Experienced Portland Car Accident Lawyers

As Maine’s largest and busiest city, Portland sees its fair share of traffic congestion and collisions—from fender benders on Congress Street to high-speed crashes on I-295, Forest Avenue, and the Casco Bay Bridge. Whether your accident happened downtown, in South Portland, or along Route 1, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, insurance claims, and repair costs can add stress to an already difficult situation.

At Shaheen & Gordon, we help Portland drivers, passengers, and families take control after a crash. Our experienced team knows how to navigate Maine’s accident laws and deal with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts. We focus on protecting your rights, securing fair compensation, and helping you move forward with confidence.

If you’ve been injured in a Portland car accident, don’t face the process alone. Contact Shaheen & Gordon today for a free consultation, and take the first step toward recovery and peace of mind.

Why choose Shaheen & Gordon for your car accident case?

When you’ve been in a crash on the streets of Portland or greater Cumberland County, you need a team that understands how things work right here in Maine. At Shaheen & Gordon, our attorneys bring decades of combined experience handling car accident claims throughout Southern Maine, and we know how local insurers, adjusters, and courts approach these cases.

From collisions on Franklin Street to multi-vehicle accidents on I-295 or Brighton Avenue, our team has guided Portland residents through every stage of recovery—medical treatment, insurance negotiations, and, when necessary, litigation. We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our clients trust us because we treat every case with care and personal attention. You’ll always know where your case stands, and you’ll never face hidden fees or upfront costs. Our work is built on a simple promise: to advocate for you and your family as if you were our own.

At Shaheen & Gordon, we’re proud to stand beside our neighbors in Portland, South Portland, Falmouth, and beyond, helping them rebuild after serious car accidents and move forward with confidence.

How a car accident lawyer can help

Our car accident lawyers have an in-depth knowledge of the law and negotiation tactics that allow them to get the most favorable outcome for our clients. The advantages of working with a lawyer are multifaceted and can ensure that you are taken seriously. A lawyer can advise you on what actions to avoid, and what steps to take to increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome and maximum recovery.

The lawyers at Shaheen & Gordon are committed to providing you with trusted counsel and securing the best possible results. Below is a closer look at some of the advantages of working with a car accident lawyer.

Maximizing your compensation

An attorney’s negotiation skills can help maximize the compensation you may be able to receive through insurance or personal injury claims. People typically receive higher settlements with a lawyer’s help compared to those who do not hire one. Your lawyer can help you determine the value of your damages and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Handling insurance companies

One of the biggest benefits of having a car accident lawyer is that they will handle the insurance process, and deal with the insurance companies, on your behalf. Insurance companies try to pay car accident victims as little as possible. They will often make low offers, delay decisions, try to deny claims on technicalities, and attempt to settle cases before it is even clear what an individual’s actual damages are. The lawyers at Shaheen & Gordon have seen every trick in the book that insurance companies use to minimize the value of your claim. They will demand, and ensure, that you receive the damages you deserve in a timely manner

Investigating your accident

The first step in pursuing justice after a car accident is determining who was at fault for causing the crash. Your lawyer will immediately investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and what factors contributed to the crash. They will gather the evidence necessary to prove your case. Our skilled investigation team will uncover the information necessary to paint a clear, and accurate, picture of the events that transpired.

They then use the evidence revealed in the investigation to establish that the accident was the result of the other driver’s negligent actions. This process includes securing witness statements, crash scene investigations, working with expert witnesses and even accident reconstructionists as the needs of your case dictate.

Representing you in court if necessary

It’s important to have a lawyer who is ready to go to court to fight for you if your case requires it. Your car accident lawyer at Shaheen & Gordon is prepared, ready and willing to take your case to trial if necessary to get you the compensation you deserve. This is what sets Shaheen & Gordon apart from lots of personal injury firms. We will ensure you have sufficient evidence, effective legal strategies, and a sound case. Personal injury cases often settle out of court but our lawyers are preparing to go to trial as soon as you become our client. This means we are prepared, ready and willing to take any case to trial if necessary.

Common causes of car accidents in Portland

Car accidents in Portland, Maine can happen anywhere—from busy downtown intersections to rural routes outside the city. Each crash is unique, and its cause often determines both the extent of the injuries and the path to financial recovery. Understanding what led to your accident helps build a stronger claim and ensures that every responsible party is held accountable.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in the Portland area include:

Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting GPS devices, or eating behind the wheel can lead to devastating collisions on roads like Congress Street or Forest Avenue.
Drunk or Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence remains one of the leading causes of serious and fatal crashes throughout Cumberland County.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed on I-295, Route 1, or residential streets can reduce reaction time and increase the severity of any impact.
Poor Road and Weather Conditions: Portland’s icy winters, heavy rain, and fog along the coast contribute to slick roads, limited visibility, and an elevated risk of losing control.
Failure to Yield or Intersection Accidents: Busy intersections—such as those near Marginal Way or Franklin Street—see frequent collisions when drivers ignore signals or fail to give the right of way.

