18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Maine: Fighting for Your Rights After a Truck Crash

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Maine, you know the devastating impact these crashes can have. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks—often 20-25 times heavier than passenger vehicles—create forces that frequently result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. When a trucking company’s negligence changes your life in an instant, you need experienced Maine trucking accident attorneys who understand the complex regulations governing the trucking industry and know how to hold these powerful corporations accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across the United States for over 25 years. While our primary offices are in Texas, our federal court experience and deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations allow us to represent clients throughout the country, including right here in Maine. We understand the unique challenges of Maine’s trucking corridors—from the busy I-95 corridor that runs through Portland and Bangor to the rural highways where logging trucks and agricultural haulers frequently travel. Our team knows how to investigate these complex cases, preserve critical evidence, and build powerful claims that maximize your compensation.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Maine Are Different

Maine’s trucking industry faces unique challenges that contribute to accidents:

• Severe winter weather creates hazardous driving conditions with black ice, snow squalls, and limited visibility
• Mountainous terrain in western Maine requires specialized driving skills and proper brake maintenance
• Long rural stretches with limited truck parking can lead to fatigued driving
• Logging and agricultural haulers transport oversized loads that require special permits and securement
• Moose crossings create unique hazards, especially at dawn and dusk
• Limited emergency services in remote areas can delay response times

When these factors combine with trucking company negligence—like failing to properly train drivers, ignoring maintenance requirements, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations—the results can be devastating.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Maine

Our investigation of Maine trucking accidents frequently reveals these common causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Maine’s long-haul truckers often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading to hours of service violations. Federal regulations limit drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A maximum 14-hour on-duty window
• Mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

When trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits or falsify their logs, fatigued drivers make deadly mistakes on Maine’s highways.

Improper Cargo Securement

Maine’s economy relies on the transportation of specialized cargo:

• Logging trucks carrying timber from northern forests
• Agricultural haulers transporting potatoes, blueberries, and other crops
• Seafood transporters moving lobster and other catches
• Oversized loads requiring special permits

When cargo isn’t properly secured according to FMCSA regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136), it can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unstable or lose control. In winter conditions, improperly secured loads become even more dangerous.

Brake Failures on Mountain Roads

Western Maine’s mountainous terrain—including routes like Route 201 along the Kennebec River and Route 27 through the Carrabassett Valley—puts tremendous stress on truck braking systems. When maintenance is deferred, brakes can overheat and fail on long descents, leading to runaway trucks and catastrophic collisions.

Winter Weather Challenges

Maine’s severe winters create unique hazards for truck drivers:

• Black ice forms suddenly on bridges and shaded areas
• Snow squalls reduce visibility to near-zero in seconds
• High winds can blow high-profile trailers off course
• Limited daylight in winter months increases fatigue risks
• Plowing operations create sudden changes in road conditions

Trucking companies must properly train drivers for these conditions and ensure vehicles are properly equipped with winter tires and chains when required.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict FMCSA regulations prohibiting mobile phone use (49 CFR § 392.82) and alcohol/drug impairment (49 CFR § 392.4-5), we continue to see Maine trucking accidents caused by:

• Texting or using dispatch devices while driving
• Eating or drinking behind the wheel
• Using prescription or over-the-counter medications that impair driving
• Illegal drug use, including stimulants to combat fatigue

Inadequate Driver Training

Many Maine trucking accidents involve inexperienced drivers who weren’t properly trained to handle:

• Mountain driving and brake management
• Winter weather conditions
• Moose and wildlife crossings
• Urban driving in Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor
• Specialized cargo handling

When trucking companies cut corners on training to save money, innocent Maine residents pay the price.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Maine

Our Maine trucking accident attorneys have experience with all types of commercial vehicle crashes:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Common causes in Maine include:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves (especially on rural highways)
• Improperly loaded or shifting cargo
• Brake failures on mountain descents

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Maine’s rural roads with limited lighting make these accidents particularly deadly at night.

