policies factor into covering medical and property-related expenses.
Non‑Economic Damages
Compensation for intangible impacts from the crash, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving particularly egregious misconduct, such as gross negligence, reckless disregard for safety, or driving under the influence, punitive damages may be awarded. In Maine, these damages are capped at $500,000 in wrongful-death claims.
For wrongful-death cases, noneconomic damages (loss of companionship, emotional injury) are capped at $1,000,000, adjusted for inflation, and punitive damages cannot exceed $500,000.
Claims Against Government Entities
If your claim involves a state or municipal government or government employee, separate damage caps apply. Maine law limits total recoverable damages, including economic and non-economic, to $400,000, and punitive damages are not permitted
Who Pays for Damages in a Maine Truck Accident?
Determining who pays for damages after a truck accident in Maine depends on the details of the crash and who is found legally responsible. In many cases, multiple parties may share liability. Parties that may be held liable include:
- The truck driver: If the driver was distracted, fatigued, impaired, or violated traffic laws.
- The trucking company: For negligent hiring, poor vehicle maintenance, or pushing drivers beyond legal driving limits.
- A parts or vehicle manufacturer: If a mechanical failure, like faulty brakes or tire blowouts, contributed to the accident.
- The cargo/loading company: For improperly secured or overloaded freight that destabilized the truck.
- Other drivers: If another vehicle triggered a chain reaction.
- A government agency: In rare cases, if poorly maintained roads or missing signage contributed to the crash.
Maine’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Maine follows a modified comparative negligence system under 14 M.R.S. §156. This means that as long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible, you would still recover $80,000. If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery altogether.
Vicarious Liability
In Maine, vicarious liability allows victims to hold a trucking company accountable for their driver’s negligence, even if the company was not directly negligent. This applies when the driver is an employee acting within the scope of their job.
Understanding the layers of liability in truck crashes is key to building a strong case. An experienced semi truck accident attorney can help investigate and determine which parties are responsible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Truck Accident in Maine?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Maine, it’s essential to act quickly. The legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations, and missing it can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
In Maine, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is six years from the date of the accident, as outlined in 14 M.R.S. §752. This relatively generous window gives victims time to assess the full impact of their injuries and pursue legal action.
Exceptions That May Extend the Deadline
While the six-year rule is standard, certain exceptions may apply that pause or “toll” the clock:
- If the injured person is a minor at the time of the accident, the clock may not begin until they reach 18.
- If the victim is mentally incapacitated, the timeline may pause until they are legally competent to file.
- If the at-fault party leaves the state, making them unreachable for service, the statute may be extended during their absence.
Because determining whether an exception applies can be legally complex, it’s important to speak with a truck crash lawyer who understands Maine’s rules and can preserve your right to recover.
Maine Truck Accident FAQ
Do I need a lawyer even if the trucking company’s insurer offers a settlement?
Yes. Initial offers are often far below what your case may truly be worth. An experienced semi truck accident attorney can evaluate the full value of your losses, including long-term care, emotional suffering, and lost future income, then negotiate on your behalf.
How long do truck accident investigations take in Maine?
Investigations can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the crash, availability of evidence (like dashcam or ELD data), and whether multiple parties are involved. Trucking companies are often backed by aggressive legal teams, so it’s critical to begin gathering evidence early.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Maine’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your share of fault.
Can I file a claim if I was injured as a passenger or pedestrian?
Yes. Whether you were a passenger in another vehicle, walking, or biking near the crash site, you may still be eligible for compensation if a truck driver’s negligence contributed to your injuries.
What should I bring to my first legal consultation?
Bring any crash reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, photos of the accident, contact information for witnesses, and anything else that documents your injuries or property damage. The more information you have, the better a lawyer can assess your case.
Call Our Maine Punjabi Truck Accident Law Firm for Help With Your Claim
We’re committed to helping truck accident victims across Maine recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether your collision happened on I‑95, a rural two-lane road, or within a city like Portland or Bangor, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence.
Our team at Punjabi Truck Accident Lawyer understands the complexities of trucking law and the unique challenges that come with serious accidents involving commercial vehicles. We proudly serve clients from all walks of life, and offer Punjabi-speaking support for those who may feel more comfortable discussing their case in their native language.
If you’re searching for a reliable truck crash lawyer who will treat your case with care, respect, and determination, look no further. Call us at (844) 656-2091 today.
