Injured in a Truck Accident?
Let an experienced Maine truck accident attorney help you pursue compensation
An 18-wheeler accident is hard to imagine much less live through. A big rig or semi truck may be as much as 30 times larger than a passenger car. A collision with a semi truck or a 30-ton, 18-wheeler can have a devastating impact. Tractor-trailer injuries can be catastrophic and even fatal, which can open the door to a wrongful death lawsuit.
In one case, our firm secured a $3,600,000 settlement for a client from Veazie who was paralyzed in an accident after being cut off by an 18-wheeler. It's a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can change – and why it’s so important to have the right legal team on your side when the unthinkable happens.
People who are seriously injured or lose loved ones in Maine trucking accidents may need legal assistance in pursuing compensation for their losses. At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, serving towns and cities throughout Maine, a truck accident attorney can put experience and resources to work for you. Call Joe today at 1-866-275-4563 for a free case evaluation.
“Tana and Michelle were awesome! Very professional, very personable. They showed true compassion and care. They had my best interests and needs at the forefront of every decision. The whole staff was amazing. I would recommend them to anyone.” - James P., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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FAQs About Truck Accidents in Maine
- What should I do after a truck accident in Maine?
- Why are truck accidents so devastating?
- What are common truck accident injuries?
- What types of vehicles are involved in truck accidents?
- What is black box data and why is it important for my case?
- What other evidence is important for a truck accident case?
- How is fault determined after a truck accident?
- How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Maine?
- What kind of compensation can I recover?
- What makes truck accident cases so complicated?
What should I do after a truck accident in Maine?
Truck accidents are often more serious than regular car crashes, so it’s important to take the right steps. Here’s what to do if you’re involved in one:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if needed.
- Get medical attention immediately – even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show up right away.
- Stay at the scene and wait for police.
- Get contact and insurance information from the truck driver and any witnesses.
- Take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and anything else that might help document what happened.
- Avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without getting legal advice first.
- Report the accident to your own insurance company.
- Contact a Maine truck accident lawyer who can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Why are truck accidents so devastating?
Truck accidents are often devastating because of the massive size and weight of commercial trucks compared to regular passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so when it crashes into a smaller car, the impact can cause severe or even fatal injuries. These accidents often happen at high speeds or involve multiple vehicles, which adds to the danger.
In many cases, victims suffer serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or internal injuries that require long-term medical care. On top of the physical harm, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming for victims and their families.
What are common truck accident injuries?
Injuries in a truck accident often are severe and may include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Fatal injuries
We fight for the rights of people injured in Maine truck accidents. As part of a typical tractor-trailer accident case, we will examine any possible negligence so we can hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. A truck accident may involve a number of insurance companies. In some cases, there are separate insurance policies for the cab and the trailer.
What types of vehicles are involved in truck accidents?
The following are commercial vehicles that may be involved in Maine truck accidents:
- Tanker trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Delivery vans
- Dump trucks
- Big rigs, large tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers
What is black box data and why is it important for my case?
In truck accident cases, the "black box" is an electronic control module that records key information about the truck’s operation, similar to the black boxes used in airplanes. Most commercial trucks have them, and they can capture data such as speed, brake usage, engine performance, and whether the driver made any sudden movements before the crash. This data can be critical in showing what happened during the accident and whether the truck driver or company was at fault. Black box data can be overwritten over time, so it’s important to act quickly and have a lawyer request this information before it’s lost.
What other evidence is important for a truck accident case?
In addition to black box data, several types of evidence can help support your case and prove who was responsible for causing the crash:
- Police reports: This includes official findings and witness statements.
- Photos and videos: Any photographs or videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
- Eyewitness testimony: An unbiased account from people who saw the crash happen.
- Medical records: Documentation of your injuries and treatment.
- Driver logs: This shows how long the truck driver had been on the road.
- Maintenance records: These prove whether or not the truck was properly maintained.
- Surveillance or traffic cam footage: Videos or images from street cameras or security cameras from nearby businesses that may have captured the accident.
- Expert analysis: Detailed evaluations from specialists, such as accident reconstruction experts.
How is fault determined after a truck accident?
Figuring out who is at fault in truck accidents can be complicated because it often involves several parties. Common at-fault parties typically include the truck driver, the trucking company, and the company that loaded the trailer. There can also be other factors that contribute to the accident:
- Trucker liability: The truck driver can be at fault if they were careless. This might include driving while drunk, distracted, tired, speeding, or breaking traffic laws.
- Trucking company: The trucking company can be blamed for the accident if they didn't keep the truck in good condition, ignored safety rules, or pressured the driver to stick to tight schedules that led to unsafe driving. They can also be liable if they hired an unqualified or poorly trained driver with a history of causing truck accidents.
- Loading company liability: The company that loaded the trailer can be at fault if the cargo was improperly loaded or not secured. Problems like overloading or unevenly distributed loads can make the truck harder to drive and more likely to crash or cause a rollover truck accident.
- Other contributory factors: Other things that might play a role in a truck accident include mechanical failures, defective truck parts, tire blowouts, bad road conditions, or the actions of other drivers. These factors can involve various parties, such as manufacturers, maintenance providers, and government agencies in charge of road maintenance.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Maine?
In Maine, you generally have six years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. While six years may seem like plenty of time, it’s important to act sooner rather than later. Evidence in truck accident cases, like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records, can disappear quickly. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.
What kind of compensation can I recover?
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of damages. Every case is different, so the exact amount you recover will depend on the specific details of your case. You may be entitled to be compensated for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
What makes truck accident cases so complicated?
Truck accident cases are more complicated than regular car accidents for several reasons, and it starts with fault. In truck accidents there are often multiple parties involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, and even the company that loaded the cargo. Each one could share responsibility for what happened.
Commercial trucks are heavily regulated at both the state and federal level, and violations of those rules can impact the case. Trucking companies also have powerful insurance companies and legal departments working to limit their liability. Due to all of this, it’s important to have an experienced truck accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges these cases present.
An experienced truck accident lawyer in Maine can help you recover compensation
We know that a serious injury resulting from a truck accident can be a life-altering event. We hear every day about our clients' hardships when they have lost a loved one or suffered a significant trauma and see first-hand their physical and emotional pain. That is what focuses our commitment to vigorously represent truck accident injury victims in Maine.
Whether you or a loved one was injured in a crash with a dump truck or collision with an 18-wheeler, commercial truck accidents can be complicated. Knowing what to do can be confusing. We can help. In trucking accidents, multiple insurance carriers may be involved, including companies representing the owner of the trucking company, the owner of the cab and the owner of the trailer. We know how to pursue maximum compensation for your losses by skillfully negotiating with the insurance companies. Contact a truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Call 1-866-275-4563.
"Ben and his team were extremely patient and helpful while dealing with my accident claim! They remained in contact frequently and always answered any questions/concerns I had within 24 hours of asking! I was worried I would get nothing from my claim but Ben and his team got all my medical bills covered and then some!!! I highly reccomend the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein to anyone, even if you aren't sure you'll get anything out of claim it doesn't hurt to ask them!"
- B.L., Gorham, ME