Rollover Accidents

When a truck tips onto its side, often spilling cargo and blocking multiple lanes. Common on Maine’s winding rural roads and during sudden maneuvers to avoid wildlife.

Rear-End Collisions

Despite requiring nearly twice the stopping distance of passenger vehicles, many Maine trucking accidents involve rear-end collisions caused by:

• Following too closely
• Driver distraction
• Brake failures
• Speeding for conditions

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When trucks swing wide before making right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter. Common in Maine’s urban areas like Portland and Bangor where trucks must navigate tight intersections.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Crashes)

Trucks have massive blind spots where smaller vehicles disappear from view. Maine’s mix of rural highways and urban traffic creates frequent blind spot accidents.

Tire Blowouts

Maine’s extreme temperature variations and road debris contribute to tire failures. When a steer tire blows out, drivers often lose control completely.

Brake Failures

Maine’s mountainous terrain puts tremendous stress on braking systems. When maintenance is deferred, brakes can overheat and fail on long descents.

Cargo Spills

When improperly secured cargo falls from trucks, it creates hazards for following vehicles. In winter, spilled cargo can be particularly dangerous.

Head-On Collisions

When trucks cross into oncoming traffic, often resulting in fatalities. Common causes in Maine include:

• Driver fatigue on long rural stretches
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Medical emergencies
• Wrong-way entries on divided highways

Catastrophic Injuries from Maine Trucking Accidents

The massive size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means Maine trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Maine’s hospitals, including Maine Medical Center in Portland and Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, frequently treat TBI victims from trucking accidents. These injuries can result in:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes
• Speech and language difficulties
• Permanent disability requiring lifelong care

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When the spinal cord is damaged, victims may experience:

• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Permanent disability requiring assistive devices
• Need for 24/7 care and home modifications

Amputations

Crushing injuries from truck accidents often require surgical amputations. Maine’s harsh winters make prosthetic use particularly challenging.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, and electrical fires can cause devastating burns requiring:

• Multiple skin graft surgeries
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents frequently cause:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

When a Maine trucking accident claims a life, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering before death

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Maine Trucking Accident Case?

1. Deep Knowledge of FMCSA Regulations

Our attorneys have extensive experience with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) that govern the trucking industry. We know how to:

• Identify violations that prove negligence
• Obtain and interpret black box and ELD data
• Analyze driver qualification files for hiring violations
• Review maintenance records for deferred repairs

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers:

• Evaluate claims
• Train adjusters to minimize payouts
• Use recorded statements against victims
• Delay and deny legitimate claims

This insider knowledge gives us a significant advantage in building your case and negotiating with insurance companies.

3. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act fast to preserve critical evidence before it disappears:

• Within 24-48 hours: Send spoliation letters to trucking companies demanding preservation of all evidence
• Within 72 hours: Obtain black box/ECM data before it’s overwritten
• Within 1 week: Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted
• Within 2 weeks: Gather witness statements while memories are fresh

4. Multi-Million Dollar Track Record

Our firm has recovered over $50 million for injury victims, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury case
• $3.8+ million for a partial leg amputation
• $2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
• Millions for families in wrongful death cases

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our ability to handle complex trucking cases and secure maximum compensation.

5. Federal Court Experience

Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court. This experience is particularly valuable for Maine cases involving:

• Trucks crossing state lines
• Multiple defendants in different states
• Complex jurisdictional issues

6. 24/7 Availability for Maine Clients

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak with a real person—day or night—who can start protecting your rights immediately.

7. Bilingual Services for Maine’s Hispanic Community

Maine’s growing Hispanic population, particularly in the Lewiston-Auburn area, deserves legal representation that understands their language and culture. Our Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff ensure clear communication throughout your case.

“Hablamos Español. Si usted o un ser querido ha sido herido en un accidente de camión en Maine, llame a Attorney911 al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.”

