Maine saw 179 traffic deaths in 2024 alone
Car accident fatalities in Maine have increased by 37 percent in the past decade, according to The Road Information Program (TRIP), a national non-profit organization that studies transportation issues.
“Traffic deaths have surged over the past decade, and that should worry all of us,” Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research, said in response to the report, according to a press release from TRIP. “The recent progress is good news, but our roads are still way too dangerous, especially for people walking, biking, or on motorcycles. We know what works. Now it’s time to act.”
The same TRIP study noted that Maine car accident deaths and collisions that resulted in serious injuries cost injury victims and families $10.6 billion last year in economic losses and financial quality-of-life issues, which should be cause for alarm for all drivers in Maine.
Car accident deaths in Maine have skyrocketed in the past decade
Between 2014 and 2024, the number of car accident fatalities in Maine increased by 37 percent, from 131 deaths in 2014 to 179 deaths in 2024, according to the TRIP report.
Last year in particular was the second-deadliest year on Maine roads since 2014, according to accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Only 2022 (when 182 people died in Maine car accidents) had more traffic fatalities than 2024 in Maine.
Why did Maine traffic fatalities increase?
Car accident deaths in Maine have increased for several reasons in the past decade. According to accident data collected by the NHTSA and the Maine Department of Transportation, car accident deaths have increased in several categories since 2014.
In particular, pedestrian fatalities in Maine increased from 9 deaths in 2014 to 19 deaths in 2023. And in recent years in particular, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol have often played a significant role in many fatal Maine car accidents.
Specifically, 2022 was the deadliest year in Maine in the past decade for drunk driving accidents and high-speed collisions. That year, 64 people died in crashes caused by drunk drivers, and 53 people died in speeding-related fatalities. To put such numbers in perspective, 37 people died in drunk driving accidents and 39 died in speeding collisions in 2014, according to the NHTSA.
How did car accidents cost Maine $10.6 billion last year?
Along with the death toll caused by all these collisions, Maine car accidents last year cost injury victims and families an estimated $10.6 billion. According to the TRIP study based on NHTSA’s traffic crash cost formula, fatal and serious car accidents in Maine cost injury victims and family members $8 billion in quality-of-life costs and $2.6 billion in economic costs. According to TRIP and the NHTSA, such financial losses include:
- Medical care.
- Emergency services costs.
- Lost wages.
- Lost productivity.
- Property damage.
- Insurance administrative costs.
- Legal fees and court costs.
- Traffic congestion impacts (travel delays, excess fuel consumption, pollution, etc.).
“This report underscores the urgent need for sustained investment and coordinated action to reverse the troubling trend in traffic fatalities,” said Mike Hare, chairman of the board of directors of the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). “While recent declines are encouraging, the human and economic toll remains far too high.
How can a car accident lawyer help after a crash?
Fatal or serious car accidents in Maine wreak havoc financially and emotionally. That’s why it’s important for injury victims or surviving family members to take such accidents seriously right from the start. Otherwise, you might not get the compensation you rightfully deserve for your financial losses.
A Portland car accident lawyer from Jabar LaLiberty, LLC can help you every step of the way with your Maine car crash. We thoroughly understand the rules and regulations governing motor vehicle accidents in the state of Maine. That’s why we have a strong track record of success, including a $1.7 million settlement in a motor vehicle accident case.
Case results matter here. And so does your accident. Learn more about the Portland law firm that Maine injury victims trust. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Portland car accident attorney who will fight for your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online. We have two offices conveniently located in Portland and Waterville, Maine.
“I consider myself fortunate to have found Jabar LaLiberty to handle my case... They made a stressful situation easy to navigate and kept me informed during the entire process. If anyone would find themselves needing legal help for personal injury, I highly recommend Jason Jabar.” – Lorey E., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