Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries and significant financial burdens. At Lowry Law, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Maine are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to victims in the Portland area, the Greater Bangor area, Lewiston, and across the state. We understand the complexities of pedestrian accident cases and are committed to holding negligent parties accountable. Our team works tirelessly to help ensure that you receive the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. With our deep knowledge of Maine law and a client-centered approach, we strive to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate your pedestrian accident claim and secure the justice you may deserve.
Injured While Walking in Maine?
Our experienced team are here to guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and support your recovery every step of the way. Don't face this difficult time alone—reach out to us today for a free consultation and let a pedestrian accident lawyer in Maine help you get back on your feet.
It's Easy To Get Started
Whether you contact us in person, over the phone, or with our simple online form, we are available 24/7 to begin working for you.
You Have Rights
If you suffered injuries due to the careless behavior of a motorist, you may deserve to be compensated. We can help you understand your rights, determine the amount you’re owed, and fight for a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Affordable Legal Representation
By offering cost-free case reviews and only charging legal fees when we win, we allow all Maine citizens access to skilled, affordable legal representation.
Table of Contents
- Pedestrian Accident Causes
- Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Compensation Available For Injured Pedestrians in Maine
- Establishing Fault in Maine Pedestrian Accidents
- Steps To Take After a Pedestrian Accident
- What’s Next?
- Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs
- Benefits of Working With Our Maine Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
- Speak to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Maine Today
Pedestrian Accident Causes
Pedestrian accidents can occur due to various reasons, many of which are preventable and result from driver negligence. Understanding the common causes can help in identifying liable parties and preventing future accidents. These causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile phones or other distractions.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks.
- Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers are a significant risk to pedestrians.
- Poor Visibility: Low light conditions and poor weather can contribute to accidents.
- Traffic Violations: Ignoring traffic signals and signs.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, which can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s quality of life. These injuries can include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Common due to the impact with a vehicle, these injuries can take months to heal and may require surgery.
- Head Injuries: Including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), head injuries can result in permanent cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially leading to paralysis, spinal cord injuries often necessitate extensive rehabilitation and lifelong care.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs requiring immediate medical attention can be life-threatening and may involve complex surgeries.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes from contact with the road or vehicle can lead to significant scarring and require stitches or other medical treatment.
- Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact may require therapy and support can be as debilitating as physical injuries, affecting daily functioning and mental health.
Recovering from these injuries often requires comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Seeking legal assistance can help ensure that you receive the compensation needed to cover medical expenses and support your recovery.
Getting Our Clients REAL RESULTS
Compensation Available For Injured Pedestrians in Maine
Being injured in a pedestrian accident can lead to significant financial burdens in addition to the physical and emotional pain experienced. In Maine, the law provides several avenues for injured pedestrians to seek compensation for their losses. The damages available after a pedestrian accident include:
- Medical Expenses: These include coverage for all current and future medical bills related to the accident. This encompasses emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the income lost during your recovery period. This ensures that you can maintain your financial stability despite being unable to work.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages account for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Calculating these damages can be complex, as they aim to quantify non-economic losses.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Injuries often require ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation. Compensation for these costs helps cover the expenses associated with regaining mobility and independence.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries have a long-term impact on your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for the reduction in your earning capacity. This takes into account future lost income due to your diminished ability to perform your job or work in the same capacity as before the accident.
It’s important to note that compensation can be pursued even if the injured pedestrian is partially at fault, thanks to Maine’s comparative negligence law. As long as you do not hold 50% or more of the responsibility for the accident, you can still receive compensation proportionate to your level of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident and the total damages amount to $100,000, you would still be eligible to receive $70,000. This ensures that even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you can still receive substantial financial support to cover your losses.
Securing fair compensation requires a thorough understanding of the legal system and the ability to negotiate effectively with insurance companies. If you were injured as a pedestrian in Maine, our lawyers will work to help you receive the maximum compensation available. Reach out today to see what your case may be worth.
Establishing Fault in Maine Pedestrian Accidents
Proving fault in a pedestrian accident involves demonstrating that the driver was negligent. This can be achieved by collecting and presenting compelling evidence that shows the driver’s actions directly led to the accident. A seasoned pedestrian accident attorney can assist in gathering and organizing this evidence to build a strong case.
- Gathering Evidence: Collecting photos, videos, and witness statements from the scene can provide crucial details about how the accident occurred. Evidence such as traffic signal timings and vehicle damage can also support your claim.
- Police Reports: Obtaining the official police report of the accident is essential, as it includes the officer’s assessment of the incident, any citations issued, and sometimes initial fault determination. This report can serve as a critical piece of evidence.
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the scene and the available evidence to provide insights into how the accident happened. Their professional opinions can help clarify the sequence of events and establish the driver’s negligence.
- Medical Records: Detailed accounts of your injuries and treatment from healthcare providers can demonstrate the severity of the impact and correlate your injuries to the accident. These records can also help quantify your medical expenses and future care needs.
Maine follows a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for covering damages. In this system, the injured party must prove that the driver was at fault to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto the pedestrian to reduce or deny a claim, but we have a proven record of pushing back on those tactics. By leveraging their experience, our attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of proving liability, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable and you receive the full compensation you may be entitled to under Maine law. Get a free case review today.
See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
Keep up the good work! I hope I do not…But if I ever do need another accident attorney, you are top on my list!
