Detailed answer — step‑by‑step road map

1. Read the crash report carefully

Start by checking the basics: names, contact information, insurance company and policy numbers, vehicle descriptions, date/time/location of the collision, officer observations, and any diagrams or citations. The report summarizes what the responding officer saw and what parties said at the scene. Note inconsistencies between the report and your memory.

2. Get and organize your medical records

Seek prompt medical care if you have not already. Keep all records, bills, imaging (X‑rays, CT, MRI), physical therapy notes, and prescriptions. Medical documentation is the primary proof of injury and is essential to establish causation and damages.

3. Preserve other evidence

• Save photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, the scene, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions.
• Collect witness names and contact information from the crash report and follow up to get statements or recorded recollections while memories are fresh.
• Preserve any relevant digital evidence (dashcam video, phone photos, or app data).

4. Report to your insurer and check deadlines

Most insurance policies require prompt notice of a crash. Notify your insurer as soon as you can and provide factual information. Avoid speculating about fault. Do not give recorded statements or sign releases for the other party’s insurer without understanding the potential implications; a brief factual statement may be required by your own insurer.

5. Use the crash report to build your claim

Compare the crash report to medical records and other evidence. The report can help establish:

• Who was listed as the driver and owner of each vehicle;
• Any traffic citations issued (which can be evidence of negligence in Maine courts but are not conclusive proof by themselves); and
• Officer observations about road conditions, speed, and direction of travel.

6. Calculate damages and prepare a demand package

Document economic losses (medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs) and non‑economic losses (pain and suffering, reduced quality of life). Gather bills, pay stubs, medical reports, and a short narrative that explains what happened and what you ask for in settlement. A clear demand package often includes:

• Copy of the crash report;
• Medical records and bills;
• Photos and witness statements;
• Repair estimates and wage-loss documentation;
• A straightforward demand letter stating the facts, injuries, and settlement amount sought.

7. Send a demand to the at‑fault party’s insurer and negotiate

Send your demand to the at‑fault driver’s liability insurer (or have an attorney do so). Expect counteroffers. Insurers will review the crash report along with medical records to evaluate liability and damages. Keep communication factual and document all exchanges.

8. Know when to file a lawsuit — Maine’s deadline

If negotiations do not produce a fair settlement, you must consider filing a civil action. Maine law sets a time limit to bring personal injury claims. See Maine’s statute of limitations for injuries and wrongful death at the Maine Legislature website: 14 M.R.S. § 752. Missing the deadline can bar your claim, so track time carefully.

9. When to consult an attorney

Consider talking to a personal injury attorney if any of the following apply:

• Significant medical bills or ongoing treatment;
• Disputed liability (who caused the crash is unclear);
• Multiple parties or complex insurance coverage issues;
• Pain and suffering or permanent impairment that may justify a larger claim;
• You are unsure about the value of the claim or how to deal with insurers.

An attorney can evaluate the crash report and evidence, advise on Maine law, prepare a demand, negotiate with insurers, and file suit before the statute of limitations expires.

10. Court process overview (if case goes to suit)

If you file suit in Maine, expect these steps: complaint filing, service of process, discovery (document exchange, depositions), motions, and possibly a trial or settlement. Litigation timelines vary; an attorney can explain local court procedures and expected timeframes.

11. Practical timeline and priorities

Act promptly: collect evidence and medical records early, follow medical care, notify insurers, and consult counsel well before the statutory deadline noted above. Early action preserves evidence and improves chances of a fair resolution.

12. Common pitfalls to avoid

• Giving detailed recorded statements to the other party’s insurer without legal advice.
• Posting detailed accounts or photos about the crash on social media that insurers or defense attorneys may use against you.
• Waiting too long to get medical care or to secure witness statements.
• Missing the statute of limitations for filing suit under Maine law.

Helpful hints

• Order multiple copies of the crash report and save screenshots or printed copies of any digital evidence.
• Keep a detailed injury journal: date, symptoms, how pain limits activities, and medication taken.
• Track all out‑of‑pocket costs (transportation to medical appointments, childcare, rental cars) — they are recoverable in many cases.
• If a citation appears in the report, don’t assume it is dispositive — courts consider it as evidence but will weigh all facts.
• Before agreeing to sign any medical‑release forms for the other side, consider whether that release will allow insurers to obtain unrelated health records.
• Ask insurers to confirm any settlement offers in writing and ensure you understand whether offers are “full and final”.
• Keep communication clear and factual. Emotional or speculative statements can weaken a claim.