Portland, Maine's vibrant streets are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, whether you're walking to the bakery or enjoying an evening stroll on the Eastern Promenade. However, a moment of inattention by a motor vehicle driver can turn a pleasant outing into a devastating pedestrian accident. Even at low speeds, collisions with motor vehicles can cause serious injuries under personal injury law, from broken bones to life-altering spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Pedestrian accidents not only result in physical harm but also leave many individuals feeling lost and overwhelmed. Medical bills pile up, lost wages impact your ability to provide for your family, and the emotional toll of the accident can be immense. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don't face this challenging time alone.
While you focus on healing, McCue Law Office, our Portland Maine pedestrian accident attorneys will fight for the fair compensation you deserve. We understand the intricacies of pedestrian injury law and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Many injured pedestrians are unaware of their legal rights under Maine law or how to navigate the complex legal system. Insurance companies, representing the at-fault motor vehicle drivers, may try to downplay your injuries or offer a lowball settlement that won't adequately cover your present and future needs. Don't settle for anything less than what you deserve.
McCue Law Office works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won't pay any attorney's fees unless we win your case. We are committed to helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward after a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian accidents in Portland, Maine, can occur due to various factors, leaving victims with serious injuries and facing significant challenges. Here are some of the main reasons pedestrian accidents happen in Portland.
One of the leading causes of pedestrian crashes is distracted driving. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a second to text, adjust the radio, or eat, they put pedestrians and other motorists at risk. Distracted drivers may not see pedestrians crossing the street or stepping off the curb, leading to severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.
Speeding is another significant factor in Portland Maine pedestrian crashes. When drivers exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for the current weather or road conditions, they have less time to react to pedestrians in their path. Even at low speeds, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle can suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, internal injuries, and head trauma.
Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, or when turning are another common cause of pedestrian accidents. Maine law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. When drivers ignore traffic laws and fail to give pedestrians the right-of-way, they can cause devastating accidents.
Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications, is a serious problem on Portland's roads. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining their lane, all of which can lead to pedestrian accidents. These accidents often result in severe injuries or even death for the accident victims.
Poor visibility, especially during the early morning or evening hours, can contribute to pedestrian accidents in Portland. Pedestrians may be harder to see when wearing dark clothing or walking in areas with inadequate lighting. Drivers need to be extra cautious during times of low visibility and always be on the lookout for pedestrians.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Portland, it's essential to seek the help of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. Our skilled lawyers at McCue Law Office can investigate your case, determine the cause of your accident, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases and can guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights and options.
Don't let a pedestrian accident derail your life. Contact McCue Law Office today for a free consultation and let their Portland Maine pedestrian accident attorneys help you on the road to recovery.
A pedestrian accident involving a car can have devastating consequences, causing serious injuries that can significantly impact your life. Here are some of the most common injuries you can sustain from a pedestrian accident:
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe consequences of pedestrian accidents. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the impact can cause their head to hit the ground or another hard surface, resulting in a concussion or more severe brain damage. Symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, confusion, memory loss, and even personality changes. In some cases, the effects of a TBI can be long-lasting or permanent, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries are another devastating type of injury that can result from pedestrian accidents. The impact of a vehicle can cause damage to the vertebrae, discs, or nerves in the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require lengthy rehabilitation and can significantly impact a person's quality of life, as well as their ability to work and engage in daily activities.
Pedestrians hit by vehicles often suffer broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs. The force of the impact can cause fractures, which may require surgery, casting, or other medical interventions to heal properly. In some cases, multiple fractures can occur, leading to an extended recovery period and significant pain and discomfort.
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are common injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents. These injuries can affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility. While some soft tissue injuries may heal with rest and conservative treatment, others can lead to chronic pain and ongoing complications.
The blunt force trauma associated with pedestrian accidents can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery to address. In some cases, internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, making it crucial for injured victims to seek prompt medical attention, even if they don't feel seriously hurt.
Pedestrians involved in accidents may suffer from lacerations, road rash, or burns that can lead to permanent disfigurement or scarring. These injuries can cause significant emotional distress and may require plastic surgery or other cosmetic procedures to address.
In addition to physical injuries, pedestrian accident victims in Portland, Maine often experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. The emotional impact of an accident can be long-lasting and may require professional counseling or therapy to overcome.
After a pedestrian accident in Portland, Maine, you may be facing significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. While you focus on healing, a skilled accident attorney at McCue Law Office can fight for the compensation you deserve. However, be prepared for the defendant (or their insurance company) to raise certain defenses to try and reduce or eliminate their liability. Here's a breakdown of some common defenses used in pedestrian injury cases:
A common defense strategy is to argue that the pedestrian's actions partially caused the accident. Under Maine's comparative negligence law, the percentage of fault you share in causing the accident will directly affect your damage award. For instance, if the jury finds you 20% at fault and that your total damages amount to $100,000, you would only receive $80,000.
