how to file a Portland Maine Truck Accident Claim

How to File a Truck Accident Claim in Portland, Maine

Getting into a crash with a semi-truck or commercial vehicle can turn your world upside down. These collisions often lead to serious injuries, totaled vehicles, and weeks, if not months, of recovery. On top of that, dealing with insurance companies, trucking companies, and medical bills adds another layer of stress especially when you’re trying to navigate a Portland Maine truck accident claim.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Portland, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. At Mann Law, we understand the weight of what you’re facing, and we’re here to help you confidently take the next step.

In this post, we explain how to file a Portland, Maine, truck accident claim, what to expect, and how our team can support you.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Portland, Maine

Your focus should be on safety and documentation in the minutes and hours after a crash. Here’s what to do after a truck accident to help protect yourself medically, legally, and financially:

  • Call 911. Make sure emergency services are notified. You’ll need a police report for your claim.
  • Seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries take hours or days to surface, even if you feel okay.
  • Get information from the truck driver. Note their name, license number, employer, and insurance carrier.
  • Take photos. You want pictures of your injuries, the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and truck identifiers.
  • Do not give a recorded statement. Be cautious about communication with the insurance company. Do not agree to provide a recorded statement to any insurance company without speaking to a lawyer.
  • Contact a personal injury attorney. You want to hire a Portland lawyer with experience handling commercial trucking claims.

Taking these steps helps preserve the evidence and timeline necessary for a strong claim.

How to File a Portland, Maine, Truck Accident Claim

Filing a commercial truck accident claim is not the same as filing a claim after a typical car crash. Trucking accidents involve multiple parties, extensive regulations, and often high-dollar insurance policies. Here’s how the process generally works.

Step 1: Get Medical Treatment

Your health and recovery are the priority. You’ll need medical documentation to support your claim, so attend all follow-up appointments and track your symptoms over time.

Step 2: Report the Crash

Make sure the police have documented the accident. In Maine, a crash involving injury or significant property damage must be reported to law enforcement. You must report the collision to your insurance company right away to comply with your policy’s accident reporting requirements.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Hold onto medical records, receipts, towing bills, prescription costs, and any notes from your doctor. If possible, preserve photos or videos of the crash scene and your vehicle.

Step 4: Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer

Unlike standard car crash claims, trucking cases often involve multiple insurers, corporate legal teams, and trucking industry regulations. Getting legal guidance early can help protect you from missteps and lowball offers.

Step 5: File the Claim

Your attorney will file claims with all responsible parties and negotiate on your behalf. That may include the truck driver’s insurer, the trucking company’s policy, or third parties like cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers.

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit within Maine’s statute of limitations, typically six years for personal injury cases. However, the sooner you act, the better.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

In car crashes, liability usually falls on one driver. However, in commercial truck accidents, responsibility is often shared. So, who is liable in a truck accident?

Depending on the facts, any of the following parties may be responsible:

  • The truck driver—if they were speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence;
  • The trucking company—for poor hiring practices or a lack of maintenance;
  • A cargo company—if the improperly loaded freight caused the crash;
  • A parts or vehicle manufacturer—in the case of mechanical failure; and
  • Third-party contractors—if they were involved in logistics or operations.

Your attorney’s job is to investigate the cause, review maintenance logs and driver records, and determine how each party’s actions contributed to the crash. At Mann Law, we work to conduct thorough, independent investigations, not just rely on the insurer’s version of events.

What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

Truck accidents are complex, and many victims don’t realize how much is at stake, or how hard the insurance company may fight to reduce what it pays.

An experienced truck accident attorney can work to:

  • Investigate the accident, including black box data, driver logs, and employment records;
  • Preserve critical evidence, such as trucking company records, before they’re destroyed;
  • Identify every liable party and the applicable insurance policies;
  • Coordinate with medical providers to document injuries and long-term needs;
  • Negotiate with multiple insurers to secure fair compensation; and
  • File a lawsuit if necessary and represent you in court.

At Mann Law, we go beyond the paperwork. We provide real guidance, explain your options clearly, and advocate for what’s truly fair based on the specifics of your case.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to After an Accident

In Maine, the value of your claim depends on the details of your injury, recovery, and financial loss. You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills, including hospital stays, rehab, and future care;
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Emotional distress or trauma;
  • Property damage; and
  • Disability or loss of quality of life.

At Mann Law, we carefully review every aspect of your claim to understand your current and future needs. We don’t offer inflated promises—just honest, strategic advocacy.

Why Mann Law?

We know you have a choice when it comes to personal injury law firms. At Mann Law, we approach things differently. As a proudly female-owned firm in a male-dominated legal market, we treat every client with respect, compassion, and personal attention. Our team offers over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury law, including insider knowledge that founder Chrissy Mann brings from her time in insurance defense. We’re not here to pressure you into filing a claim. We’re here to help you understand your rights and decide what’s best for your situation.

Talk to a Portland Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Portland, you don’t have to navigate the legal and insurance systems alone. At Mann Law, we help people like you get the care, compensation, and clarity they need to move forward. With offices in Portland and throughout Maine, we are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps without pressure. Contact us today or call us at (207) 709-0900  for a free consultation.

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Christiana E. Mann Christiana “Chrissy” Mann has specialized in civil litigation for 21+ years as a savvy and creative litigator, and she’s regarded as a fair, compassionate, and zealous advocate on behalf of her clients.