Maine at a glance
Maine allows six years for most civil actions.[1] Notice of a claim against a governmental entity is generally due within 365 days.[2] Maine reduces damages for the injured person’s own fault, and a claimant found equally at fault cannot recover.[3] Drivers must carry at least $50,000/$100,000 in bodily injury coverage.[4]
Filing deadlines
14 M.R.S. § 752
All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues and not afterwards, … except as otherwise specially provided.
Source: [1]
In plain English, Maine’s general deadline for civil actions, including most injury lawsuits, is six years, unless another statute provides otherwise.[1]
Maine Tort Claims Act: 14 M.R.S. § 8107(1)
Within 365 days after any claim or cause of action permitted by this chapter accrues, or at a later time within the limits of section 8110, when a claimant shows good cause why notice could not have reasonably been filed within the 365-day limit, a claimant or a claimant’s personal representative or attorney shall file a written notice
Source: [2]
Shared fault
14 M.R.S. § 156
When any person suffers death or damage as a result partly of that person’s own fault and partly of the fault of any other person or persons, a claim in respect of that death or damage may not be defeated by reason of the fault of the person suffering the damage, but the damages recoverable in respect thereof must be reduced
Source: [3]
This is modified comparative fault, often called the 50% bar. An injured person whose fault is less than the parties the statute compares them to can recover damages reduced by their share; at 50% or more, recovery is barred. The same section adds: “If such claimant is found by the jury to be equally at fault, the claimant may not recover.”[3]
Auto insurance requirements
29-A M.R.S. § 1605
Be in the amount or limit of at least: (1) For damage to property, $25,000; (2) For injury to or death of any one person, $50,000; (3) For one accident resulting in injury to or death of more than one person, $100,000;
Source: [4]
Maine is not one of the no-fault states.[5]
What this page does not cover
This page covers the main deadlines, fault rule, damage limits and auto insurance requirements. Statutes also contain exceptions, such as rules for minors, people who are incapacitated and claims discovered later, and special rules apply to medical malpractice and workers’ compensation. Always read the full statute at the official source linked below.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a head injury lawsuit in Maine?
In plain English, Maine’s general deadline for civil actions, including most injury lawsuits, is six years, unless another statute provides otherwise.[1]
This page provides general information about the law from the sources listed below. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. See our legal disclaimer.
Sources
- 14 M.R.S. § 752. Maine Legislature. https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec752.html
- 14 M.R.S. § 8107 (P.L. 2019, ch. 214). Maine Legislature. https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_129th/chapters/PUBLIC214.asp
- 14 M.R.S. § 156. Maine Legislature. https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec156.html
- 29-A M.R.S. § 1605. Maine Legislature. https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec1605.html
- Insurance Information Institute. “Background on: No-fault auto insurance.” https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-no-fault-auto-insurance
Sources last checked: October 11, 2026
