Portland, Maine Truck Accident Attorneys Who Know How to Win

Romanow Law Group: The law firm you can trust

Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries, and some result in the loss of precious lives. In the aftermath of a truck accident in Maine, you are probably reeling and not sure what to do next. You need justice and full compensation to rebuild your life. Unfortunately, insurance companies often don’t see things this way. Instead, they often aim to settle for as little as possible, putting victims at risk of low-ball settlements that may run out before they fully heal. An experienced Portland, Maine truck accident lawyer can level the playing field.

At Romanow Law Group, we understand the difficulties that come with seeking financial compensation after a truck accident, and we have successfully recovered large settlement amounts for injured victims and grieving families. The stakes are high but with our truck accident law firm on your side, you can be sure your case is in good hands.

Truck accident hotspots in Maine

Maine’s roads and highways are often filled with traffic. Unfortunately, certain areas in Maine have gained notoriety as hotspots for truck accidents involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks and other large commercial vehicles. Heavy traffic volume, challenging terrain, and construction zones make the following roads and highways particularly hazardous for 18-wheelers:

Highway I-95 (Maine Turnpike, which runs 303 miles from Kittery to Houlton, Maine)
US Route-1 (which runs 526 miles from Kittery to Fort Kent)
Highway I-295 (runs 52 miles from I-95 in Scarborough to West Gardiner)
Route 201 (runs 157 miles from Brunswick to Sandy Bay)
Route 15 (runs 180 miles from Stonington to Jackman)

Types of truck accidents our Maine law firm handles

Truck accidents carry a heightened level of severity and danger, setting them apart from typical motor vehicle accidents. The sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles create a significant impact during collisions, leading to serious injuries and sometimes fatalities.

Unlike other accidents, commercial truck accidents involve massive vehicles (some weighing as much as 80,000 pounds) with a much stronger force and momentum. The size difference between semis and passenger cars means that collisions often result in severe injuries. The immense weight of commercial trucks amplifies the impact. Our law firm has experience handling all types of 18-wheeler accidents, including:

Rollover.
Jackknife.
Wide turn.
Overweight or overloaded.
Rear-end accidents.
Underride accidents.
T-bone accidents.
Head-on collisions.
Wrong-way crashes
Drunk driving accidents.
Asleep at the wheel accidents.
Multi-vehicle pileups.

Thousands of people are injured and killed in trucking accidents every year. Some are caused by driver fatigue, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Collisions that result from these causes are all due to driver error, a preventable factor. Other causes such as poor weather conditions, road hazards, poor maintenance, and improper loads can also result in devastating consequences.

Truck crashes can cause severe injuries

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Head and neck injuries
Severe tissue damage
Lacerations
Broken bones
Back and spinal cord injuries
Burns
Nerve damage

These injuries can lead to a variety of physical consequences, such as chronic pain, limited mobility, paralysis, and disfigurement. The psychological impact of a truck accident can also be significant, with victims experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress. Recognizing the potential injuries that can arise from such collisions raises the urgent need for professional legal guidance to pursue the compensation you need for medical care and to aid your recovery.

We know how to determine fault

Determining fault in a commercial truck accident can be complicated, as it requires the careful consideration of several factors. It includes evaluating the actions of all parties involved to determine if any negligent behaviors contributed to the accident. The condition of the vehicles, including maintenance records, is also investigated. Data from electronic devices like a black box, can provide information used to reconstruct the accident and provide evidence of liability.

Determining fault in a truck accident involves identifying the responsible parties. Several different parties can potentially be at fault, including:

Truckers: The actions of truck drivers, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or driving under the influence, can contribute to collisions.
Trucking companies: Companies that own or operate trucks can be held responsible for collisions if they have failed to properly train drivers, enforce safety regulations, or keep up with maintenance.
Manufacturers of defective parts: If a truck accident is caused by a defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, the manufacturer of those parts may be held accountable.
Cargo owners and loaders: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause collisions. Cargo owners may be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. Individuals or companies responsible for loading cargo onto the truck must ensure it is properly balanced and secured. Failure to do so can result in shared liability.
Inspectors and maintenance vendors: Those responsible for inspecting and maintaining trucks are expected to identify and repair any defects. If a collisions is caused by a defect, the inspector or maintenance vendor may be held liable for the injuries suffered.
Additional parties: The accident may have also been caused by another motorist or another negligent party.

What we look for during a truck accident investigation

When a truck accident occurs in Maine, it’s crucial to have a skilled attorney on your side who knows what to look for during the investigation process. Our Maine truck accident lawyers are experienced in uncovering evidence to determine liability and pursue rightful compensation. Some key factors we look for during an investigation include:

Accident scene evidence: Crucial evidence from the accident scene, including skid marks, debris patterns, and damage to vehicles and property. This information helps reconstruct the sequence of events and determine contributing factors.
Truck maintenance records: The truck’s maintenance records, including inspection logs, repair records, and service history. This information helps us identify potential negligence, such as failure to address mechanical issues or noncompliance with state or federal safety regulations.
Driver qualifications and logs: We examine the driver’s qualifications, including their commercial driver’s license (CDL), training records, and compliance with federal regulations, such as federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules. We also analyze driver logbooks to ensure truckers are following mandatory HOS rest periods to prevent driver fatigue-related accidents.
Trucking company policies: We investigate the trucking company’s policies and procedures, including hiring practices, training programs, and safety protocols. Any violations or negligence on the part of the trucking company can contribute to liability.
Data from electronic onboard recorders: We search to obtain data from electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs) or electronic logging devices (ELDs) installed in commercial trucks. This information provides valuable insights into the truck’s speed, braking, and compliance with regulations immediately before and during the collision.
Witness statements: We find it very helpful to interview witnesses who were present at the scene of the accident to gather additional information and perspectives on the events leading up to the collision.

Truck laws in Maine

Trucking laws in Maine are designed to regulate and promote safe practices within the commercial trucking industry. These laws aim to ensure the safety of truck drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians sharing the roadways. Here are the commercial truck laws and regulations according to the State of Maine:

Trucks must be registered as commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles are any vehicles used to transport property or passengers with a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, or gross combination vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more. These trucks must check in at truck stops.
Trucks must have a DOT number displayed on the side. This is a number the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) assigns to all registered trucks.
To operate a commercial truck in Maine, you must be at least 18 years old. If the vehicle is carrying hazardous materials, the driver must be at least 21 years old. All truckers in the state must possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and undergo specific training to operate such trucks.

It’s important to consult with a knowledgeable Maine truck accident attorney who is well-versed in Maine’s trucking laws. They can navigate the legal complexities, thoroughly investigate your accident and determine if any violations of these laws contributed to the collision, ultimately helping you pursue a strong legal claim for your injuries and damages, legal term for financial compensation.

Let Romanow Law Group fight for your rights

If you or a loved one has been injured in a a crash with a tractor-trailer, semi, dump truck, or some other large type of commercial vehicle in Maine, don’t navigate the complexities of your case alone. Our experienced team of truck accident attorneys at Romanow Law Group is here to help you.

You don’t have to face this alone. Let us fight for your rights and work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Portland, Maine truck accident attorneys. Your road to recovery starts here.