-Jason B.Michael Vaughn was extremely helpful to us throughout the case. He was responsible to our needs and requests, and dealt with some very frustrating circumstances with grace and diplomacy.
-Marsha R.Thank you for all the help on my case. The entire staff at Lowry & Associates really delivers an outstanding service!
-Richard S.I could not have asked for a better attorney than Lowry & Associates, and the staff that work for this firm.
-Ronald S.I am very pleased with all of your help, and if I ever need any help again I’ll be sure to call your office!
-Mona S.Things were explained to me in terms I could understand. Your people worked patiently with me, and I was never made to feel out of the loop! No question in my mind, I will highly recommend your firm!
-Serena J.I feel that your team was superb about all that took place with my case, and if I ever need the support of an attorney again, you would be at the top of my list!
-Heidi H.The injuries from this experience caused me to lose an entire year from my life. The company responsible for this accident cared nothing about my well-being and refused to work with me. Despite the odds, your firm was willing to take my case. The staff that handled my case was absolutely courteous, friendly, and appeared interested in me and my well-being. I would highly recommend your firm. Thank you so much for your kind and friendly service.
-Rita B.Between conversations and emails with Michael and Marie, I never felt as though I was not kept in the know about my case. They were an incredible part of my team!
-Kristen D.I was very satisfied with the work you guys did for me. Honesty was the key which makes you guys a step above the rest!
-Joseph K.Steps To Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a pedestrian accident in Maine can significantly impact your health and the success of your legal claim. Here are the crucial actions to take:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and get a thorough medical evaluation. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the Accident: Contact the police and file an official report. This creates an official record of the incident, which can be important for your case.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, take photos and gather witness information. Visual evidence and witness statements can provide crucial support for your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with all necessary information to start your claim.
- Contact a Lawyer: Get legal advice from a qualified pedestrian accident attorney. Though not required, an attorney can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
What’s Next?
Schedule a free consultation with our legal team to discuss your case. We will evaluate the details of your accident and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options.
Our Maine pedestrian accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf.
We will negotiate with the insurance companies and aim to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
Once a settlement is reached, we will help ensure you receive your compensation promptly, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Our Experienced Maine Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Since 1971
What Sets Us Apart
What to Expect When You Work With Us
Since 1971, Lowry Law has provided personalized, attorney-led representation to those injured by someone else's negligence. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys are known for strategic trial preparation, thorough evidence development, and a proven record of successfully challenging insurance companies. We combine the compassionate, responsive communication clients deserve with the resources needed to handle serious, high-value injury claims and complex liability disputes.
From your initial consultation through the resolution of your case, you'll work directly with a dedicated attorney who will keep you informed, answer your questions, and advocate for your best interests every step of the way. We're available 24/7 for new clients, and if getting to us isn't easy, we'll come to you. We also offer transparent contingency fee representation, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact Lowry Law today for a free consultation.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs
In Maine, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally 6 years from the date of the accident. However, some deadlines in the legal process are as short as 30 days, so taking swift action will help ensure your claim is protected. Contact an attorney ASAP for a free consultation when you’ve been injured, and increase your chances of successfully recovering fair compensation.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. Your attorney can help you navigate this process.
Yes, under Maine’s comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages as long as the other party holds 51% or more of the fault.
If you were jaywalking, you might still be entitled to compensation, but your fault in the accident will be considered. Under Maine’s comparative negligence law, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, provided your responsibility is not equal to or greater than the other person’s. This is exactly the kind of disputed liability situation where having an attorney can make all the difference. We know how to gather evidence that accurately reflects what happened and fight against an inflated fault percentage.
Avoid admitting fault, giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice, and delaying medical treatment. These actions can negatively impact your claim.
If a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you might be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. These settlements can cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, lost income, and emotional distress.
You should hire a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Early involvement of a lawyer can help ensure that crucial evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed while their memories are fresh, and your rights are protected from the outset. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your options, and handle communications with insurance companies.
Benefits of Working With Our Maine Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Working with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are the key benefits of working with our Maine pedestrian accident attorneys at Lowry Law:
- Experience: Since 1971, our attorneys have handled pedestrian accident cases across Maine. With more than 50 years of combined experience, we understand the nuances of Maine law and have a proven track record of successfully securing compensation for our clients. Our experience allows us to anticipate challenges and develop effective strategies tailored to your specific case.
- Resources: We have the resources to conduct thorough investigations, hire expert witnesses, and prepare every case as though it may go to trial. This includes accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals who can provide valuable insights and testimony to strengthen your case. Our comprehensive approach helps ensure that no detail is overlooked.
- Dedication: We are committed to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. Our team works tirelessly to advocate for your rights and interests, from the initial consultation through to the resolution of your case. We provide personalized attention and keep you informed throughout the process, so you always know what to expect.
- Resolving Disputed Liability: Pedestrian accidents often involve disputes over fault, including situations where a driver claims you were jaywalking or otherwise responsible. We know how to build the evidence needed to protect you from unfair blame and hold the responsible party accountable.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement ensures that you can access top-quality legal representation without worrying about upfront costs or hourly fees. Our success is directly tied to your success, so you can trust that we are fully invested in achieving the best result for you.
Speak to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Maine Today
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Lowry Law today for a free consultation. Our Maine pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide you with the guidance you need to pursue your claim. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.