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After a serious motorcycle accident, the days and weeks that follow can feel like a blur of doctor visits, insurance calls, and recovery. Amid the pain and uncertainty, one question often lingers in the background: How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Maine?
In Maine, injured riders generally have six years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle injury lawsuit. However, certain situations, such as cases involving wrongful death, minors, or government entities, can change this deadline.
At Mann Law, we know that most people don’t think about legal deadlines while they’re trying to heal. Our female-led firm has decades of experience guiding accident victims through every step of the process. With satellite offices throughout the state, we combine accessibility, experience, and compassion to make the legal process as manageable as possible.
In this blog, we’ll explain when you should file a motorcycle injury claim, why these deadlines exist, exceptions to the deadline, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
In Maine, the motorcycle accident statute of limitations sets a strict time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit after a crash. Generally, you have six years from the date of the accident to bring a personal injury claim in civil court.
This six-year period applies to most motorcycle accident cases involving injuries caused by another driver’s negligence.
The clock begins to run on the date of the accident. That’s why seeking legal guidance as soon as possible is critical. Waiting too long to investigate, gather evidence, or initiate negotiations can make it more challenging to file before the deadline passes.
The statute of limitations is designed to establish fairness in the system for everyone. These laws serve several important purposes:
By understanding and following Maine’s filing deadlines, you give yourself the best chance to pursue justice and secure the support you deserve.
While Maine’s general rule provides six years to file a personal injury lawsuit, several exceptions can affect motorcycle crash deadlines in Maine.
If a motorcycle accident results in death, Maine law allows the deceased person’s estate to bring a wrongful death claim within three years of the date of death. This deadline is shorter than the six-year statute of limitations for personal injury, so families must act quickly to preserve their rights.
When the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations is paused—or “tolled”—until they reach the age of 18. Once they reach adulthood, they typically have six years from their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. This rule helps prevent young riders or passengers from being denied justice simply because they were too young to take legal action at the time of the crash.
If the injured person is mentally incapacitated as a result of the crash or another reason, the time limit to file may also be paused until they regain legal capacity. This exception protects individuals who are unable to make informed decisions or manage their legal affairs.
If your motorcycle accident involved a government vehicle or an unsafe public roadway, special rules apply. You must file a written notice of claim within 365 days of the crash. The notice must include basic details such as:
After filing that notice, you have two years from the date of the accident to bring the lawsuit.
Missing either deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s essential to contact an attorney quickly so that all proper paperwork can be filed on time.
If you miss Maine’s statute of limitations deadline, you could lose the legal right to pursue your motorcycle accident claim. Courts are strict about these time limits. Once the deadline passes, your case will generally be dismissed, no matter how serious your injuries are or how strong your evidence may be.
Missing the filing deadline can also weaken your ability to negotiate with insurance companies. Once insurers know you can no longer file a lawsuit, they have little incentive to offer a fair settlement.
It’s imperative to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a crash. At Mann Law, we make sure every step is handled promptly, so you don’t lose your chance at justice.
Understanding how long you have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Maine is one of the most important steps you can take after a crash. Deadlines can vary depending on your situation, and missing even one could mean losing your right to recovery.
At Mann Law, our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition throughout the state of Maine, including the honor of the Gold Medal for Best Personal Injury Law and Best Law Firm in the Best of the 207 awards for three consecutive years.
When you contact us, you’ll speak with a team that listens, understands, and takes action. We’ll explain your options clearly, handle communication with insurance companies, and make sure your case moves forward before any deadlines expire.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, Contact Mann Law today at (207) 709-0900 for a free consultation to learn how we can protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
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