If you or a family member has been injured in an accident, be sure to protect yourself with the following precautions:

FACTS

Date

Time

Place

Witnesses

Circumstances

Keep personal notes to refresh your memory later.  We suggest keeping a personal diary. Document any traffic summonses that are issued.

REPORTS

Maine Law requires an accident report if there is: property damage over $500, bodily injury, or death.

Dealing with an injury can be as stressful as it is painful. Still, some details should not be overlooked.

MEDICALS

Take note of the ambulance company or any EMT involved. Keep track of the names of all medical personnel and facilities where care is given.

Always give your health care providers clear and concise details of your injuries and what occurred.

Follow up on medical care, to avoid future complications.

INSURANCE

It is important to report all accidents to your insurer. But, always use caution when dealing with insurance companies. Prepare your statements in advance, and be careful who you speak with.

Maine Law prohibits insurance adjusters from taking a statement from you -- or obtaining a release of a claim -- while you are hospitalized (to 30 days after the accident). 17-MRSA §3964.

You can maintain a sense of control over your case. The more documentation you provide, the better.

PHOTOS

As early as possible, take photos of the scene, along with photos of any damage to vehicles, property or people.

MEDIA

Save and date any printed articles, video news clips, or other media coverage.

HEADLIGHTS

Keep in mind that Maine has enacted a law which requires headlights to be on during inclement weather. This includes any time when windshield wipers are in constant use.

THIS BROCHURE

This brochure is intended to be a public service information. The contents are not to be taken as legal advice. In the event you or your family are injured, you should call an attorney for specific advice on your case.

STATUTES OF LIMITATION

Statutes of Limitation vary, depending on the cause of action. If you miss the Statute of Limitations, it will be too late to bring the case to court.

A partial list is as follows:

ACTION	LIMIT	CITATION
Most Civil Actions	6 Years	14 MRSA §752
Assault & Battery	2 Years	14 MRSA §753
Slander & Libel	2 Years	14 MRSA §753
False Imprisonment	2 Years	14 MRSA §753
Workers' Compensation	2 Years	39-A MRSA §306
(Notice of injury due to employer within 90 days)
Maine Tort Claims Act & Government Actions	2 Years	14 MRSA §8101
(180 day notice of claim required from date of covered act)

Compliments of:

N. LAURENCE WILLEY, JR., ESQ.

Willey Law Offices

15 Columbia St. Suite 501

PO Box 924

Bangor, Maine 04402

&

75 State Street

800-427-4666 or 207-262-6222

Fax: 207-262-6041

E-mail: lwilley@midmaine.com

Website: www.larrywilley.com

© 2002, N. Laurence Willey, Jr.