A car accident can be a frightening and traumatic experience. If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries, a traffic crash could continue to impact your lives for years to come.
Mounting medical bills on top of time missed from work could add stress to an already difficult time while you recover from your injuries.
If another party caused your collision, you may be able to pursue monetary damages with help from an experienced attorney.
Contact a Bangor, Maine car accident lawyer at Mann Law LLC as soon as possible to learn your legal options. A successful claim could ease your life as you heal and help you hold the negligent party accountable.
Key Takeaways
Car accident victims in Bangor may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Serious car crashes can cause catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, fractures, and permanent disabilities.
Maine follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver and their insurer are generally responsible for compensating injured victims.
Promptly gathering evidence, seeking medical treatment, and working with an experienced Bangor car accident lawyer can strengthen your claim and maximize your recovery.
Broadly speaking, auto accidents that occur on highways and/or involve head-on collisions tend to be the most severe.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for serious car wrecks in Bangor and throughout Maine to result in “catastrophic” injuries with permanent and debilitating effects, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or internal organ trauma.
However, even being rear-ended in a parking lot or hit while turning in an intersection could cause physical harm.
Injuries like broken bones, ligament tears and strains, minor concussions, and lacerations from broken glass could also serve as grounds for litigation.
Any injury could justify a lawsuit or settlement demand if it requires professional medical care and interferes with a victim’s short-term financial security.
Ready to schedule a free consultation with our Bangor car accident lawyers?contact us
Economic and Non-economic Damages Included in a Bangor, Maine Car Settlement
Medical expenses related to any injury can and should be incorporated into a comprehensive claim.
At Mann Law, our Bangor, Maine car crash lawyers could also pursue various economic and non-economic damages, including:
Missed work income while recovering from injuries
Lost long-term earning capacity due to catastrophic harm
Vehicle repair/replacement costs and other personal property damage
In a consultation, an experienced lawyer at our Bangor office could go over what losses might be compensable after a car collision.
Insurance Policies for Bangor, Maine Car Crashes
Under Maine Revised Statutes §1605, anyone registering a passenger vehicle must have liability insurance with minimum coverage amounts of $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 for injuries to one person, and $100,000 aggregate for injuries to multiple people.
Additionally, the registered owner must have medical payments coverage of at least $2000 for the driver and passengers.
The state follows the traditional fault system for vehicle accidents, meaning that the at-fault driver pays the losses of anyone who was injured.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to pay your losses, the at-fault driver is personally liable.
Shared Liability for a Traffic Accident
In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for causing an accident. However, a partially negligent person still has the right to claim damages if the accident was not primarily their fault.
A skilled Bangor car accident attorney could review an accident to identify potentially responsible parties.
By spreading fault among several other parties, you as the injured person may bear a smaller proportion of the blame, preserving your right to claim damages.
Proving Negligence in Vehicular Collision Cases in Bangor, Maine
To seek damages after a car crash, you as the claimant and your lawyer must prove that the other party failed to use reasonable care, directly resulting in the claimant’s injuries.
You as the claimant also must show that you suffered documentable losses due to the crash.
An experienced Bangor, Maine car crash attorney could help gather evidence to prove your losses stemming from a Maine car accident.
There are also several steps that you as the victim can take to protect your right to pursue compensation.
5 Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Bangor, Maine
In addition to contacting police immediately after a car crash, there are many other things an injured person should do to strengthen any future personal injury claim you they may pursue.
1. Call the Police
After a car wreck, those involved should call the police. A police report offers valuable information that a legal representative could use to help establish another party’s negligence.
A Bangor car accident attorney could review a police report and other evidence to identify circumstances that might indicate one or more parties were negligent.
2. Review Evidence
At Mann Law, a dedicated lawyer could review various forms of evidence to determine the liable parties in a Maine car accident case. If another driver received a citation, this could be used as evidence of negligence.