Maine-Specific Legal Considerations

Maine’s 6-Year Statute of Limitations

Maine has one of the longest statutes of limitations for personal injury cases in the country—6 years from the date of the accident. However, waiting is never a good idea because:

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witness memories fade
• Insurance companies are less cooperative as time passes

Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar Rule)

Maine follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

• You can recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Our attorneys know how to build strong cases that minimize your attributed fault and maximize your recovery.

No Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Maine does not cap damages in personal injury cases. This means:

• No limit on compensation for pain and suffering
• No cap on punitive damages when gross negligence is proven
• Full recovery possible for catastrophic injuries

Maine’s Trucking Corridors

Our attorneys understand Maine’s key trucking routes and their unique hazards:

I-95 Corridor

Running from Kittery to Houlton, I-95 is Maine’s primary north-south freight route. This busy interstate sees heavy truck traffic serving:

• Portland’s port facilities (import/export hub)
• Industrial centers in South Portland, Westbrook, and Augusta
• Distribution centers throughout the corridor
• Cross-border traffic to and from Canada

Common accident locations include:

• The Kittery toll plaza and interchange
• The Portland bypass area
• Augusta’s I-95/I-295 interchange
• Bangor’s I-95/I-395 interchange
• The Houlton border crossing

I-295 Corridor

This route serves as a bypass around Portland and carries significant truck traffic to and from:

• Portland International Jetport
• Industrial parks in Westbrook and Falmouth
• Distribution centers in Topsham

Route 1 Corridor

Running parallel to the coast, Route 1 carries truck traffic serving:

• Fishing and seafood processing industries
• Tourism-related businesses
• Local distribution needs

Route 2 Corridor

This east-west route across northern Maine carries:

• Logging trucks from Maine’s forests
• Agricultural haulers
• Cross-border traffic to Canada

Route 201 Corridor

Following the Kennebec River, this scenic but challenging route sees:

• Logging trucks
• Agricultural haulers
• Tourism traffic
• Significant winter weather hazards

Route 27 Corridor

Running through the Carrabassett Valley, this mountainous route presents unique challenges for truck drivers, including:

• Steep grades requiring proper brake management
• Limited passing opportunities
• Significant winter weather hazards

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Maine

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Maine, take these steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, call emergency services. Maine State Police and local law enforcement will:

• Secure the scene
• Create an official accident report
• Document road conditions and weather
• Identify witnesses
• Issue citations if violations occurred

2. Seek Medical Attention

Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Visit an emergency room or urgent care center immediately. Maine’s hospitals include:

• Maine Medical Center (Portland) – Level 1 Trauma Center
• Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor) – Level 2 Trauma Center
• Central Maine Medical Center (Lewiston) – Level 2 Trauma Center
• York Hospital (York)
• Southern Maine Health Care (Biddeford and Sanford)

3. Document the Scene

If you’re able, collect evidence at the scene:

• Photograph all vehicle damage (inside and out)
• Take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles
• Capture road conditions, weather, and traffic signs
• Photograph your injuries
• Get contact information from witnesses
• Note the truck’s DOT number (usually on the door)
• Photograph the trucking company’s name and logo

4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

Trucking company insurance adjusters will contact you quickly, often within hours. They are trained to:

• Get you to admit fault
• Downplay your injuries
• Offer quick, low settlements
• Record statements to use against you

Politely decline to give any statements and refer them to your attorney.

5. Contact a Maine Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

Time is critical in trucking accident cases. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 as soon as possible. We will:

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Obtain black box and ELD data
• Secure dashcam footage
• Investigate the trucking company’s safety record
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Handle all communications with insurance companies

How We Build Your Maine Trucking Accident Case

Our comprehensive approach to trucking accident cases includes:

Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• Obtain black box/ECM data before it’s overwritten (typically 30 days)
• Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted (often within 7-14 days)
• Preserve the physical truck and trailer for inspection

Thorough Investigation

• Obtain police accident reports
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• Analyze black box and ELD data
• Review driver qualification files for hiring violations
• Examine maintenance records for deferred repairs
• Investigate cargo loading procedures
• Research the trucking company’s safety record (CSA scores)

Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialists determine how the crash occurred
• Medical experts establish the full extent of your injuries
• Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
• Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans for catastrophic injuries
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation

• Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• Negotiate from a position of strength
• File lawsuits when fair settlements aren’t offered
• Conduct aggressive discovery to uncover all evidence
• Depose truck drivers, dispatchers, safety managers, and maintenance personnel
• Present powerful cases to juries when necessary

Common Insurance Tactics and How We Counter Them

Trucking company insurers use sophisticated tactics to minimize claims. Our former insurance defense attorney knows these strategies and how to counter them:

Maine Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our firm has achieved significant recoveries for trucking accident victims:

“$5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement”
“$3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement”
“$2.5M – Truck Crash Recovery”
“Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases”

These results demonstrate our ability to handle complex trucking cases and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

What Your Maine Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

• Severity of injuries (catastrophic injuries command higher settlements)
• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering (Maine has no cap on non-economic damages)
• Degree of defendant’s negligence (gross negligence can support punitive damages)
• Insurance coverage available (trucking companies carry higher limits)

While every case is unique, here are some general ranges for Maine trucking accident cases:

These ranges are general estimates. Your actual recovery will depend on the specific facts of your case.

Maine Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Maine?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get witness information, and contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Don’t give statements to insurance adjusters.

Who can I sue after a Maine trucking accident?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company (motor carrier)
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• The truck owner (if different from carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually yes. Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions. They can also be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Maine uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation if you were less than 50% responsible. Our attorneys know how to build strong cases that minimize your attributed fault.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that record operational data, including:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Following distance
• Hours of service
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts driver claims and proves negligence.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days. ELD data must be retained for 6 months under FMCSA regulations. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this critical evidence.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they receive our spoliation letter, destroying evidence is illegal and can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
• Monetary sanctions
• Default judgment in extreme cases
• Punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. When drivers violate these rules, they’re too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Maine?

Maine has a 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies are less cooperative as time passes.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

• Motor carrier’s liability policy
• Trailer interchange coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Owner-operator’s policy
• Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes—and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Maine Trucking Accident Resources

Maine State Police

• Website: www.maine.gov/dps/msp
• Non-Emergency Phone: (207) 624-7200
• Accident Reports: Available through the Maine State Police Traffic Division

Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT)

• Website: www.maine.gov/mdot
• Phone: (207) 624-3000
• Traffic Safety: Provides information on road conditions and safety programs

Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Website: www.maine.gov/sos/bmv
• Phone: (207) 624-9000
• Commercial Driver Licensing: Information on CDL requirements and violations

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

• Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Safety Records: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Phone: 1-800-832-5660
• Carrier Safety Data: CSA scores and inspection history

Maine Trauma Centers

• Maine Medical Center (Portland) – Level 1 Trauma Center

  • (207) 662-0111
  • www.mmc.org

• Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor) – Level 2 Trauma Center

  • (207) 973-7000
  • www.emhs.org

• Central Maine Medical Center (Lewiston) – Level 2 Trauma Center

  • (207) 795-0111
  • www.cmmc.org

Contact Maine’s 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Maine, don’t wait. Critical evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

• Evaluate your case and explain your legal options
• Send spoliation letters immediately to preserve evidence
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Investigate the accident and identify all liable parties
• Fight for maximum compensation for your injuries

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our Maine trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to take your call.

“Every hour you wait, evidence in your Maine trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”

Our Maine trucking accident lawyers serve clients throughout the state, including:

• Portland
• Lewiston
• Bangor
• South Portland
• Auburn
• Biddeford
• Sanford
• Augusta
• Waterville
• Westbrook
• Presque Isle
• Brewer
• Bath
• Caribou
• Old Orchard Beach
• Rockland
• Belfast
• Ellsworth
• And all surrounding communities

Don’t let the trucking company get away with negligence that changed your life. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Hablamos Español.