Examples of contributory negligence arguments might include:
It's important to note that even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation. A skilled Portland Maine pedestrian accident lawyer at McCue Law Office can argue against these claims and fight to maximize your recovery.
Drivers do have certain rights of way, particularly at intersections and crosswalks. However, this doesn't absolve them of all responsibility. Drivers still have a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid pedestrians, even if they have the right of way. For example, if a driver is speeding or not paying attention and hits a pedestrian in a crosswalk, they may still be liable for the accident.
Your attorney can analyze the specific circumstances of your case, including traffic signals, pedestrian crosswalks, and speed limits, to determine if the driver violated their duty of care.
The defendant may try to argue that your injuries were pre-existing from a prior accident or medical condition. This defense aims to minimize the compensation you receive for your injuries. A skilled lawyer will gather medical records and other evidence to demonstrate that the pedestrian accident caused your injuries.
Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of your injuries. They might argue that your injuries are minor and won't require extensive medical care. This tactic is used to justify offering a lowball settlement. An experienced Portland Maine pedestrian accident attorney will work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries, including future medical needs and lost wages.
Defendants may also argue that the injured pedestrian failed to file their claim within the statute of limitations. In Maine, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, is generally six years from the date of the incident. If a claim is not filed within this timeframe, the victim may be barred from seeking compensation. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will ensure that all deadlines are met and that the victim's rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Pedestrian accident cases can be more complex compared to car accident cases. Here's why:
To win a pedestrian accident case, your lawyer must establish that the driver acted negligently and that their negligence caused your injuries. Here's what needs to be proven:
A skilled Portland Maine pedestrian accident lawyer at McCue Law Office will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and traffic camera footage to prove these elements and hold the negligent driver accountable.
Being struck by a car can be a terrifying and life-altering experience. Pedestrian accidents in Portland, Maine, even at low speeds, can cause serious injuries that result in significant financial burdens. If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, understanding the types of compensation available can help you navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation for your losses.
Economic damages compensate you for the financial losses you've incurred due to the accident. These can include:
Keeping Records is Key: To recover these damages, you'll need to provide documentation of your expenses. This includes medical bills, pay stubs, and receipts for repairs.
Pedestrian accidents can also cause significant emotional and psychological distress. Non-economic damages compensate you for these intangible losses, such as:
Non-economic damages are more subjective than economic damages and can be more challenging to quantify. An experienced Portland pedestrian accident lawyer can help you calculate the appropriate value for your non-economic damages based on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
In some cases, the driver's actions may have been particularly egregious, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or intentionally hitting a pedestrian. If so, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you for your losses, but rather to punish the driver and deter similar behavior in the future.
In Portland, Maine, pedestrian accident victims must be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that determines how long an injured person has to initiate a lawsuit against the negligent party. Under Maine law, the statute of limitations for most pedestrian crash cases is six years from the accident date. However, certain circumstances can render this limit shorter, so it’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you can successfully pursue compensation.
Being struck by a motor vehicle while walking can be a terrifying and life-altering experience. The aftermath of a pedestrian accident in Portland, Maine, can leave you with physical injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial burdens. While navigating medical care and recovery is your top priority, having a skilled Portland pedestrian accident lawyer by your side can be invaluable in securing fair compensation for your losses. Here are some of the reasons why.
A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Portland will have a deep understanding of Maine's personal injury laws and how they apply to your case. We can explain your legal rights, help you understand the claims process, and ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines. You can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
Pedestrian accident attorneys have the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation of your accident. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, review police reports, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. This investigation can help establish liability and demonstrate the extent of your injuries, increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to pedestrian accident victims, offering lowball settlements that don't cover the full extent of their injuries and damages. An experienced Portland pedestrian accident lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company, fighting for your rights and negotiating a fair settlement. We can also help you avoid making statements that could harm your case.
Pedestrian accident lawyers can accurately assess the value of your claim, taking into account factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. We will work to ensure that you receive compensation not only for your current expenses but also for any future costs related to your injuries.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a pedestrian accident attorney in Portland will be prepared to take your case to trial. We will present a compelling argument on your behalf, using evidence gathered during their investigation to demonstrate the negligent driver's liability and the extent of your damages.
Last but not least, the peace of mind that comes with having a competent attorney represent you should not be understated. Dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be stressful and overwhelming. By hiring a Portland Maine pedestrian accident lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that a skilled professional is fighting for your rights and working to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident in Portland, Maine, contacting a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer at McCue Law Office is crucial. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of pedestrian crash cases and will fight tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact a Portland Maine pedestrian accident lawyer at our law office by calling (207) 862-5290 or filling out this online form. We offer a free consultation, so you can discuss your case and learn about your legal options with no obligation.
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