Maine accident laws aim to regulate driver conduct and protect the public.
The Maine Legislature has enacted a number of laws regarding car accidents. Title 29-A, Motor Vehicles, of the Maine Revised Statutes provides guidance related to accident reporting and imposes consequences on drivers. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which oversees driver's license suspensions and revocations, can also provide information to the public on car accidents occurring within the state. A person involved in a car accident may wish to consult with a Maine lawyer to learn about his rights and responsibilities under the relevant state laws.
Accident Reports
Section 2251 of Title 29-A determines whether an individual must report a car accident occurring on a public way or public place. The section requires an accident report to state or local police if one of two circumstances seem to be present: The accident has resulted in an individual's bodily injury or death, or the accident has caused apparent property damage valued at a minimum of $1,000.
Leaving the Scene
Section 2252 of Title 29-A requires drivers to stop their cars as soon as possible or return to the scene of an accident, if the accident has resulted in bodily injury or death suffered by one of the parties involved. When feasible, drivers must remain at the scene, exchange information and possibly assist anyone who has suffered an injury. The section criminalizes the conduct of a driver who leaves the scene of the accident without compliance.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
If someone has died or looks likely to die as the result of a car accident, the involved drivers will need to undergo drug and alcohol testing as required in Section 2522 of Title 29-A. Police investigating the car accident may ask the driver to submit to a blood test or breath test. Test results may be admissible as evidence in court. A positive drug or alcohol test, or a refusal to test, may result in a driver's license suspension through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Out-of-State Drivers
When a non-resident of Maine contributes to a car accident, the state may impose certain consequences upon that driver pursuant to Section 1609 of Title 29-A, such as reporting to the appropriate agency. Similarly, the state will respond to official reports of accidents occurring in other states and involving Maine residents.
Accident-Prone Drivers
Maine laws attempt to protect the public from accident-prone drivers. Section 1308 in Title 29-A defines an accident-prone driver as one who has contributed to at least three accidents within a span of three consecutive years. Consequences include a requirement to take an operator's examination.
Tags: Title 29-A, Motor Vehicles, accident resulted, accidents occurring, bodily injury