It’s a frightening scenario that plays out far too often: A bartender or a convenience store clerk sells alcohol to someone who is underage and/or already visibly intoxicated. That person then gets behind the wheel of a car, drives away and crashes into another vehicle, causing serious injury or even death.
Who is responsible for the damages owed to the people who were hurt? Obviously, the drunk driver is responsible. But under Maine law, the individual or business that wrongfully served the driver alcohol can also be held responsible.
In cases involving injury or death caused by a drunk driver or an intoxicated person who causes injury by some other means (for example assault) after wrongfully being served, it’s important that victims are able to pursue all possible avenues for compensation. Unfortunately, many families fail to recover for their losses because they aren’t represented by liquor liability lawyers with the experience, expertise, and proactive approach needed to win their case.
For the best results, you need the best Maine liquor liability, lawyers
Proving a liquor liability claim and providing full compensation to the victims requires a law firm with the necessary expertise and experience, a proven track record of success, the resources to take on any opponent, and a fearless approach to litigation. In Maine, we are proud to be that “go-to” firm.
Under the Maine Liquor Liability Act, sellers or “servers” of alcohol include servers in bars, restaurants, stores, and other establishments, and even non-licensed “social hosts” who recklessly or negligently serve alcohol to a minor or visibly intoxicated person in their home. In these cases, however, time is of the essence. The Maine Liquor Liability Act gives victims just a brief window of time to provide a notice of intent to file a lawsuit.
You focus on recovery. We take care of the rest.
After an injury, your attention can be pulled away from the one place where it should be, on your health and recovery. Instead, you face the pressure of creditors, employers, and insurance companies that often try to place the blame on you, the victim.
We can turn the tables in your favor. While our lawyers aggressively work to maximize your financial award, our caring and responsive staff can help reduce your stress as you recover. We take the time to listen to you, understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved.
With us in your corner, you can focus on your health, and get back to living your life.
Liquor Liability Tips and Tools: What should I do if I’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident by a drunk driver in Maine?
Taking some basic steps after a car accident can make the difference between a legal claim that fails and one that provides fair compensation for you and your family. Here are our suggestions for you to follow, if possible.
- Immediately report the accident to the police (911).
- Get the name of the other driver and license, registration and insurance information, and the names of any witnesses.
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if you think they are minor.
- Report the accident to your own insurer but do not give a signed or recorded statement before talking to your lawyer.
- Take your own photographs of the damage to vehicles and any visible injuries that you have suffered.
- Do not discuss the accident with any representative of the other driver’s insurance company before talking with your lawyer.
- Call an experienced personal injury trial lawyer who specializes in car accident cases and one who is prepared to go to court, if necessary to win your case.
A Law Firm That Listens
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.
Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.
Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.
Get Peace of Mind
It never hurts to consult an attorney regardless of whether you decide to move forward.
Many states have strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
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The other insurance company is likely already building their client’s case against you.
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Witnesses may become unavailable and evidence may be lost or degraded with time.
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You’ll need help navigating your medical care and dealing with financial pressures.
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You need peace of mind to focus on your recovery.
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
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Can alcohol servers in Maine be liable for someone else’s crime?
Yes. Under Maine, the business or individual who served alcohol to an underage or visibly intoxicated person can be legally liable for crimes committed by that person as a result of their intoxication. As per the Maine Liquor Liability Act, servers of alcohol extend beyond bartenders and liquor store employees, and even includes social hosts at parties.
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What should I do if I was injured by a drunk driver?
If you are injured by a drunk driver, there are specific steps to take to protect yourself both physically and legally. These include:
- Call 911 to report the accident
- Write down the name of the other driver, as well as their license, registration, and insurance information.
- Note any witnesses to the accident and get their information too if possible.
- Get medical help for your injuries immediately
- Take photographs of your injuries and damage to the vehicles
- Contact an attorney
- Report the accident to your insurer, but don’t give any statements before talking to an attorney
- Don’t talk to anyone from the other driver’s insurance company before getting advice from an attorney
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What are the financial implications of liquor liability in Maine?
According to the Bureau of Highway Safety in Maine, plaintiffs can be awarded for property damage, personal injury, or death. The maximum placed on this is $250,000 plus medical expenses.