What Drivers in Lewiston Need to Know About Crash Response

Right after a crash, it is easy to miss a step that could help you later. Whether you are shaken up, worried about someone else, or unsure what to do next, that first response matters. In Lewiston, there are specific procedures that help protect your rights and make sure everything is documented correctly. Here are some things drivers often can do at the scene to improve their chances for a positive outcome:

• Notifying local 911 dispatch right away, even for minor crashes
• Taking photos of damage, license plates, and nearby signs or intersections
• Documenting road conditions like ice, standing water, or poor lighting
• Requesting a written crash report through the Lewiston Police Department
• Calling EMS when there are signs of injury, even if they seem minor
• Noting delays in tow truck arrival times and which company took the vehicle
• Writing down badge numbers or vehicle numbers for responding officers
• Watching for confusion during multi-car crashes involving multiple agencies
• Being especially thorough when trucking accidents are involved

According to Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A § 2251, drivers are required to stop, provide information, and report certain accidents. That includes any crash involving injuries, property damage, or public hazards. In trucking accidents and crashes with multiple vehicles, it is especially important to gather as much information as possible while you are still at the scene. 

Liability and Recovery Issues in Lewiston Car Accident Claims

Liability after a crash is not always simple. Between driver error, road conditions, and vehicle type, there is a lot to sort through. Whether your accident happened on a quiet side street or a busy stretch of I-95, the details matter. Figuring out what happened and who is responsible can shape how much you recover and how quickly things move forward.

What Happens When Two Drivers Share Fault

Maine uses a modified comparative fault system, explained under Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 § 156. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your share will be reduced based on your level of responsibility. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot collect compensation at all.

Insurance adjusters know this rule well and may try to place more blame on you than you deserve. That is where your car accident lawyer in Lewiston, ME can step in. With the right support, you can push back on unfair fault claims and make sure the details are backed by actual evidence, not assumptions or guesswork.

Recovering Damages When Road Conditions Contribute to the Crash

Sometimes the road itself is part of the problem. Cracked pavement, faded lane markings, broken traffic lights, or icy intersections can all turn a normal drive into a serious accident. If poor conditions played a role, it might be possible to file a claim against the city, state, or whoever was in charge of maintenance.

Timing is key here. While Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 § 752 allows six years to file most injury claims, cases involving government entities may require extra notice or documentation. Taking photos at the scene and saving weather or road condition details can make all the difference when you are building a case around unsafe infrastructure.

Accidents Involving Company Vehicles or Commercial Policies

Crashes involving business-owned vehicles bring in a whole different set of rules. Instead of just dealing with a driver and their personal insurance, you might be working through a commercial carrier or corporate legal team. That can mean more paperwork, more delays, and more pressure to settle quickly.

Whether the other driver was in a delivery van, a work truck, or a company car, it is important to confirm who is financially responsible. Was the person on the job at the time? Were they using the vehicle for business? These questions matter and are often the first things insurers look at. If there is confusion about who should pay or how to start the process, our team is here to help walk you through it.

Challenges With Out-of-State Drivers on I-95 or Route 196

When you are hit by someone from out of state, things can get complicated fast. Drivers who are unfamiliar with the area often miss exits, change lanes suddenly, or make last-minute decisions that cause serious crashes. These cases are common on I-95 and Route 196, especially near interchanges or construction zones.

Insurance claims involving out-of-state drivers can take longer because of policy differences or communication delays. Some companies have stricter rules about out-of-network providers or out-of-pocket costs. If you are already dealing with medical care and car repairs, chasing down an out-of-state adjuster should not be on your list. We know how to handle these claims and get things moving in the right direction.

Categories of Damages Handled by Our Car Accident Lawyers

After a crash, the bills and stress tend to pile up quickly. Maybe you had to go straight to the ER, take time off work, or deal with the hassle of a totaled car. Whatever your situation looks like, your claim should reflect the full picture. Our team helps people in Lewiston get compensation for every way a crash has turned their life upside down. Here are some of the losses we help injured motorists recover:

• Emergency care and hospitalization costs
• Ongoing physical therapy or rehab expenses
• Lost wages or changes to your income
• Vehicle repairs or total loss replacement
• Long-term mobility aid or home accessibility costs
• Support for catastrophic injuries that affect your daily life
• Help for families coping with wrongful death

When you are dealing with serious injuries, recovery often takes more time, more appointments, and more support than anyone expects. Some injuries leave lasting changes that affect how you move, work, or take care of your family. 

