Experiencing a car accident is more than just a physical event and can upend your entire life. If you were involved in an auto collision, you may be grappling with a whirlwind of feelings—shock, pain, confusion, and fear.
The aftermath of a car crash creates mounting medical bills and stress from managing insurance claims. Having a skilled Yarmouth car accident lawyer by your side during such a turbulent time can make all the difference.
Learn more about how an attorney can assist you, the damages you might recover after a collision, and the steps you should take to protect your legal rights.
Our goal is to guide you through the complexities of your situation and provide clarity on the path ahead.
To get started, please contact our firm right away.
Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident in Yarmouth, Maine
Understanding what you may be entitled to recover after a Yarmouth car accident provides clarity and hope as you navigate the road ahead.
In personal injury claims, a victim may recover compensatory damages that make a victim “whole” following a collision. Compensatory damages include special damages and general damages.
Special damages compensate for specific, quantifiable losses directly attributable to the accident, including:
- Medical expenses—costs related to your treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care;
- Lost wages—compensation for income lost due to your inability to work during your recovery and loss of future earnings if your injuries affect your long-term career prospects; and
- Property damage—covers your vehicle’s repair or replacement costs and any personal property damaged in the accident.
Documentary evidence such as invoices, pay stubs, receipts, and other similar paperwork supports these losses.
General damages compensate for non-monetary losses and are more subjective. Common examples include:
- Pain and suffering—compensation for the physical pain endured, including chronic pain, discomfort, and the mental anguish of dealing with an injury;
- Emotional distress—covers psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and trauma that may arise from the accident and is evaluated based on how the accident has altered your daily life and emotional well-being; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life—compensation for reducing your ability to enjoy activities and hobbies, such as sports and social activities, that were a significant part of your life before the accident.
Victims may receive punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless.
Unlike compensatory damages, a court does not award punitive damages to compensate a victim, but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar future conduct. Cases that may warrant punitive damages include drunk driving or intentional misconduct.
How an Attorney Can Help You After a Car Accident
A Yarmouth car accident attorney provides invaluable assistance in several key areas, ensuring you navigate the complex legal landscape effectively. Common examples of how they can help include:
- Legal advice and guidance. Your attorney offers knowledgeable legal advice, helping you understand your rights and legal options. Based on the specifics of your case, they can advise you on whether to settle or pursue a legal case.
- Investigation and evidence gathering. Attorneys are skilled at gathering and analyzing evidence critical to your case, including obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, and collecting medical records.
- Negotiation. Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Your attorney negotiates on your behalf and ensures you receive fair compensation that accurately reflects your losses.
- Filing and managing legal documents. Navigating the paperwork involved in a personal injury claim is daunting. Your lawyer handles all necessary legal documents and filings, ensuring you follow all deadlines and procedures.
- Litigation. If your case proceeds to trial, your lawyer represents you in court, presenting your case to a judge or jury and advocating vigorously on your behalf to secure a favorable outcome.
Attempting to navigate a complex personal injury lawsuit in Yarmouth on your own without the help of an experienced attorney could result in you receiving less compensation than you deserve—or none at all.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Maine
The statute of limitations is a legal time limit within which you must file a lawsuit after an injury. In Maine, the statute of limitations for a car accident claim is generally six years from the accident date. If a car accident victim fails to file within this period, they may lose their right to seek compensation.
There are certain exceptions to the statute of limitations period.
- Discovery rule. If a victim’s injuries are not immediately apparent or discovered later, the statute of limitations may start from the discovery date of the injury or when the injury should have reasonably been discovered.
- Minor. If the injured party is under 18 during the accident, the statute of limitations may toll or pause until they turn 18, allowing minors to file claims once they reach legal adulthood.
- Disability. If the injured party is legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may toll until the disability is resolved. These situations are relevant for cases where a victim is mentally or physically unable to manage their claim.
Contact an attorney to learn whether an exception to the statute of limitations may apply in your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Maine
Car accidents in Maine can occur due to a variety of factors. Some common causes include:
- Distracted driving—includes behaviors such as texting, using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving;
- Speeding—driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and causing severe accidents;
- Driving under the influence—operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction times, and coordination;
- Weather conditions—Maine experiences various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice, creating hazardous driving conditions; and
- Reckless driving—aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, erratic lane changes, and excessive lane switching.
While you can’t control the behavior of others, understanding the most common causes of car accidents may help you spot this behavior and avoid an accident in the future.
Common Types of Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in various injuries, from minor to severe. Some common types include:
- Whiplash—this neck injury is caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head during an accident, leading to pain and stiffness;
- Fractures—broken bones result from the force of the crash, affecting limbs, ribs, or other areas of the body;
- Concussions—brain injuries resulting from a blow to the head can cause headaches, dizziness, and cognitive issues;
- Back and spine injuries—damage to the vertebrae or discs in the back may lead to chronic pain and mobility issues;
- Internal injuries—organs often suffer damage by the force of the accident, potentially leading to internal bleeding or other serious complications; and
- Soft tissue injuries—strains, sprains, and tears in muscles or ligaments often occur, causing pain and limited movement.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is challenging, but with the proper support, you can manage your recovery and seek the compensation you deserve.
A Yarmouth, Maine, car accident lawyer is an essential ally in this process, offering expertise and advocacy to help you through this difficult time.
Collaborate with the Leading Yarmouth Car Accident Attorneys Today
At Mann Law, we have over 50 years of combined experience advocating for individuals at Mann Law. We are passionate about our work and committed to protecting what you value most.
As an experienced civil litigation firm, our Yarmouth personal injury attorneys stand ready to help when you need it most. Our legal team has an established legacy of successfully navigating our clients through some of life’s most difficult challenges.
Contact us today to book a free consultation and learn how our attorneys can help you chart a positive path forward.
We also are a statewide firm with offices in Bangor, Rockland, Freeport, Portland, Bristol, and more for easy accessibility.