In every case, proving negligence is essential. That means showing the at-fault driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely, violated that duty through careless or unlawful behavior, and caused the crash that led to your injuries and losses. By establishing these elements clearly, your legal team can build a compelling case for compensation covering your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Common car accident injuries

Even a seemingly minor crash can cause serious and lasting injuries. Every car accident is different, but victims in Portland and across Southern Maine often face painful recoveries and unexpected financial strain from medical care and lost wages. Understanding the types of injuries that frequently result from collisions can help you recognize the full scope of your damages and seek the care—and compensation—you deserve.

Some of the most common car accident injuries in the Portland area include:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impact can violently jerk the neck, leading to soft tissue damage, stiffness, and chronic pain that may require physical therapy.
Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur even in low-speed collisions and may result in headaches, dizziness, or long-term cognitive issues.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Herniated discs, nerve damage, and spinal fractures are common in rear-end or high-impact crashes and can lead to partial or full loss of mobility.
Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and wrists are particularly vulnerable when force is distributed unevenly during a collision.
Internal Injuries: Damage to organs like the liver or lungs can be life-threatening and may not present symptoms immediately after the accident.
Cuts, Bruises, and Soft Tissue Damage: Airbags, seatbelts, and shattered glass can cause lacerations and severe bruising, often leaving lasting scars or discomfort.
Psychological Trauma: Many crash victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress following a serious collision—especially after witnessing severe injury or loss.

Whether your injuries require emergency treatment or ongoing rehabilitation, documenting your symptoms and medical care is crucial for building a strong case. Recovery takes time, but you don’t have to face it alone. Having the right support system—and legal team—ensures your injuries are taken seriously and your future is protected.

What compensation can you recover after a car accident?

Expenses can add up quickly after a motor vehicle crash and cause significant financial strain. Injuries can impact a person’s quality of life, their ability to work and may require short or long-term accommodations to support daily living. The goal of every personal injury case is to recover the compensation you deserve to offset the losses you are experiencing so that you do not have to bear the financial burden of an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence.

The specific details of each case will influence the type, and amount, of compensation you are entitled to in your car accident claim. It is important to talk with your lawyer about your losses and experience so they can determine a fair valuation prior to negotiations. Our lawyers know what damages you are entitled to. These damages might include:

Economic damages: Provides compensation for losses with a specific monetary value, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages: These damages help you recover losses stemming from the pain and suffering you experienced, the emotional distress or mental anguish you’ve been through, and the loss of quality of life, enjoyment of life, and even the companionship of a spouse.
Punitive damages: These can be awarded in extreme cases to award additional compensation to the plaintiff and punish the defendant when their actions are so outrageous that malice or ill will towards the injured person can be implied.

Your lawyer will ensure you have the evidence needed to show a jury what you have lost as a result of your injury. Medical records, medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, pay stubs, and a journal documenting your pain and suffering can all be used in your case to prove your losses and get the financial compensation you are entitled to.

Contact our Portland, Maine car accident lawyers today

Shaheen & Gordon has a long history of fighting for car crash victims and getting them justice. Our team advocates and fights tirelessly for our clients so they can face their future with peace of mind and the resources they need. We provide a lifeline during a difficult time.

When you contact our Portland office, we will ensure you receive the care and service you deserve. We will help you navigate the road ahead and resolve your case as swiftly as possible. Schedule a free consultation today—call (800) 451-1002 or fill out our online form.

Frequently asked questions about car accidents in Maine

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Maine?

Car accident victims in Maine generally have six years to file a claim against the party who injured them, according to Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 § 752. If you wait longer than six years, you may lose all your legal rights to recover damages .

While Maine provides a generous statute of limitations, filing a claim as soon as possible often results in a stronger claim and a more favorable outcome. Talking to a lawyer about your specific situation will provide clarity on how much time you have for your specific case and what your options are.

What if the other driver was uninsured?

If the driver who collided with your vehicle is uninsured or underinsured, you must file your claim with your own insurance company. The uninsured/underinsured portion of your policy is designed to cover your losses when the other party is unable to pay for your damage. This area of the law is complicated and fraught with technicalities, so it is important to seek out representation as soon as possible.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Maine has modified comparative negligence laws for when multiple parties are at fault. This may allow you to still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. According to Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 § 156, each party may claim compensation, but the maximum amount will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault they are responsible for causing.

However, any party who is responsible for 50% or more of the accident may not claim any damages.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?

Hiring a car accident lawyer will cost you nothing upfront. You will sign an agreement explaining the fees, which are a percentage of the compensation you receive when your lawyer wins your case. This is known as contingency fee agreement. This type of payment model is designed to make hiring an attorney accessible in your time of need. Be sure to discuss the details with your lawyer prior to working with them.