If someone you love was killed in a crash, under Maine Revised Statutes Title 18-C § 2-807, families have the right to pursue compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing their loved one. We are here to walk you through what that process looks like and make sure nothing important gets left out.

Insurance Issues Androscoggin County Victims May Face

No two car insurance claims unfold the same way, especially across a region like Androscoggin County. Some drivers get quick responses and full payments. Others face delays, disputes, or low offers that do not come close to covering their losses. 

Whether your crash happened on Lisbon Street or a rural stretch of Route 202, our team knows the patterns that show up in local insurance challenges. These are some of the most common problems we help drivers in the area resolve.

Underinsured Driver Claims When the Policy Does Not Cover Losses

It is frustrating to find out that the other driver’s insurance does not come close to covering the cost of your injuries, repairs, or time off work. This happens more often than most people realize, especially in rural areas where state minimum policies are more common.

If you carry underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, you may be able to recover more through your own provider. However, that process can still take time. If you are working with your car accident attorney from Berman & Simmons, we will walk you through what is available, what is fair, and what to push back on.

Insurance Disputes Over Vehicle Value and Repair Costs

Even if the fault is clear, many crash survivors end up arguing over the value of their car or how repairs are handled. Insurance companies may insist your vehicle is totaled when it is not, or try to send you to a shop that is not convenient or thorough.

If the vehicle is leased, financed, or recently upgraded, you may be dealing with even more paperwork. You deserve a say in what happens to your car, and our team can help you gather the documentation and shop estimates that support your claim.

When Medical Bills Exceed Policy Limits or Go Unpaid

If your injuries require surgery, imaging, or extended therapy, your medical bills can add up fast. Some providers wait for insurance to pay before sending a final bill, while others send collections letters even if your claim is still under review.

In Maine, insurance companies must handle claims in a timely and fair manner under Maine Revised Statutes Title 24-A § 2436-A. If they do not, you may be entitled to interest, penalties, or legal action to get the bills resolved.

Policy Denials Due to Missing Documentation or Disputed Timing

One of the most frustrating things crash survivors deal with is having their claim denied over something small, like a form not being submitted on time or a medical record missing a date. Some insurers even say you waited too long to get care, even if you were still trying to process what happened.

We know how to push back on excuses like these. If your insurance is stalling or denying your claim over documentation or timing, your car accident attorney in Lewiston, ME with Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys can step in and help straighten things out. Let us handle the details so you can stay focused on healing.

Roads and Intersections Where Lewiston Drivers Face the Most Risk

If you drive through Lewiston regularly, you already know some areas just feel more stressful than others. Tight turns, mixed traffic, and sudden merges can turn a regular commute into a close call. Certain roads have developed a reputation for wrecks, especially during busy hours or winter weather. Here are a few locations where crash risk is noticeably higher:

• Route 126 near South Lisbon Road
• East Avenue intersections with Sabattus Street and Campus Avenue
• Main Street by Lewiston High School and the downtown crossing
• Sharp curves along Alfred Plourde Parkway
• Route 196 at the Pleasant Street signal and railroad crossing
• Grove Street at Russell Street by the hospital turnoff
• Lisbon Street at Montello Street near the I-95 connector

Accidents in these areas often involve poor visibility, unpredictable merging, and lane misuse. Under Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A § 2074, all drivers are required to follow marked lanes and adjust for traffic and road conditions. If another motorist failed to do that and caused your crash, our car accident attorneys at Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys can help protect your right to seek compensation.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Lewiston, ME

If you were hurt in a crash, our car accident attorneys in Lewiston, ME are ready to step in and help. At Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys, we have recovered billions for injured Mainers and know how to handle tough claims across the state.