Filing a Left Turn Accident Injury Claim in Maine

Left turn crashes are one of the most common and most disputed types of intersections accidents in Maine. If you were injured while making or struck by a left-turning vehicle, knowing how to file a left turn accident injury claim in Maine can mean the difference between getting your medical bills covered and walking away with nothing. These cases often come down to who had the right of way, what the police report says, and how quickly you take action. This article walks you through every step of the claims process so you can protect your rights from day one.

What counts as a left turn accident injury claim in Maine?

A left turn accident injury claim is a legal demand for compensation after you were hurt in a crash where one vehicle was turning left either at an intersection, into a driveway, or onto a side road. In Maine, the driver making a left turn is usually presumed at fault because traffic law requires left-turning drivers to yield to oncoming traffic. But fault isn't automatic. The other driver's speed, distraction, or signal violations can shift liability.

These claims can be filed against the at-fault driver's insurance company, or if the insurer refuses to pay fairly through a civil lawsuit in Maine's courts. The type of claim you file depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage available, and whether fault is being disputed.

Who is typically at fault in a Maine left turn collision?

Maine follows left turn right-of-way rules that place a heavy burden on the turning driver. Under Maine law (Title 29-A, §2057), a driver turning left must yield to any oncoming vehicle that is close enough to pose an immediate hazard. If you were the oncoming driver and the turning vehicle pulled in front of you, the turning driver is most likely at fault.

However, Maine uses a modified comparative negligence standard. That means your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault and if you're found more than 50% responsible, you recover nothing. For example, if you were speeding through a yellow light and a left-turning driver hit you, an insurer might argue you share some blame. Understanding how fault is determined in these cases is critical before you file.

What should you do at the scene of a left turn crash?

The steps you take right after the accident will directly affect your claim. Here's what to do:

Call 911. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a left turn crash. The officer will note vehicle positions, witness statements, and whether either driver was cited.
Take photos and video. Capture the intersection layout, traffic signals, skid marks, vehicle damage, and your injuries. If there's a traffic camera nearby, note its location.
Get witness contact information. Independent witnesses can make or break a disputed left turn case.
Do not admit fault. Even saying "I'm sorry" at the scene can be used against you later.
Seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, or concussions don't show symptoms for hours or days. A same-day medical visit creates a direct link between the crash and your injuries.

How do you actually file the injury claim?

Filing a left turn accident injury claim in Maine involves several stages. Here's the typical process:

Obtain the police report. Request it from the responding law enforcement agency. This document will include the officer's assessment of fault, diagrams, and any citations issued.
Notify the at-fault driver's insurance company. You'll open a claim by calling their insurer and providing basic facts date, location, and a description of the crash. Be factual and brief. Don't give a recorded statement without understanding your rights first.
Document your damages. Keep every medical bill, receipt for out-of-pocket expenses, proof of lost wages, and record of pain and suffering. The more organized your records, the stronger your claim.
Complete your medical treatment (or reach maximum improvement). Settling too early before you know the full extent of your injuries is one of the most common and costly mistakes claimants make.
Send a demand letter. This written document outlines the facts of the crash, your injuries, your total damages, and the amount you're requesting. If you're working with a lawyer who handles left turn collision cases, they'll draft this for you.
Negotiate with the insurer. Insurance companies often respond with a low counteroffer. A back-and-forth negotiation follows. If they won't offer fair compensation, you may need to file a lawsuit.
File a lawsuit if necessary. In Maine, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is six years from the date of the accident (14 M.R.S. §752). Don't wait until the deadline is close.

What types of compensation can you recover?

Maine allows injury victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages:

Medical expenses emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and future treatment costs
Lost income wages missed during recovery, plus reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
Pain and suffering physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal items damaged in the crash
Out-of-pocket costs transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or hiring help you couldn't previously need

What are the most common mistakes people make with these claims?

After handling many of these cases, certain errors come up again and again:

Giving a recorded statement too soon. The other driver's insurer may ask for one within days of the crash. Anything you say can be twisted to reduce your payout. You're not legally required to provide one to the other party's insurer.
Accepting the first settlement offer. Initial offers are almost always far below what the claim is worth. Insurers count on claimants being desperate for quick cash.
Posting on social media. Photos of you smiling at a family event can be used to argue your injuries aren't serious. Limit your social media activity until the claim is resolved.
Missing medical appointments. Gaps in treatment give insurers ammunition to argue your injuries weren't real or weren't caused by the crash.
Not understanding Maine's comparative fault rules. If you wait too long or fail to gather evidence, the other side may shift enough blame onto you to eliminate your claim entirely.

When should you talk to a lawyer about your left turn accident claim?

You don't always need a lawyer for a minor fender-bender with no injuries. But if you suffered any physical injury even soft tissue damage you should at least consult one. A Maine left turn accident attorney near Portland or in your area can evaluate whether the insurer is offering a fair amount and handle negotiations on your behalf.

Legal help becomes especially important when:

Fault is being disputed or shared between drivers
Your injuries are serious, permanent, or require ongoing treatment
The insurance company is delaying, denying, or lowballing your claim
The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
A government vehicle or commercial truck was involved

Most personal injury attorneys in Maine work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They take a percentage of the settlement or verdict typically around one-third only if you win.

What if the other driver's insurance denies your claim?

Denials happen more often than people expect. Common reasons include disputes over fault, allegations that your injuries are pre-existing, or claims that you missed filing deadlines. A denial is not the end of the road. You can:

Request a written explanation of the denial
Submit additional evidence medical records, witness statements, or expert opinions
File an appeal with the insurance company
File a lawsuit in Maine Superior Court

If the at-fault driver carried insufficient coverage, you may also be able to file under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is required to be offered by all Maine auto insurers.

How does Maine's statute of limitations affect your claim?

Maine gives injury victims six years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That sounds like a long time, but evidence fades, witnesses move, and medical records become harder to obtain the longer you wait. If a government entity is involved for example, a city bus making an illegal left turn you may face much shorter notice deadlines, sometimes as little as 180 days.

Starting your claim early gives your legal team time to investigate the crash scene, obtain traffic camera footage, and build a solid case. You can learn more about the specific legal framework through resources on filing a left turn accident injury claim in Maine.

Quick checklist: What to do before filing your claim

✅ Get the police report and review it for accuracy
✅ Seek medical treatment and follow all recommended care
✅ Photograph your injuries over time as they heal (or don't)
✅ Keep a file of all accident-related bills, receipts, and correspondence
✅ Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer without legal advice
✅ Do not accept a settlement offer before completing treatment
✅ Consult a Maine personal injury attorney most offer free initial consultations
✅ Know Maine's six-year deadline and don't come close to missing it

Next step: If you were injured in a left turn crash in Maine, gather your police report, medical records, and insurance information today. Then schedule a free consultation with a local attorney who handles these specific types of collision claims. The sooner you act, the stronger your position. For a deeper look at Maine's right-of-way rules that apply to these crashes, review the state's traffic statutes on left turn right-of-way.