After a Crash
29-A M.R.S. § 2252 — stop, give a name and registration, and help anyone hurt
The driver of a vehicle in a crash that injures or kills anyone stops at once at the scene, or as close as possible and comes right back. The driver stays and gives a name, address and the vehicle's registration number, shows the license on request if it is available, shows evidence of insurance on request, and gives reasonable assistance to anyone hurt.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
Failing to do that is a Class D crime, and a Class C crime when the failure was intentional, knowing or reckless and the crash caused serious bodily injury or death. Not showing proof of insurance alone is a traffic infraction, dismissed when proof of insurance in effect at the time is shown.
- A crash that damages an attended vehicle carries the same duties to stop and exchange information, and failing them is a Class E crime.
- A crash with an unattended vehicle means stopping and finding the owner or leaving a note in a conspicuous place, with a name, address, registration number and what happened. Failing that is a Class E crime.
Calling it in. A crash on a public way that injures or kills anyone, or does apparent property damage of $2,000 or more, is reported immediately by the quickest means to the state police, the sheriff's office or the local police department.
Sources for this section (4)
- 29-A M.R.S. § 2251 — Accident reports
- 29-A M.R.S. § 2252 — Accidents involving death or personal injury
- 29-A M.R.S. § 2253 — Accidents involving vehicle damage
- 29-A M.R.S. § 2254 — Accidents involving unattended vehicle
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.