Tractor-Trailer Crash In Portland Pins Woman Under Vehicle
According to a recent article, on the morning of September 25, 2025, tragedy nearly struck on Skyway Drive in Portland. A 38-year-old woman from Westbrook crashed her Toyota Corolla into the back of a tractor-trailer near the intersection of Congress Street. The collision pinned the front of her vehicle underneath the rear of the trailer, trapping her inside.
Rescue crews rushed to the scene. Firefighters worked carefully for an extended period to free the woman, mindful of gasoline leaking steadily from the car. Photos shared by the Portland Fire Department showed the mangled Toyota wedged tightly under the trailer’s bumper. Once freed, the woman was transported to Maine Medical Center in critical condition. Thankfully, her injuries, while severe, were not considered life-threatening.
Police closed Skyway Drive for nearly four hours while investigators examined the crash. Early findings suggest that wet road conditions and speed played a role. No charges were filed at the time, but authorities continue to gather information and seek witness statements.
This Portland crash demonstrates the very real dangers of collisions between passenger cars and tractor-trailers — dangers that every Maine driver should understand.
Why Tractor-Trailer Collisions Are So Dangerous
When a car collides with a tractor-trailer, the smaller vehicle usually suffers the worst damage. Underride accidents, like the Portland case, happen when a car slides under the trailer’s rear or side. These crashes are often catastrophic because the trailer can shear off the top of the car, leaving little protection for occupants.
Even when survivors make it out alive, the injuries can be devastating: broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, or internal bleeding. In Portland, the quick response of firefighters likely saved the woman’s life, but not everyone is so fortunate.
Liability Questions After Tractor-Trailer Accidents
In the Portland crash, early reports suggest the car struck the trailer from behind. But determining liability in tractor-trailer accidents is not always simple. Investigators may ask:
- Was the truck moving at a safe speed for the conditions?
- Were the trailer’s brake lights or reflective markings visible?
- Did poor road conditions contribute to the collision?
- Was the car following too closely or driving too fast for wet pavement?
Each of these factors can influence how responsibility is shared under Maine’s comparative negligence law.
Lessons for Maine Drivers
The Portland crash is a sobering reminder of how quickly road conditions can turn deadly around large trucks. For Maine drivers, several takeaways stand out:
- Keep a safe following distance. Tractor-trailers block your forward view and require longer stopping distances.
- Be extra cautious in wet or icy weather. Slippery pavement increases the risk of sliding under a trailer.
- Stay visible. Avoid lingering in blind spots beside or behind tractor-trailers.
- Know your rights if you’re injured. Even if police suggest you bear some responsibility, Maine law still allows recovery if the truck driver or company also contributed to the crash.
The Importance of Legal Help
Accidents involving tractor-trailers often involve multiple parties — drivers, trucking companies, insurers, and sometimes even equipment manufacturers. While the Portland case remains under investigation, many victims of similar crashes face uphill battles with insurance companies determined to limit payouts.
An experienced Maine personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate whether truck equipment and lighting met safety standards
- Analyze road conditions and police reports
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault
- Fight to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Moving Forward After a Tractor-Trailer Accident
The Westbrook woman injured in Portland faces a long recovery, but she is fortunate to have survived a type of crash that often proves fatal. For other Maine families, tractor-trailer accidents can leave behind lifelong injuries or the loss of loved ones.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we represent victims of serious crashes across Maine, including those involving tractor-trailers. We investigate every detail, hold negligent drivers and companies accountable, and fight to secure justice for our clients.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, call us today for a free consultation.