An insurance adjuster’s report could implicate mechanical failure, meaning the manufacturer might have liability.
A history of crashes at the location could suggest a safety concern that the local government should have addressed.
If one of the involved drivers was intoxicated, a legal professional could investigate whether a bar or restaurant violated the state’s dram shop laws.
3. Document the Car Crash Scene
First and foremost, any car accident victim in Maine physically able to do so should take photos and/or videos of the scene.
This may include documentation of the positions of the vehicles involved, the physical damage is done to each car, and the surrounding environment—stop lights or signs, traffic patterns, and obstacles like trees or buildings that might have reduced visibility.
4. Speak with Witnesses
It is also a good idea to speak with witnesses to the wreck and gather their contact information. When building a comprehensive claim, witness testimony could serve as vital evidence supporting a plaintiff’s position.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Finally, it is essential to seek professional medical care as soon as possible after a wreck, even if there are no immediately apparent injuries.
Any related medical documentation may be crucial in an ensuing car accident lawsuit as a means of defining the scope of a plaintiff’s injuries and valuating expected future losses.
Know your Maine Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Bangor, Maine
Maine allows six years for a car accident victim to bring a lawsuit seeking damages.
Some people delay seeking legal help because they assume they have plenty of time. However, this could be a poor decision, particularly in cases involving government entities.
If a local government might be a defendant in a car accident case, the injured person must submit a formal notice of claim within six months of their accident and file a lawsuit within two years.
The driver of an involved vehicle was a public servant on the clock
Poor road maintenance contributed to the accident
Defective traffic control devices had a role in the crash
Even if a local government might not be partially responsible, it is always easier to build a strong case when memories are fresh and physical evidence is available.
As such, it is best to consult a Bangor car accident attorney as soon as possible after a car crash.
Meet Our Bangor, Maine Car Accident Lawyer
Christiana E. Mann
Principal Attorney
Christiana “Chrissy” Mann has specialized in civil litigation for more than 21 years and is known as a savvy, creative litigator and a fair, compassionate, and zealous advocate for her clients. She was recognized as a New England Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in personal injury law in 2010 and 2011 and was selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 list in 2012.
During the first half of her career, Chrissy litigated cases for a leading insurance-defense firm in Easton, Massachusetts, gaining valuable insight into how insurance companies and their attorneys operate. Before founding Mann Law, she worked at a Maine personal injury firm where she discovered her passion for helping people throughout New England. A Maine native, proud wife, and mother, Chrissy credits her professional success and strong work ethic to her Maine upbringing. You can contact her directly at cmann@mannlawllc.com.
Collaborate with the Leading Bangor, Maine Car Accident Attorney Today
The laws surrounding vehicle insurance and accidents are complex, making it difficult to handle a claim on your own.
Christiana Mann and the entire Mann Law LLC team will get you the compensation you deserve while helping put the pieces of your life back together.
With over 20 years of experience, we have valuable insight into navigating the personal injury claim process, a procedure that is difficult to explore independent of a Bangor car accident lawyer.
As your Maine car accident legal representation, we also communicate with your healthcare providers to ensure bills are taken care of and that the settlement or lawsuit process is clearly understood by those involved.
A skilled Bangor car crash attorney could handle your case and fight for the compensation you deserve while you recover from your injuries.
During the claims process, insurance companies may try to suggest you’re at fault, so you’ll need Mann Law’s aggressive advocates to work on your behalf.
Mann Law consults with local car accident experts and performs thorough investigations into your personal injury claim.
We’ll determine the full impact of the car accident from injury to financial implications in order to win what you deserve.
The experience and relationships of Mann Law are invaluable. While you work on your health, our Bangor car accident lawyers take care of everything else to win your case.
We are a statewide firm with satellite offices for easy accessibility. Our lawyers are licensed in NH and MA. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Local Resources in Bangor, Maine
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Bangor, Maine these trusted local resources can help with emergency care, accident reporting, towing, vehicle repairs, and recovery support. While these services can assist in the immediate aftermath, speaking with a Bangor, Maine car accident attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights and your claim.
