Hurt While Visiting Maine? Here’s What Tourists Should Know
Each year, millions of visitors travel to Maine to explore its coastline, national parks, and charming small towns. From hiking in Acadia National Park to skiing in Sunday River or enjoying the summer bustle of Portland’s Old Port, Maine draws tourists from across the country. But accidents can happen anywhere — and when they happen far from home, they can become even more complicated. Whether you slipped on a wet dock, were struck by a distracted driver, or were injured at a rental property, you may be wondering: What are my rights if I was hurt while visiting Maine?
Here’s what every out-of-state tourist should know before filing a personal injury claim in Maine.
Maine Law Applies — Even if You Live Elsewhere
If you’re injured in Maine, your claim will almost always fall under Maine law, regardless of where you live. This means that:
- You must follow Maine’s statute of limitations, which generally gives six years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Your case will likely need to be filed in a Maine court.
- Maine’s comparative negligence rule applies, meaning you can still recover compensation if you were partly at fault — as long as you were less than 50% responsible.
For an out-of-state tourist, this is the first major hurdle. You can’t rely on your home state’s rules or courts; you need a Maine attorney familiar with local procedures, judges, and insurance laws.
Common Tourist Injuries in Maine
Tourist injuries in Maine happen in many ways — often in beautiful places that seem perfectly safe. Some of the most common scenarios include:
- Car and motorcycle accidents on scenic highways like Route 1 or I-95
- Slip and fall accidents at hotels, restaurants, or coastal boardwalks
- Boating and watercraft accidents on lakes, rivers, and the Atlantic coast
- Hiking or park injuries, including falls on poorly maintained trails
- Skiing and snowboarding injuries at mountain resorts
- Rental home or Airbnb accidents, such as falls on unsafe stairs or decks
Because tourism plays such a large role in Maine’s economy, many injuries involve businesses that owe a legal duty to keep visitors safe.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
If you were injured in Maine, several parties may bear responsibility depending on where and how the incident occurred:
- Property Owners and Businesses – Hotels, restaurants, and rental property owners must maintain safe premises. Wet floors, icy walkways, or broken railings can all lead to claims under premises liability law.
- Drivers and Vehicle Owners – If you were in a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance is generally responsible for covering your injuries and damages.
- Tour or Rental Companies – If a guided activity, watercraft, or rental vehicle caused your injury, the company operating it may be liable for negligent operation or maintenance.
- Municipal or State Entities – If you were injured on public property, such as a trail or state park, special rules and notice requirements may apply.
An experienced Maine injury lawyer can help identify all potential sources of compensation, which is especially important when multiple insurance policies are involved.
Dealing With Insurance as an Out-of-State Tourist
Handling insurance claims after an accident can be frustrating, and being far from home adds another layer of stress. Maine law may require you to file your claim with the at-fault party’s insurer in the state, and insurers sometimes use this distance to their advantage — delaying or denying legitimate claims.
A Maine-based attorney can handle communications with insurers, gather evidence locally, and ensure deadlines are met. Many tourists are surprised to learn that they don’t need to return to Maine for most parts of the process; your attorney can handle filings, depositions, and settlement negotiations on your behalf.
What Compensation Can Cover
If you were injured in Maine, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (including future treatment and out-of-state follow-up care)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Travel and lodging expenses related to the injury
- Property damage
- Permanent disability or loss of enjoyment of life
If the injury resulted from gross negligence — such as reckless driving or ignoring safety warnings — you may also seek punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer.
Steps to Take After an Injury as a Tourist in Maine
If you’re visiting Maine and suffer an injury, these steps can help protect your health and your legal claim:
- Seek medical care immediately. Even if you plan to return home soon, get evaluated by a Maine healthcare provider.
- Report the incident. Notify local law enforcement, the property owner, or event staff so there’s an official record.
- Gather documentation. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any contributing hazards.
- Save receipts and records. Travel expenses, medical bills, and correspondence with insurance companies all support your case.
- Contact a Maine personal injury lawyer. Local counsel ensures your case follows Maine’s laws and timelines.
Why Local Legal Help Matters
Out-of-state visitors often face unique challenges: distance, unfamiliar laws, and insurers that may delay or underpay claims. A Maine attorney bridges that gap by handling every part of your case locally. They can:
- Investigate your accident while evidence is fresh
- Identify all at-fault parties and insurance policies
- File claims and negotiate settlements under Maine law
- Represent you in court if necessary — without requiring you to travel back for every hearing
Call a Maine Personal Injury Lawyer
If your Maine vacation turned into a painful experience, you have rights — even if you live elsewhere. Whether you were injured on the road, in a rental property, or at a tourist attraction, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we represent out-of-state visitors who have been injured while traveling in Maine. Our attorneys understand the local courts, laws, and insurance tactics — and we make the process as easy as possible for clients who live far away.
Call us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover after an accident in Maine.