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.
Know Your Rights.
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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What do I prepare for the first call or meeting with you?
For your first meeting with us, simply tell us your story and explain in your own words what happened and how your life has been affected. If you’re meeting with us in person, you can bring notes about what happened to you, driver insurance information, names of any witnesses, photos of the accident damages or injuries, medical records, and other related paperwork if you have it and if it’s applicable, but that information isn’t necessary. Really all you need to do is be yourself, speak with us honestly, and be willing to tackle your problems with us.
Initial conversations between potential clients and our staff members are often done over the phone. Rest assured that everything we discuss is confidential and protected under law.
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How much will a lawyer cost me?
The lawyers at Berman & Simmons work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing up front and nothing unless we settle or win your case. We will consult with you, evaluate your situation, and do initial research free of charge. This is true even if we decide you don’t have a valid claim. We will also cover all necessary case expenses and you will not be obligated to reimburse us until and unless we recover monies on your behalf. if we do take your case and win a settlement or a jury verdict in your favor, a percentage of the compensation goes to pay for our costs and the work done by our legal team.
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How will I know if I have a case?
To pursue a case, we will need to prove that you suffered a substantial personal injury and the injury was directly caused by the negligence of another party. A bad result alone is not enough to establish negligence. We let you know upfront if we are able to move forward with the legal process, or if we don’t think you have a case. Generally, we will know if you have a case after our first phone call or meeting.
If we believe you have a valid claim and decide to move forward with litigation, our attorneys and staff will then take it from there and do everything else that needs to be done, including obtaining and reviewing records relevant to your case, such as accident reports and other law enforcement documents, employer records, medical records, and other information.
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How long will it take to resolve my case?
Every case is different, and there is no way to predict how long it will take for your case to be resolved. Some cases end in a matter of months, while the most complex and challenging cases, such as a medical malpractice case, can span several years. The vast majority of cases, however, are resolved before a trial and usually within a year.
The goal is to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, no matter how long it takes whether that comes in the form of a pre-trial settlement, or with a jury verdict in your favor.
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that need to be considered when determining the value of your case. Every case is unique and it takes a team effort — including your attorney, staff researchers, and outside experts — to determine the extent of your damages and how much your case is worth. There are two types of damages for which you could receive
compensation: Economic and non-economic.If your case goes to trial and a jury agrees you deserve compensation, the jury members will decide how much the money you should receive for each category of damages.