Police & Public Safety
Bangor Police Department – 240 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401. Responds to motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other injury-related incidents within Bangor city limits. Officers investigate crashes, prepare official accident reports, and assist at emergency scenes. Call 911 for emergencies or 207-947-7384 for non-emergency matters. Visit Website.
Maine State Police – Troop I – Mile Marker 146 Northbound Weigh Station, Pittsfield, ME. Troopers patrol Interstate 95, Interstate 395, and other major state highways serving the Bangor area, responding to serious traffic accidents, commercial vehicle crashes, and highway-related injuries. Call 207-624-7076 (Bangor regional non-emergency line). Visit Website
Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office – 85 Hammond St, Bangor, ME 04401. Provides law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Penobscot County, including investigations involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability incidents, boating accidents, and other injury-related events occurring outside Bangor city limits. Call 207-947-4585. Visit Website.
Accident Reports & Records
Bangor Police Department – 240 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401. Responds to motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other injury-related incidents within Bangor city limits. Officers investigate crashes, prepare official accident reports, and assist at emergency scenes. Call 911 for emergencies or 207-947-7384 for non-emergency matters. Visit Website.
Maine Crash Reporting Online Search & Ordering Service – Search and request official crash reports for accidents investigated by the Bangor Police Department, Maine State Police, Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies throughout Maine. Reports can be searched online by date, location, name, or investigating agency. Request Report.
Maine State Police Traffic Division Crash Reports – Obtain certified crash reports for accidents investigated by Maine State Police troopers on Interstate 95, Interstate 395, and other state-maintained highways serving the Bangor area. Reports are available through the state’s online crash reporting system. Request Report.
Medical & Emergency Care
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center – 489 State St, Bangor, ME 04401. The region’s largest full-service hospital and a Level II Trauma Center, providing 24/7 emergency care, trauma services, neurosurgery, orthopedic care, and critical treatment for serious personal injury victims, including those suffering from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, severe fractures, and other catastrophic injuries. Call 207-973-7000. Visit Website.
St. Joseph Hospital – 360 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401, United States. Full-service hospital offering emergency medical treatment, diagnostic imaging, surgical services, orthopedic care, and inpatient treatment for individuals injured in car accidents, slip and falls, workplace incidents, and other personal injury events. Call (207) 907-1000. Visit Website
ConvenientMD Urgent Care – Bangor – 604 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401. Offers walk-in urgent care services for minor accident injuries, diagnostic testing, X-rays, and follow-up treatment for personal injury victims. Call 207-922-1300. Visit Website.
Towing & Roadside Assistance
Union Street Towing – 27 Perkins St, Bangor, ME 04401. Provides 24/7 emergency towing, roadside assistance, accident recovery, jump starts, lockout assistance, tire changes, fuel delivery, and vehicle transport services throughout Bangor and surrounding communities. Call 207-942-4200. Website: Union Street Towing. Open 24 hours.
Bouchard & Sons Towing – Provides 24-hour towing, roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, jump starts, lockout services, tire changes, and accident recovery throughout the greater Bangor area. Call (207) 862-5050. Visit Website.
Collision Repair & Auto Body Shops
Maine Collision Center – 72 Target Industrial Cir, Bangor, ME 04401. Trusted collision repair facility providing auto body repair, paint restoration, dent removal, frame repair, and insurance claim assistance following car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Call 207-941-1920. Visit Website.
VIVE Collision of Bangor – 563 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME 04401. Full-service collision repair center offering accident damage repair, auto painting, glass replacement, towing coordination, and insurance claim support for accident victims. Call (207) 941-5686. Visit Website.
