A fatal Maine car accident on County Road claimed the life of 28-year old Matthew Spencer, reports the Bangor Daily News. On the morning of February 24, Matthew was riding as a passenger with his younger sibling Nicholas, 21, when his brother lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a telephone pole. The car rolled over and then caught on fire, says the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene. Both Nicholas and another passenger — Samuel Ketch of Milford – were taken to the Eastern Maine Medical Center for emergency medical treatment. Nicholas sustained critical injuries, while Ketch’s injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Authorities say that excessive speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the fatal rollover accident, and are still investigating potential causes.
Greenbush man killed in rollover accident
Penobscot County police say that Nicholas was driving at a high rate of speed before he lost control of his car and hit a utility pole. Just before the crash, the three men were apparently talking with other people at local convenience store, Milford On The Run. The Sheriff’s Office is interested in speaking with those individuals for more information about the events leading up to the accident.
Authorities are trying to reconstruct the accident, which happened in Milford, on County Road at Baker Brook Road.
Matthew was born in Bangor and was described by family as a consummate outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping and mud runs. He is survived by his parents, three sisters and two brothers.
Rollover accidents – causes and liability
Rollovers account for nearly 25 percent of all deadly passenger vehicle accidents, reports the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Individuals that do survive a vehicle rollover often sustain catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injury, skull fractures, head trauma, and other life-threatening harm.
Inclement weather and road hazards may create dangerous conditions that contribute to rollover accidents. Icy roads, potholes, uneven pavement or a lack of guardrails are common causes. Because of their high center of gravity, SUV’s and pickup trucks are more susceptible, though other types of passenger vehicles can still roll under the right conditions.
However, in accidents where police determine that negligence caused a fatal crash, surviving victims or the families of those who were killed may have the right to sue for damages.
Maine law stipulates that any damages recovered in a wrongful death claim are to go to a surviving spouse, in the event that the decedent has no surviving minor children. If the deceased has both a spouse and surviving minor children, the compensation will be equally divided by both parties.
Legal advocacy from Maine accident attorneys
Hardy, Wolf & Downing is dedicated to protecting the rights of all accident victims throughout Southern Maine. We always fight for maximum compensation. With the support and expert guidance of personal injury attorneys, our clients can focus on recovery, leaving the litigation to us.
To learn more about your rights to compensation following a car accident in Portland, Lewiston or Bangor, we invite you to arrange a free consultation. You can reach our offices anytime, toll-free by calling 1-800-INJURED.