Maine Car Accident Laws
Last reviewed June 2026
Quick answer. Maine is an at-fault state. You have 6 years to file a personal injury claim (14 M.R.S. section 752), and the state follows modified, 50% bar negligence (14 M.R.S. section 156). Minimum liability coverage is 50/100/25.
Maine Car Accident Quick Facts
| System | At-fault (tort) |
|---|---|
| Filing deadline | 6 years (14 M.R.S. section 752) |
| Fault rule | Modified, 50% bar (14 M.R.S. section 156) |
| Threshold to sue | None. No injury threshold must be met to sue. |
| Minimum liability | 50,000 / 100,000 / 25,000, plus medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage, among the highest minimums in the region |
| Helmet law | Maine requires helmets for riders under 18, those on a learner’s permit, and during the first year after licensure. |
Fault and Insurance in Maine
Maine is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who caused the crash and their insurer are responsible. Maine also gives injured people the longest filing window in the region, though acting early still protects evidence.
Minimum liability coverage is 50,000 / 100,000 / 25,000, plus medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage, among the highest minimums in the region.
How Shared Fault Works in Maine
Maine applies a modified comparative rule that bars recovery once your fault is equal to or greater than the other party’s, with your award reduced by your share, codified at 14 M.R.S. section 156. Insurers know these rules and often try to shift blame to cut what they pay, so understanding how fault is decided matters to the outcome.
The Filing Deadline in Maine
Under 14 M.R.S. section 752, you generally have 6 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim in Maine. Waiting risks both the deadline and the loss of evidence.
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Maine requires helmets for riders under 18, those on a learner’s permit, and during the first year after licensure.
Local Context
Crashes happen across Maine, from Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland to smaller towns and rural routes. Injury claims are typically handled through the Maine Superior Court, and driver and crash records run through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Talk to an Accident Attorney in Maine
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim in Maine?
Maine allows 6 years from the date of the crash for most personal injury claims, under 14 M.R.S. section 752. After that, the claim is usually barred.
Is Maine a No-Fault or At-Fault State?
Maine is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who caused the crash and their insurer are responsible. Maine also gives injured people the longest filing window in the region, though acting early still protects evidence.
How Does Fault Affect My Recovery in Maine?
Maine follows a modified comparative rule that bars recovery once your fault is equal to or greater than the other party’s, with your award reduced by your share (14 M.R.S. section 156).
What Is the Minimum Car Insurance in Maine?
The minimum liability coverage in Maine is 50,000 / 100,000 / 25,000, plus medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage, among the highest minimums in the region.
Related Guides
- No-fault vs at-fault states
- Statute of limitations by state
- Serious injury and verbal thresholds
- Motorcycle accident laws by state
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