Moody’s Collision Centers Bangor – 1240 Hammond St, Bangor, ME 04401. Long-standing collision repair provider offering comprehensive auto body restoration, structural repairs, paint matching, and direct insurance coordination. Call (207) 947-5678. Visit Website
Auto Repair & Mechanics
Bennett Auto Center – 99 Thatcher St, Bangor, ME 04401. Full-service automotive repair and maintenance shop offering engine diagnostics, brake repair, suspension work, transmission service, tire installation, state inspections, and post-accident mechanical repairs. Call 207-947-0351. VisitWebsite.
Westgate Service Center – 861 Union St, Bangor, ME 04401. Trusted local repair facility providing diagnostics, preventative maintenance, brake service, tire repairs, steering and suspension work, and mechanical repairs following motor vehicle accidents. Call (207) 947-7121. Visit Website
Center Street Auto Services – 138 Center St, Bangor, ME 04401, United States. Experienced auto repair shop offering engine repair, electrical diagnostics, brake service, inspections, and general automotive maintenance for drivers throughout the Bangor area. Call (207) 945-3093. Website: Available upon request.
Rental Car Services
Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Bangor International Airport – 299 Godfrey Blvd, Room 117, Bangor, ME 04401. Insurance replacement rentals, daily and long-term rental options, and a wide selection of vehicles for accident victims who need temporary transportation while their vehicle is being repaired. Call 207-945-3093. Visit Website
Hertz Car Rental – Bangor International Airport – 299 Godfrey Blvd, Suite 7, Bangor, ME 04401. Offers short- and long-term rental options, including economy cars, SUVs, and insurance replacement vehicles for individuals recovering from an accident. Call (207) 942-5519. Visit Website.
Budget Car Rental – Bangor International Airport – 299 Godfrey Blvd, Bangor, ME 04401. Affordable rental vehicles and insurance replacement options available for Bangor residents and visitors needing transportation after an accident. Call (207) 945-9429. Visit Website.
Transportation Services
Community Connector – 475 Maine Ave, Bangor, ME 04401, United States. Regional public transit system serving Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Orono, Old Town, and the University of Maine area. Multiple fixed routes connect residents with hospitals, medical offices, government buildings, and downtown Bangor. Call 207-992-4670. Visit Website.
Penquis Transportation Services – 262 Harlow St, Bangor, ME 04401. Provides public transportation, non-emergency medical transportation, and specialized transportation services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those needing transportation to medical appointments following an injury. Call 207-974-2420. Visit Website.
Bangor International Airport (BGR) – 287 Godfrey Blvd, Bangor, ME 04401. Offers commercial air travel services, rental car facilities, and ground transportation options for residents and visitors traveling to and from the Bangor area. Call (207) 992-4600. Visit Website.
Mental Health & Support
Northern Light Acadia Hospital – 268 Stillwater Ave, Bangor, ME 04401. Maine’s largest psychiatric hospital, providing counseling, behavioral health services, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and mental health support for individuals coping with the emotional effects of serious accidents and injuries. Call 207-973-6100. Visit Website.
Community Health and Counseling Services (CHCS) – 42 Cedar St, Bangor, ME 04401. Offers outpatient counseling, behavioral health treatment, trauma therapy, crisis services, and support programs for individuals and families recovering from traumatic events and personal injuries. Call (207) 947-0366. Visit Website.
When it was over, she looked at me and she said, “you’re done. You won.” I just felt like a whole weight was lifted off my shoulders. [Chrissy and her staff] were always very helpful in answering my many questions. I would highly recommend Mann Law to anyone that is looking for legal assistance.
Jenn
I’m blown away by the settlement she got me. She took me by the hand and she did an excellent job. She so far exceeded what I thought would happen. Calling her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Bryan
I don’t think a person could ask for a better lawyer than Christiana Mann. She and her Paralegal Candice work tirelessly for their clients to get the best results. They are Kind, understanding, compassionate, open minded, professional and honest. If you are looking for the best, you found her!