Getting hit by a car can cause life-altering injuries that require years of recovery. To add insult to injury, some drivers may sue you and claim you’re responsible for the accident. This may not seem fair, but it happens often in Maine.
So, when is a pedestrian at fault for a car accident?
While there isn’t a general rule, pedestrians are at fault if their actions caused the accident. However, determining liability isn’t an easy process. There are many considerations, and you need a lawyer who understands Maine’s intricate personal injury law.
If you need help after an accident, contact Mann Law. We have a successful record of standing up for pedestrians’ rights and will fight hard for the compensation you deserve.
Maine law gives pedestrians several right-of-way protections. Generally, vehicle operators must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks.
However, Maine doesn’t have a universal right-of-way law for pedestrians. Walkers must follow these responsibilities, or else they can face penalties:
Following these responsibilities can help limit or prevent liability in the event of an accident.
Fault refers to legal responsibility for causing an accident. Often, a pedestrian is at fault if their actions made the accident more likely to happen or unavoidable.
Some examples of how a pedestrian can be liable include:
You may not be liable, even if you commit one of these acts. Many factors are at play before an accident, and you may still be eligible for compensation.
Maine follows a modified comparative negligence model. This means you can receive compensation if you are not at least 50% responsible for the accident. However, a court will reduce your total compensation by the percentage of fault you share.
For example, imagine you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident, and you win $100,000 at trial. Since you share 30% of the blame, the court will only give you 70% of the damages, which is $70,000.
The legal system is confusing, and the other side will try to use this to their advantage. You need a reliable attorney to take on your case and stand up for your rights.
Contact Mann Law to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney. Their advocacy and support will maximize the value of your claim and the likelihood of a successful outcome.
There are many nuances to Maine’s traffic laws. Our lawyers are familiar with pedestrian accident liability and will know how to find legal support for your specific situation. After your initial consultation, we can identify possible solutions and set expectations for potential recovery.
Building a strong case often hinges on collecting evidence like witness statements, accident scene photos, and police reports. Our firm will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all these crucial details. After this, we will analyze all relevant details and build an argument to show why the other side is at fault.
Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of your injuries or deny your claim altogether. However, these tactics won’t work when you hire us. Attorney Chrissy Mann spent years representing insurance companies, and she knows all the ways they try to take advantage of victims. As the Principal Attorney of Mann Law, Chrissy uses this experience to help lead negotiations and get our clients fair compensation for their losses and injuries.
An accident can leave you with injuries, expensive bills, and unrelenting stress. Let us take on your legal burdens so you can focus on healing. Our team will treat you like family and include you in all decisions throughout the process. This partnership allows us to manage the litigation as you rebuild your life.
You can request compensation for all damages that relate to the accident. In a typical case, you may be eligible for the following damages:
Speak with Mann Law before accepting a settlement offer from the other side. Our attorneys can estimate your total losses to ensure you only accept offers that make you whole.
Maine law gives you six years to file a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident. The clock starts running on the date of your accident. If you miss the deadline, the court may dismiss your case and bar you from seeking compensation. It’s best to speak with an attorney shortly after an accident to ensure you file on time.
Mann Law brings over 50 years of combined experience litigating personal injury cases. Our team has negotiated countless settlements after pedestrian accidents and knows what it takes to get results for our clients. We offer free case evaluations and only charge a fee if we get a successful outcome for you.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
