Uninsured Motorist Accidents

The Maine uninsured motorist accident attorneys of Peter Thompson & Associates is dedicated to helping injury victims recover full compensation for their harm. We have successfully handled all types of cases involving accidents with uninsured motorists, recovering substantial awards for victims injured by negligence. Our firm is committed to providing stellar representation to injured people throughout Maine.

Motor vehicle accidents occur frequently in Maine, from small towns to large cities across the state. Although Maine drivers are usually insured, it is still possible to be hit by an uninsured driver. With the high costs of auto repairs and medical bills, your injuries might not be fully covered by the negligent driver’s policy. This is especially common where the at-fault motorist flees the scene of the accident, or other circumstances prevent the injured victim from identifying the at-fault driver. In these cases, having uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes in handy. UM is especially useful in the following situations:

• Hit-and-run accidents
• Multiple-car accidents
• Extensive property damage
• Expensive, continuing medical care
• Collisions with out-of-state motorists
• Successive car accidents within the family

In Maine, drivers are required to maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance to have a vehicle registered in the state. This protects the driver and other insured policyholders from liability in the event of a crash. Maine requires one of the highest statutory minimums of any state: $100,000 per accident or $50,000 per person. Drivers must also maintain a $25,000 minimum for property damage and $1,000 minimum for medical payments. A single “combined” policy of $125,000 is also acceptable under Maine law.

Maine’s auto insurance system is based on “fault.” The at-fault driver is therefore liable to the injured party for damages. These damages are generally paid for by the negligent driver’s insurer. If the resulting damages exceed the limits of the policy, at-fault parties must make up the difference using their own assets. In cases where the at-fault party is uninsured, Maine law also requires that drivers maintain supplemental UM coverage, which allows injured parties to recover compensation from their own insurers.

Under UM coverage, if the injured driver’s medical costs amount to $55,000, but the at-fault driver’s policy limit is $50,000, the injured party’s insurer would pay the difference. UM coverage also extends to family members and passengers who are injured while in your vehicle. Maine law requires that a driver’s UM coverage be equal to the amount of liability coverage on your policy. Drivers may waive this right by submitting a written request. But UM coverage must still meet the statutory minimum of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.

If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, the experienced Maine uninsured motorist lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates can help. We are a premier personal injury law firm with extensive experience in car accident claims. Remember that, even with UM coverage, you still have the right to file suit against the negligent driver. We are here to advise you of your legal options and protect your rights. Whether you need help pursuing a claim with the other driver’s company or under your own policy, we can expedite the process and vastly improve your chances of obtaining relief. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call 1.800.804.2004 for a free consultation or contact us online.