Biddeford Accident Attorney
Accidents happen in Biddeford, Maine, every day of the year. While many of these accidents are minor – maybe you were involved in a fender-bender on Elm Street while crossing Saco River – some unfortunately result in serious injury or the death of someone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck or perhaps slipped and fell through no fault of your own, you should arrange a consultation with the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. With an office at 193 Main Street (Suite 105), we are easily accessible for victims of injuries in York County.
Our firm is dedicated to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve after being injured in an accident. In one case, we recovered $1,000,000 for a Biddeford client who was hit by a driver while unloading his truck. The crash caused severe leg fractures and left him permanently disabled.
Below are a few top questions about injuries and accidents in Biddeford. If you need immediate help, call us or visit us at the Biddeford office. When you speak with someone at our law firm, you will find out right away that we truly enjoy helping people solve their problems.
“If you have been injured in an auto accident in Maine and need help getting what you deserve from the insurance company, I would strongly recommend you dial 800-CALL-JOE. The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is a top-notch personal injury law firm with a tremendous group of knowledgeable and caring professionals as well as a very long track record of success.” – Rick H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Average Rating: 4.9/5 stars, 17 reviews
FAQs about Car Accidents in Biddeford
- Where are the "hot spots" for accidents in Biddeford?
- How do I know if I need an attorney for my accident?
- Will I need to go to court?
- What should I do after a car accident in Biddeford?
- How is fault determined in a car accident?
- What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
- What if I was a passenger in a Biddeford car accident?
- Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
- How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Maine?
- What should I do if a distracted driver hits me?
- What are common types of car accident injuries?
- How do I deal with the insurance company?
Where are the "hot spots" for accidents in Biddeford?
Accidents that involve serious injury or fatality often happen on Interstate 95, which crosses through Biddeford. Sometimes, a car might get struck by an 18-wheeler on I-95. Such accidents demand a comprehensive investigation to determine liability. The truck driver might have been impaired, distracted or might have lacked the training required to operate a big rig. Other hot spots for accidents include U.S. Route 1 and state routes 5, 9 and 11.
How do I know if I need an attorney for my accident?
If you were injured or a loved one died in an accident, you should without hesitation contact us for a free case evaluation. In such cases, you may be facing a long-term struggle that will affect you financially, emotionally and physically. Insurance companies often are quick to make low-ball settlement offers or may even deny compensation for someone who has been hurt in a car wreck. An attorney at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein can help by negotiating with the insurance company or taking the case to court if necessary.
If you were in a minor accident that does not involve any injury and the other motorist is being cooperative, you may be able to resolve a claim on your own. But it's always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any questions or concerns about your accident. Call us. We will be happy to answer your questions free of charge.
Will I need to go to court?
When representing someone injured or someone who has lost a loved one, we generally negotiate with insurance companies to get the money the client needs. In most accident claims we handle, the case ends with a settlement that covers the client's losses. But sometimes, it’s necessary to file a lawsuit and take the case to court.
Often, lawsuits end up being settled before trial, however, we are ready to do whatever is necessary to get our clients justice.
What should I do after a car accident in Biddeford?
It’s important to act quickly and carefully to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here are steps you can take (if you are able to):
- Check for injuries: Make sure you and others involved are safe. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.
- Move to safety: If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents.
- Call the police: Even for minor accidents, it's important to have an official police report. This can be a key piece of evidence if you file a claim.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and anything else that seems relevant. This documentation can help support your claim.
- Get contact information for witnesses: If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number. Witness statements can be valuable.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, it’s smart to see a doctor. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident as soon as possible – but stick to the facts and avoid speculation.
- Talk to a car accident lawyer: Before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement, speak with an experienced attorney. They can explain your rights and help protect your claim.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Fault is based on evidence that proves which driver was responsible. Types of evidence include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photos and traffic camera footage
- Accident reconstruction
A Biddeford car accident attorney can help collect and present the evidence needed to support your claim and show the other driver was responsible.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you can file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage is designed to help in exactly these situations and can pay for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your policy, file the correct paperwork, and challenge any denial of coverage.
What if I was a passenger in a Biddeford car accident?
As a passenger, you have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver. You may also be able to make a claim under your own insurance coverage. Passengers often have an easier time proving fault since they were not in control of either vehicle. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine all available options for compensation.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Maine’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation if you were 50% or less responsible for the crash. Your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your total awarded damages are $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Maine?
Maine law gives you six years from the date of the crash to file a car accident lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. However, it’s best not to wait. Over time, evidence can disappear, witnesses can forget details, and your case may become harder to prove. Contacting a lawyer right away gives you the best chance of building a strong case.
What should I do if a distracted driver hits me?
Distracted driving is dangerous, and Maine has laws that prohibit it. If you believe the other driver was texting, eating, or otherwise distracted, let the police know at the scene. Try to gather evidence, such as witness statements or photos. Don’t worry if you feel like you don’t have enough evidence, or if you couldn’t collect any due to your injury. Your lawyer can help investigate and pursue records that show the other driver wasn’t paying attention.
What are common types of car accident injuries?
Depending on the factors of your car accidents, drivers, passengers, and bystanders can suffer anything from minor scrapes to life-threatening injuries. Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Scrapes, cuts, bruises
- Soft tissue damage
Some injuries may not be obvious at first but can worsen over time. It’s important to see a medical professional and document any pain or discomfort right away to protect both your health and your claim.
How do I deal with the insurance company?
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to minimize what the company pays. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers without legal advice. Let your attorney handle all communication with the insurance company. This helps prevent you from accidentally saying something that could be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Contact an experienced Biddeford car accident lawyer today.
A car accident can turn your life upside down. When you hire a lawyer, you’re getting a professional advocate who knows how to handle tough insurance companies, build strong cases, and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
At The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we help people throughout Biddeford get back on their feet after a crash. We’ll take care of the legal work so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – there’s no obligation, just answers and support when you need it most.
