{"id":373706,"date":"2017-10-25T15:14:30","date_gmt":"2017-10-25T20:14:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/maine-law\/maine-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-05-23T15:20:38","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T20:20:38","slug":"maine-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Maine Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Maine Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/kit-yona-m-a\/\">Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            May 23, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>While it&#8217;s nice to enjoy one of Maine&#8217;s many scenic driving routes, nobody wants the experience ruined by an auto accident. Car crashes are an unwelcome reality, often causing property damage and personal injuries. There are also legal responsibilities to consider in an accident&#8217;s aftermath.<\/p>\r\n<p>Knowing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-checklist.html\">what to do after an accident<\/a> is helpful. This article will touch on Maine car accident laws. It also discusses making a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-insurance-claims-dos-and-don-ts.html\">car insurance claim<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/insurance-claims-after-an-accident-the-basics.html\">dealing with insurance companies<\/a>, and determining who pays for damages.<\/p>\r\n<p>Special attention will be given to accident reports and how they&#8217;re created. Insurance companies use crash reports to determine fault and how damages should be paid. Read on to learn about Maine car accident report basics.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Maine Car Accident Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>There are certain legal requirements for driving in Maine. While having a driver&#8217;s license and a registered vehicle are obvious obligations, other laws aren&#8217;t as clear-cut.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Maine Auto Liability Insurance Minimum Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Maine requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. But it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/pfr\/insurance\/consumers\/auto-insurance\/insurance-required-by-law\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recommends buying higher coverage<\/a> amounts if possible. The legal minimums in Maine are:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>$50,000 for bodily injury per person<\/li>\r\n<li>$100,000 for bodily injury per accident<\/li>\r\n<li>$25,000 for property damage per accident<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A combined limit of $125,000 is also permissible.<\/p>\r\n<p>Other required insurance includes:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>$2,000 for medical payments coverage per person<\/li>\r\n<li>$50,000 per person or 100,000 per accident for uninsured\/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Most claims will be handled by the insurance companies. For a detailed look at what to expect and how long it&#8217;ll take, read FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html\">Maine Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/a> article.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Fault and Negligence in Maine Auto Accidents<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>As Maine is an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/fault-and-liability-for-motor-vehicle-accidents.html\">at-fault state<\/a>, the driver determined to be most responsible for the accident will be liable to pay the damages and medical expenses of the others involved in the accident.<\/p>\r\n<p>The state of Maine follows a doctrine of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/what-is-comparative-negligence\/\">modified comparative negligence<\/a> as well, which affects all damages associated with the crash. Anyone more than 50% responsible for the accident can\u2019t recover any damages, while others will have their recovery reduced by their percentage of fault.<\/p>\r\n<p>For a better understanding of who gets what and why, take a look at FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-car-accident-compensation-laws.html\">Maine Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/a> article.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Maine Car Accidents and Accident Reports<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Auto accidents are disruptive. Even if you&#8217;re not injured, it&#8217;s normal to be traumatized and confused in the aftermath. It may be difficult to collect your thoughts, but take a deep breath and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/after-a-car-accident-first-steps.html\">try to remember what to do<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>What To Do After an Accident<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Minor or not, don&#8217;t leave the scene of the accident. You&#8217;ll face serious consequences as a <a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.maine.gov\/statutes\/29-A\/title29-Asec2253.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hit-and-run driver<\/a> if you do. Take a deep breath before checking yourself, any passengers you might have, and the others involved in the crash for injuries.<\/p>\r\n<p>If possible, offer aid and assistance. If anyone is injured or the accident has caused significant damage, call 911. Let the operator know the severity of any wounds.<\/p>\r\n<p>Whether you think the crash was serious or not, it&#8217;s a good idea to call either local law enforcement or the Maine State Police on a non-emergency number. If your accident meets certain conditions, an accident report is mandatory. These conditions are:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The collision is unintentional<\/li>\r\n<li>The collision occurs on a public way<\/li>\r\n<li>The collision is caused by a vehicle in motion<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>At least one of the following criteria must apply as well:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Any personal injury is involved<\/li>\r\n<li>The combined damage to all vehicles or property is in excess of $1000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If these conditions are met and you don&#8217;t report the accident to the police, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dps\/msp\/investigation-traffic\/crash-investigations\/crash-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">you face a Class E crime<\/a> punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and license suspension or revocation. You can fill out a report at a law enforcement office in the jurisdiction of the accident.<\/p>\r\n<p>Whether the police come or not, there are some things you should do. Take pictures of the accident scene before moving any vehicles. