Maine Car Accident Laws
Quick Answer. Maine has its own rules for filing time and shared fault. Preserve the evidence and identify insurance promptly; a comparatively long general limitation period does not extend every reporting or claim deadline.
The General Filing Period Is Only a Starting Point
Title 14, Section 752 generally provides six years after accrual for civil actions unless another provision applies. It should not be treated as a universal deadline for every loss arising from a vehicle crash. Maine: Title 14, Section 752
Tell an attorney whether anyone died, a government entity was involved, an injured person is a child or a policy imposes a separate demand requirement. Record the crash date and dates of notices already sent. Ask for a deadline assessment specific to the parties and claims rather than relying on a general website table.
Maine’s Shared-Fault Rule Has Important Wording
Section 156 bars recovery if the claimant is equally at fault. Where recovery is allowed, it directs a just-and-equitable reduction in dollars and cents. This wording should not be replaced with a generic “subtract the same percentage” calculator. Maine: Title 14, Section 156
To discuss a disputed allocation, bring the factual evidence: scene photographs, witness names, vehicle positions and recordings. Identify what you disagree with in an insurer’s account and what supports your version. The seriousness of injuries does not by itself establish who caused the collision.
What Insurance Should You Look For?
Maine’s Bureau of Insurance lists required liability, medical-payments and uninsured-motorist coverages. Read the declarations and endorsements to learn the actual limits and conditions in the policy involved. Maine Bureau of Insurance: Required Coverage
Ask who is handling medical expenses while liability is investigated and how to submit records. If a vehicle was being used for paid transportation or deliveries, disclose that fact: Maine’s insurance regulator warns that business use needs a specific coverage review. Maine Bureau of Insurance: Business Use of a Personal Auto
Do not assume an ordinary personal policy or the logo on a phone app identifies every insurer. Save trip receipts and messages explaining why coverage was accepted or denied.
Prepare a Claim File That Can Be Checked
Use a spreadsheet or notebook with columns for date, event, document and unresolved question. Keep medical bills distinct from explanations of benefits and note amounts already paid. For income loss, gather schedules, pay records and written work restrictions.
Preserve damaged equipment or personal items until you have asked whether inspection is needed. If storage creates a cost problem, document it and seek instructions rather than allowing important evidence to disappear without a record.
Before Agreeing to a Settlement
Ask what the release includes, which outstanding bills must be paid and whether any insurer seeks reimbursement. Request a written explanation of fees and costs if hiring a lawyer. A headline settlement amount cannot answer what you would ultimately retain.
Related Guides
Official Sources
- Maine: Title 14, Section 752
- Maine: Title 14, Section 156
- Maine Bureau of Insurance: Required Coverage
- Maine Bureau of Insurance: Business Use of a Personal Auto
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