Our car accident lawyers reveal what drivers in Maine need to know
A multi-car accident at a dangerous intersection near the Maine-New Hampshire border has sparked concern among residents, some of whom think officials should make changes to the intersection in an effort to prevent future accidents, according to WOKQ News.
The dangerous intersection known as the Portsmouth Traffic Circle is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Route 1 near Interstate 95 less than two miles from the Maine border. A serious multi-vehicle accident occurred on June 1, 2021, at the Portsmouth Traffic Circle, prompting conversation among residents and officials about the best way to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Regardless of what officials decide to do, intersection accidents remain a serious problem and often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
How common are intersection accidents in Maine?
Intersection accidents are among the most common motor vehicle accidents nationwide. An estimated 50% of motor vehicle injuries or fatalities involve accidents that happen at or near an intersection, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
As for Maine, intersection accidents are a problem as well. Of the 157 motor vehicle accident fatalities that occurred in Maine in 2019, 17% – or 27 fatalities – occurred at intersections statewide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2019 fatalities occurred in the following Maine counties:
- Androscoggin County – 2 intersection fatalities
- Aroostook County – 2 fatalities
- Cumberland County – 4 fatalities
- Hancock County – 1 fatality
- Kennebec County – 1 fatality
- Lincoln County – 3 fatalities
- Oxford County – 3 fatalities
- Penobscot County – 4 fatalities
- Somerset County – 2 fatalities
- Waldo County – 1 fatality
- York County – 4 fatalities
There were no intersection fatalities in Franklin, Knox, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, or Washington counties in 2019.
What are the leading causes of intersection accidents?
Intersection accidents happen for many different reasons. But in many cases, they are the direct result of a driver who did something reckless or negligent.
For example, a driver can cause an intersection accident by:
- Driving distracted, including texting while driving
- Speeding or going too fast for weather conditions, especially on snow or ice-covered roads
- Drinking and driving or driving under the influence of marijuana or another substance
- Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
- Aggressive or reckless driving, including tailgating or running a red light
Whatever the circumstances of your collision, you have the right to pursue compensation for your accident-related expenses (damages) if someone else caused your crash. As such, it's in your interest to talk to an attorney as soon as possible to learn about your legal rights and explore your legal options.
What to expect when you hire a car accident lawyer
Having an experienced attorney on your side after you've been injured in an accident can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case. Often, the at-fault driver will deny doing anything wrong. Other times, it’s an insurance adjuster that can be the problem. That’s because the insurance company for the at-fault driver sees your injury claim as nothing more than a threat to their bottom line. As your attorney, it's our job to build a strong case on your behalf and advocate for the compensation you're entitled to recover under the law.
Our lawyers have years of experience fighting for the rights of injured Mainers and their families. As a result, we’re familiar with the state and federal laws that may apply to your case. We know what evidence to look for and we know how to deal with insurance companies. That’s why we consistently obtain sizable settlements and verdicts for our clients. Case results matter here.
Get the law firm that fights for your rights, every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our law firm has two offices conveniently located in Portland and Waterville, Maine.