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information and a witness statement.<\/p>\r\n<p>Exchange information with all involved drivers. This should include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Name, phone number, date of birth, and email address<\/li>\r\n<li>Driver&#8217;s license number<\/li>\r\n<li>License plate number<\/li>\r\n<li>Insurance company name<\/li>\r\n<li>Insurance policy number<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If you&#8217;re going to fill out the report yourself at a police station, note the location of the accident and any other pertinent facts.<\/p>\r\n<p>Even if the accident wasn&#8217;t your fault, you&#8217;ll still need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accidents-and-insurance.html\">file a claim<\/a> with your insurance carrier. Seek medical attention for any injuries, making sure to keep copies of any medical treatments, bills, and expenses.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Maine Auto Accident Reports<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>When the police officer shows up, try to be calm and polite as they take your statement. Answer their questions as truthfully as possible. Even if you think you might be responsible for the accident, avoid saying so directly.<\/p>\r\n<p>The officer writing the report will take statements from all involved and gather contact and insurance information. They will gather as much objective data from the scene of the accident as possible, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Diagrams of the crash impact and the positions of the vehicles<\/li>\r\n<li>Weather conditions<\/li>\r\n<li>Lighting\/time of day<\/li>\r\n<li>Traffic signals\/signs<\/li>\r\n<li>Type of road<\/li>\r\n<li>Sobriety of drivers<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>As they weren\u2019t a witness, the investigating officer&#8217;s task isn&#8217;t to assess fault. Rather, it\u2019s to recreate the accident as much as possible for the report. Insurance companies will use the information to determine who is to blame.<\/p>\r\n<p>In large enough accidents, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dps\/msp\/investigation-traffic\/crash-reconstruction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Crash Reconstruction Unit<\/a> may arrive on the scene.<\/p>\r\n<p>Whether for insurance or a potential lawsuit, you&#8217;ll need a copy of the finished crash report. All reportable accidents are entered into the Maine State Police database. You can request your report <a href=\"https:\/\/apps1.web.maine.gov\/online\/mcrs\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">at their website<\/a>. The report will be emailed to you for a $10 fee.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Maine Car Accident Report Laws at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The chart below summarizes state laws related to Maine car accident reports, including links to key statutes.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li><p>Requirements on scene: <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/me\/title-29-a-motor-vehicles\/me-rev-st-tit-29-a-sect-2252.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a72252 to 2255<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Police notification\/report: <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/me\/title-29-a-motor-vehicles\/me-rev-st-tit-29-a-sect-2251.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a72251<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Law Enforcement Notification Required<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li><p>Must notify police immediately if an accident occurs on a public road and involves injury, death, or property damage to an apparent extent of at least $2,000<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Report Required<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li><p>Law enforcement must submit report to the Chief of the State Police and the Secretary of State<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>The Secretary of State may request additional information from vehicle owners or drivers regarding proof of financial responsibility, such as car insurance<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Report Deadline<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li><p>Law enforcement must submit report to Chief of State Police <a href=\"https:\/\/www1.maine.gov\/online\/mcrs\/faq.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">within five days<\/a> from time of notification of the accident<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Who Must Report<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li><p>Every driver of an involved vehicle or person acting for the driver<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>If driver is unknown and not the owner of the vehicle, the owner must file the report<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Note:<\/b><\/i> <i>State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts that include federal decisions, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Maine Car Accident Report Basics: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/after-a-car-accident-first-steps.html\">After a Car Accident: First Steps<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-car-accident-compensation-laws.html\">Maine Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accidents-and-insurance.html\">Car Accidents and Insurance<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-kinds-of-damages-may-i-claim-for-car-accident-injuries.html\">Types of Damages in a Car Accident Lawsuit<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Have Questions About Car Accident Reporting Requirements in Maine? Talk to a Lawyer<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>While some car accidents are resolved quickly through fair insurance claims, others become a huge hassle with significant legal, financial, and even criminal ramifications. Whether you caused a major wreck or were side-swiped by a distracted driver, it&#8217;s crucial to understand your legal rights and obligations.<\/p>\r\n<p>Contact a local <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/maine\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">car accident attorney<\/a> to learn more about your options. They can help ensure you&#8217;ve complied with reporting requirements under Maine&#8217;s car accident report laws. Their legal advice can help you get the best outcome possible.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n           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     class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        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Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw&#8217;s legal primer on the laws and procedures for filing a car accident report in 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