Hit-and-Run Accidents in Maine: What Victims Need to Know

Hit-and-run accidents are some of the most distressing and complex types of motor vehicle collisions. For victims, the trauma is compounded by the knowledge that the driver responsible has fled the scene, leaving behind damage, injuries, and unanswered questions. In Maine, hit-and-run crashes are unfortunately becoming more frequent—and the legal and financial consequences for victims can be devastating.

At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are committed to helping hit-and-run accident victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run crash anywhere in Maine, our experienced legal team is here to fight for you.

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves or provide aid. Under Maine law (29-A M.R.S. § 2251), it is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage. Despite this, many drivers still make the reckless decision to flee, either due to fear of legal consequences, lack of insurance, impaired driving, or other factors.

Hit-and-run collisions can involve:

• Two or more vehicles
• Pedestrians
• Cyclists
• Parked cars or other stationary property

Regardless of the circumstances, the consequences can be severe—especially when the responsible party disappears without a trace.

While Maine is known for its tight-knit communities and generally cautious drivers, hit-and-run accidents are on the rise. According to the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, dozens of hit-and-run crashes are reported each year, and many more likely go unreported or unsolved. Rural roads, poorly lit areas, and high-speed zones are particularly prone to these incidents.

In recent years, hit-and-runs have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities across the state—from Portland to Bangor to small towns in Aroostook County. These cases often involve pedestrians crossing roads at night or bicyclists sharing narrow shoulders with fast-moving traffic.

One of the most frustrating aspects of a hit-and-run accident is the uncertainty. Without knowing who caused the crash, victims often feel helpless. Medical bills can pile up, wages may be lost due to time off work, and physical or emotional trauma can linger for years.

Key challenges include:

• Identifying the Driver: Police investigations can take time, and in many cases, the fleeing driver is never located.
• Insurance Complications: Without another party to hold accountable, victims often have to rely on their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which may not fully compensate for all damages.
• Proving Fault: Even with UM claims, victims must still provide evidence that another driver was at fault for the crash.

Despite these challenges, victims are not without options—and that’s where experienced legal counsel becomes critical.

At Peter Thompson & Associates, we help victims of hit-and-run accidents navigate the legal and insurance systems to recover full compensation for their injuries. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to damages for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage

If the at-fault driver is located, we can pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly. If not, we will assist in filing an uninsured motorist claim under your own auto policy. We also investigate all possible sources of compensation, including secondary insurance policies or third-party liability (such as defective roadway design or vehicle issues).

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run crash, here are some steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Call 911 Immediately: Report the crash and request emergency medical assistance if needed.
2. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. Look for possible surveillance cameras or eyewitnesses.
3. Get Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, they can worsen over time. Prompt treatment also documents your condition.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify them of the hit-and-run, but avoid giving detailed statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
5. Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer: Don’t go through this alone. An experienced attorney can help you secure compensation and peace of mind.

Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims feeling angry, vulnerable, and uncertain about the future. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we’ve represented hundreds of Mainers injured in motor vehicle crashes, and we know how to hold insurers and negligent drivers accountable. Whether the at-fault party is identified or not, we will work tirelessly to ensure you are not left to bear the financial and emotional burden alone.

Call today for a free consultation—we don’t get paid unless you win. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you.