New Hampshire Car Accident Resources

Please click on the links for more information regarding car accidents in New Hampshire, as well as other useful resources.

After an Accident

What to do After a New Hampshire Car Accident

It is common for insurance companies to deny claims and for at-fault drivers to refute the charges against them. If you have been injured in a New Hampshire car accident, it is crucial that you take the proper steps to ensure that you receive the compensation you need and rightfully deserve. If you have questions about your legal rights and options in the aftermath of an auto accident, contact our experienced NH car accident injury lawyers.

Steps to Take Immediately Following an Accident

Here are some of the critical steps you should take immediately after a New Hampshire car crash:

  • STOP IMMEDIATELY – Stop your car as soon as possible. You must stop at the scene of the accident. If you fail to stop, you may face criminal prosecution
  • ASSIST ANY INJURED & PROTECT THE SCENE – If any person is injured, immediately call for a doctor or ambulance. Do not try to move the injured person. This could cause more injuries. If possible, try to warn oncoming vehicles in order to prevent further accidents.
  • CALL THE POLICE – Call the police immediately so an official accident report can be filed. Unless you are injured, remain at the accident scene and cooperate.
  • DO NOT MAKE A STATEMENT – Do not make any statements, oral or written, to anyone except the police officer. Do not admit or sign anything, even if you think you are at fault.
  • TAKE NOTES – Take notes of all significant details concerning the New Hampshire automobile accident. Physical evidence, including position of cars and length of skid marks, will be useful if you are sued or if you decide to sue someone else. Save these notes for your attorney and do not share them with anyone.
  • RECORD WITNESSES – Write down the name, address and phone numbers of any witnesses. Witnesses may have important information about the accident.
  • SEE YOUR DOCTOR – Have a physician examine you as soon as possible. Ask any passengers to do the same because an accident can be the cause of serious and costly future health problems.
  • CALL YOUR LAWYER – Contact your lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer should assist you in handling legal and insurance problems associated with the accident.
  • INFORM YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY – After consulting with your Manchester auto accident attorney, make a thorough accident report to your automobile insurance company. You should cooperate with your insurance company regarding their investigation. This report should follow your initial report to your attorney on the day of the accident.
  • PAY NOTHING – Do not make any payments to the other party involved in the accident or promise to make any payments.

Type of Injuries

Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries ranging from minor or moderate to serious or even catastrophic. There are many factors such as the severity of the crash and the safety devices in the vehicle that could determine the nature and extent of the injuries sustained in a car crash. If you have or a loved one has been injured in a collision, our experienced NH car accident lawyers can help you better understand your legal rights and options.

Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents

Here are a few examples of common injuries suffered in car crashes:

  • Brain injury: Any time there is a sudden impact to the head, there is the potential for a brain injury. Brain damage may also occur in accidents involving a sudden collision that forces the victim’s brain to strike the inside of his or her skull. In either case, the resulting symptoms can result in permanent disabilities, memory issues, loss of physical and cognitive abilities and substantial physical pain.
  • Back injuries: The amount of torque that the body undergoes in a collision can result in devastating back injuries. Common back injuries include herniated disks, whiplash, sprains, strains, fractures and spinal cord injuries. Many of these types of injuries get progressively worse over time if they are not properly diagnosed and treated.
  • Broken bones: It is common for victims of New Hampshire car accidents to suffer broken bones in their arms, legs, chest and neck. Many of these types of injuries require surgery, physical therapy and other types of rehabilitative services.
  • Neck injuries: A sudden jerk of the neck can result in whiplash, neck strain and fractured vertebrae. These types of injuries can leave a victim with chronic pain and lack of mobility.
  • Emotional distress: Many victims of serious injury accidents suffer from emotional issues in addition to their physical injuries. Drivers and passengers involved in a devastating accident may suffer substantial emotional duress, post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological disorders such as depression.

Fatal New Hampshire Car Accidents

Not all victims survive their injuries. According to The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 110 people were killed in New Hampshire car accidents in the year 2009. That number reflects a 20 percent decrease from the 138 car accident fatalities reported in the year 2008. The family of a deceased car accident victim, in cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs and lost future income and benefits.

Seeking Compensation for Personal Injuries

There are a number of ways in which victims of car crashes may seek financial compensation for their medical bills, physical suffering, time away from work and other related damages. New Hampshire is a “fault” state. This means that at-fault drivers may be held liable for the damages they cause. Some cases require the victim to pursue compensation through his or her own health or auto insurance. Other cases afford the victim an opportunity to pursue financial compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Each case is different and it often takes a skilled personal injury lawyer to determine what options are available to the victim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Hampshire car accident:

  • Contact the authorities right away and obtain a copy of the accident report;
  • Exchange information with the other motorists and obtain contact information for eyewitnesses;
  • Seek medical attention promptly; and
    Contact an experienced New Hampshire car accident attorney.

Type of Injuries

Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries ranging from minor or moderate to serious or even catastrophic. There are many factors such as the severity of the crash and the safety devices in the vehicle that could determine the nature and extent of the injuries sustained in a car crash. If you have or a loved one has been injured in a collision, our experienced NH car accident lawyers can help you better understand your legal rights and options.

Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents

Here are a few examples of common injuries suffered in car crashes:

  • Brain injury: Any time there is a sudden impact to the head, there is the potential for a brain injury. Brain damage may also occur in accidents involving a sudden collision that forces the victim’s brain to strike the inside of his or her skull. In either case, the resulting symptoms can result in permanent disabilities, memory issues, loss of physical and cognitive abilities and substantial physical pain.
  • Back injuries: The amount of torque that the body undergoes in a collision can result in devastating back injuries. Common back injuries include herniated disks, whiplash, sprains, strains, fractures and spinal cord injuries. Many of these types of injuries get progressively worse over time if they are not properly diagnosed and treated.
  • Broken bones: It is common for victims of New Hampshire car accidents to suffer broken bones in their arms, legs, chest and neck. Many of these types of injuries require surgery, physical therapy and other types of rehabilitative services.
  • Neck injuries: A sudden jerk of the neck can result in whiplash, neck strain and fractured vertebrae. These types of injuries can leave a victim with chronic pain and lack of mobility.
  • Emotional distress: Many victims of serious injury accidents suffer from emotional issues in addition to their physical injuries. Drivers and passengers involved in a devastating accident may suffer substantial emotional duress, post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological disorders such as depression.

Fatal New Hampshire Car Accidents

Not all victims survive their injuries. According to The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 110 people were killed in New Hampshire car accidents in the year 2009. That number reflects a 20 percent decrease from the 138 car accident fatalities reported in the year 2008. The family of a deceased car accident victim, in cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs and lost future income and benefits.

Seeking Compensation for Personal Injuries

There are a number of ways in which victims of car crashes may seek financial compensation for their medical bills, physical suffering, time away from work and other related damages. New Hampshire is a “fault” state. This means that at-fault drivers may be held liable for the damages they cause. Some cases require the victim to pursue compensation through his or her own health or auto insurance. Other cases afford the victim an opportunity to pursue financial compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Each case is different and it often takes a skilled personal injury lawyer to determine what options are available to the victim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Hampshire car accident:

  • Contact the authorities right away and obtain a copy of the accident report;
  • Exchange information with the other motorists and obtain contact information for eyewitnesses;
  • Seek medical attention promptly; and
    Contact an experienced New Hampshire car accident attorney.