Our Blogs

The Ultimate Guide for Weather-Related Accidents in Maine

Maine’s weather can shift dramatically, creating unique challenges for drivers. From coastal Maine weather to the state’s interior, drivers must be prepared to handle the elements.

The risks associated with weather-related accidents increase significantly, from snow-covered roads to strong coastal winds during certain seasons.

Knowing how to handle these situations, understanding liability, and protecting your rights are crucial for staying safe and navigating legal issues.

If you have questions or would like to speak with an experienced Maine car accident attorney, please contact us today.

Common Weather-Related Hazards in Maine

Maine’s climate, particularly during winter and along its coastal areas, can lead to various driving hazards. Below are some of the most common.

1. Snow and Ice

Maine winters are infamous for heavy snowfall and icy roads. Snow reduces traction, while black ice creates nearly invisible dangers that cause severe car accidents due to weather conditions.

Sliding on ice is one of the most common causes of winter accidents, but it raises questions about liability: Is sliding on ice an at-fault accident? The answer often depends on whether the driver was traveling at an appropriate speed for the conditions or failed to equip their vehicle with winter tires.

Car accidents in snow are also common because they reduce visibility and make it difficult to stop suddenly in changing conditions. 

2. Rain and Reduced Visibility

Rainstorms frequently contribute to car accidents caused by rain, especially during spring and fall. Wet roads reduce tire grip, increasing stopping distances and raising the risk of hydroplaning.

Moreover, heavy rainfall obscures a driver’s vision, making it harder to see road hazards—a condition known as weather-related hazards that reduce driver visibility.

3. Coastal Winds

Strong winds in coastal Maine are another significant hazard. These winds push vehicles off course, especially high-profile vehicles like trucks or SUVs.

In extreme cases, strong winds causing a vehicle to veer off the road lead to severe accidents. Drivers traveling along exposed highways or near the coastline should be especially cautious during high-wind advisories.

4. Fog

Maine’s weather includes dense fog, particularly in coastal and mountainous areas. Reduced visibility from fog increases the risk of multi-car pileups, especially on highways. Drivers are encouraged to use their fog lights and reduce speed to prevent accidents in these conditions.

5. Freezing Rain

Freezing rain poses an added challenge, creating an invisible sheet of ice on roads that surprises even the most cautious drivers. This type of precipitation is a leading cause of winter crashes in Maine and often occurs when temperatures hover near freezing.

Steps to Take After a Weather-Related Car Accident

If you’re involved in a car accident due to black ice or other weather conditions, follow these steps:

• Ensure safety. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. 
• Contact authorities. Call 911 to report the accident. Maine law requires you to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
• Document the scene. Take photos of the road conditions, your vehicle, and other involved vehicles. Documentation is helpful for a car accident because of black ice or other weather hazards.
• Exchange information. Gather contact and insurance details from other drivers.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. A medical report is also valuable for insurance claims.
• Consult a Maine car accident lawyer. Seek legal advice, especially if you believe negligence played a role in the crash.

Following these steps protects your rights and makes it easier to file a claim.

Liability in Weather-Related Accidents

Determining fault in weather-related accidents is complex. While poor weather is often a factor, drivers must adjust their behavior to the conditions.

For example, driving too fast on icy roads could make you liable for damages, even if sliding on ice was unavoidable. Likewise, failing to use headlights during a rainstorm or neglecting proper vehicle maintenance may result in partial or complete liability.

Insurance companies investigate weather-related accidents closely, often looking for evidence of negligence. Working with an experienced lawyer ensures your side of the story is presented clearly.

Does Car Insurance Cover Snow Accidents?

Most car insurance policies cover weather-related accidents, including those caused by snow. However, the coverage depends on your policy. Here’s how typical coverage works:

• Collision coverage—pays for repairs to your vehicle, regardless of fault;
• Liability coverage—covers damages to other vehicles and injuries if you’re at fault; and
• Comprehensive coverage—protects against non-collision events, such as hail or falling tree branches.

Drivers in Maine are encouraged to carry full coverage insurance to protect themselves against the unpredictable costs of weather-related accidents. Regularly reviewing your policy is also a smart way to ensure you’re prepared.

Preventing Weather-Related Accidents

While you can’t control Maine’s weather, reducing your risk of an accident is possible by practicing safe driving habits:

• Slow down—drive below the speed limit during adverse conditions;
• Maintain your vehicle—ensure your tires, brakes, and wipers are in good condition;
• Keep a safe distance—increase your following distance to account for reduced traction;
• Use headlights—make sure your lights are on during rain, snow, or fog;
• Plan ahead—check the forecast before driving and avoid unnecessary trips during storms; and
• Carry emergency supplies—keep items like a shovel, flashlight, blankets, and road salt in your car.

These tips help you stay safe on the road, but it’s vital to contact a Maine car accident lawyer if an accident occurs. 

Legal Assistance for Weather-Related Accidents

Consulting with an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in your case if you’ve been involved in a weather-related car accident. A Maine car accident lawyer helps you:

• Determine fault—assess the evidence to establish liability;
• Negotiate with insurance companies—ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages; and
• File a lawsuit—if necessary, take legal action to protect your rights.

Weather-related accidents are an unfortunate reality of driving in Maine, but understanding the risks, taking preventive measures, and knowing what to do after an accident can make all the difference.

Whether it’s snow, rain, or strong winds, staying vigilant and prepared can help keep you and others safe on the road.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a weather-related accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. A skilled Maine car accident lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring you’re protected and compensated for your losses.

Get in Contact With a Seasoned Car Accident Lawyer in Maine Today 

When you experience an injury in an accident, you deserve experienced and compassionate legal representation. At Mann Law, a female-led firm with a proven track record across Maine, we focus on guiding our clients through every step of the recovery process.

Whether you’ve been hurt in a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, our team will fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing. Contact us by phone or email for a free consultation and learn how Mann Law can help you. 

Christiana E. Mann Christiana “Chrissy” Mann has specialized in civil litigation for 21+ years as a savvy and creative litigator, and she’s regarded as a fair, compassionate, and zealous advocate on behalf of her clients.