Catastrophic Uber and Lyft Crashes in Maine By Attorney Elizabeth Kayatta Rideshare companies have rapidly expanded across Maine, putting an increasing number of app-based drivers behind the wheel when catastrophic collisions occur. It’s more important than ever to take an aggressive stance when going up against rideshare conglomerates like Uber and Lyft when serious...
Vehicle Accidents
At Berman & Simmons, we get hundreds of inquiries a year. Unfortunately, there are many cases we don’t take on due to a variety of circumstances. Here is some information about the cases we handle, how to prepare for your first call to our firm and the information we need from you during the intake...
Accidents can happen unexpectedly, leaving individuals with the burden of medical expenses. In such situations, insurance coverage can provide significant relief while a lawsuit is being pursued. In many situations, different types of insurance may help an injured person manage their medical bills following an accident. Understanding how an insurance company pays accident-related medical bills...
Being involved in a car accident can be a confusing and stressful experience. In addition to the physical and emotional toll of the accident, there may be various legal and financial issues to consider. The accident report is one of the most important documents to understand following a car accident. This report can provide valuable...
Failing to yield the right of way significantly contributes to many car accidents. A driver who fails to yield can cause a collision, resulting in property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. When a driver fails to yield, they can be held responsible for any damages that result from the crash. When Failing to Yield Can...
Every day, people in Maine are injured through no fault of their own and need to contact a lawyer. They may be overwhelmed by the physical, financial, and emotional impacts of the injury, and the task of speaking with a lawyer can seem daunting and stressful. ...
Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of car accidents, if not the most common type of collision. Along with being the most common, they can also be some of the most contested types of accidents due to the nature of the situation. All drivers feel like they are in the right...
Even low-speed collisions between two vehicles can lead to high-impact injuries. The most common injuries from car accidents are those affecting the back and spinal column. While back pain after a car accident is temporary in many cases, it can also be a sign of a more serious, long-lasting, debilitating condition. Even people who feel...
Many car accidents are catastrophic; collisions cause serious injuries and take lives every day in the United States. But not every crash is so destructive. Many result in minor injuries and vehicle damage rather than years of pain, decreased quality of life, or families left grieving. But even “minor” car accidents can create major challenges...
Some car accidents cause nothing more than a few dents, chipped paint, and frayed nerves. Other crashes may cause minor aches and pains that quickly resolve with time and some over-the-counter pain killers. But many collisions result in catastrophic injuries or chronic pain that lingers for years. Even drivers or passengers who may feel “fine”...
Your Car Accident Injury Claim Will Probably End in a Settlement. Here’s What You Need to Know. If you seek compensation after suffering injuries and losses in a car accident, there is a good chance that your claim will be resolved through a settlement. Over 90 percent of all personal injury claims and lawsuits, including...
In classic legal fashion, the answer to whether a rear-end collision can result in a personal injury lawsuit is that it depends. It can be a complicated question with a detailed explanation. Fortunately, the experienced rear-end collision attorneys at Berman & Simmons are here to provide guidance and counseling on any rear-end collision and seek...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for the first three decades of an American’s life. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) reports that child safety seats reduce fatal injuries by 71% for infants under one year of age and by 54%...
When it comes to operating or riding a bicycle or motorcycle, it’s important to ride safely, follow the rules of the road, and wear the proper safety gear. In Maine, that includes wearing the right helmet, depending on several factors. Since each state has its own bicycle and motorcycle helmet laws, it’s important to know...
When a driver hits something or someone with their vehicle and the leaves instead of remaining at the scene of the accident, it’s considered a hit-and-run. Typically, these types of accidents involve a pedestrian, another vehicle, or a fixed object, with the offender leaving the scene without leaving any identification or offering assistance. This violation...
Maine has some of the strictest car insurance requirements in the United States. This helps ensure that drivers are safe and well-protected when they’re on the road. With more than one million licensed drivers in the state who travel an average of nearly 14,000 miles a year, there are many opportunities for vehicle accidents to...
A car accident, sudden fall, or traumatic blow to the spine can fracture or dislocate vertebrae causing significant pain and permanent injury With further advancements in modern medicine and knowledge of these life-altering issues, patients with severe spinal cord injuries are making miraculous recoveries. Here are some examples of the recent advancements in spinal cord injury treatment:...
In Maine, the minimum uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage is $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident, which is equal to the minimum mandatory liability coverage. However, if you are seriously injured in a car accident by someone with minimum coverage â or worse yet, no coverage at all â it will be very difficult for you to cover property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and other short term and long term expenses from your crash.In this article, we examine the risks posed by underinsured and uninsured motorists and specific steps you can take to make sure you are protected.If you were seriously injured in a car crash by and underinsured or uninsured driver, contact Berman & Simmons, Maineâs leading personal injury law firm....
Students going back to school and weather-related driving conditions can create hazards for drivers in New England during the fall and winter months. Unfortunately, hundreds of people are injured and several are killed this time of year in driving accidents that involve cars, trucks, and pedestrians.This article provides some of the driving situations you may encounter during the fall and winter, as well as some simple driving tips to keep in mind to reduce potential vehicle accidents, and protect yourself, your family, and other drivers.If you were in a car crash and were seriously hurt by someone elseâs negligence or reckless driving, contact Berman & Simmons, Maineâs leading personal injury law firm....
Rear-end car crashes in Maine are more common than crashes caused by lane departures, moose or deer collisions, and all other types. While these crashes are not usually fatal, they cause hundreds of injuries each year and account for millions of dollars in vehicle damages. In this article we take a look at some statistics, and the hazards posed by rear-end collisions. We explore some ways to keep your family safe, and give you advice on what to do if you've been hit from behind by another driver....