What you do in the first minutes and days after a crash can determine whether you recover fairly. Here is a practical checklist for Maine drivers.
At the Scene
Check for injuries and call 911. Move to safety if you can. Maine law requires reporting crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Photograph vehicles, positions, road conditions, and any visible injuries, and get contact and insurance details from everyone involved.
Get Medical Care — Even If You Feel Fine
Adrenaline masks injuries, and whiplash or concussion symptoms often appear days later. Prompt care protects your health and creates the medical record that ties your injuries to the crash.
Before You Talk to Insurers
Report the crash to your own insurer, but decline recorded statements to the other side until you have advice. In a 50%-bar state, an early misstatement can be costly.
Preserve Everything
Keep the police report number, medical records, bills, and a simple journal of your symptoms. You have six years to file most claims, but the strongest evidence is gathered now.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Maine attorney.