Car accidents can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when they happen suddenly. If you have been in a car accident in New Hampshire, it is important to know your rights and understand what steps you need to take. Being aware of your rights can help you navigate the process and protect yourself in the aftermath of an accident. This guide will walk you through what you should know if you are in a car accident in New Hampshire, covering everything from gathering information at the scene to knowing what you are entitled to legally. At, Tenn And Tenn, PA, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case
James J. Tenn, Jr.
Attorney
Mary Elizabeth Tenn
Attorney
John J. Tenn
Attorney
Working hard to obtain the best results possible for our clients and fighting to protect their rights.
What to Do at the Scene of the Accident
After a car accident, you may feel nervous or unsure of what to do next. The first step is to make sure that everyone involved is safe. Check if anyone is injured and call emergency services if there are injuries or serious damage to the vehicles. Even if the accident seems minor, it is often best to contact the police so there is an official report. Having a police report can be helpful when filing an insurance claim later. The officer will also help make sure everyone is safe and will collect information about the accident.
Once you have made sure everyone is safe, you should exchange information with the other driver. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance details. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to the cars and any other relevant details. These photos can be useful when you speak with insurance companies or if you need to prove what happened later.
Understanding Fault and Liability in New Hampshire
One key thing to understand about car accidents in New Hampshire is how fault and liability work. New Hampshire follows a “fault” system, which means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages. This could include paying for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other losses that happened because of the accident. If you were not at fault, the other driver’s insurance should cover these costs. However, if both drivers share some blame for the accident, then each person’s responsibility may be determined based on their percentage of fault. This is called “comparative negligence.”
In New Hampshire, if you are found to be less than 50% at fault, you may still recover some damages, though the amount may be reduced by your degree of responsibility. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, any compensation you receive may be reduced by 20%. Understanding these rules can help you when negotiating with insurance companies or considering legal options.
Insurance Requirements in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is unique in that it does not require most drivers to carry car insurance. However, if you choose to drive without insurance, you are still financially responsible for any damages you cause in an accident. This can make car accident cases more complicated, especially if the at-fault driver does not have insurance to cover your damages. If you have car insurance, you can rely on it to cover certain costs, but if the other driver is uninsured, you may need to consider additional steps to recover damages.
Some drivers in New Hampshire choose to have “uninsured motorist” coverage, which can be useful in cases where the other driver does not have insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for your medical bills and damages if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident. Although insurance is not required, carrying some coverage can protect you and provide peace of mind.
Seeking Medical Attention and Keeping Records
After an accident, even if you feel fine, it is wise to get a medical checkup. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately, and seeing a doctor can help identify any hidden issues. Injuries such as whiplash, back pain, or internal injuries might not be noticeable right away but can cause serious health problems later on. Having medical records that document your injuries can also support any claims you make if you seek compensation for your injuries.
Keep records of all medical visits, treatments, and prescriptions, as well as any other expenses related to the accident, like transportation costs for medical appointments. These records can be useful if you file a claim for medical costs, and they also show that you took steps to address your injuries responsibly. The more organized you are with your records, the smoother the process of seeking compensation may be.
Filing a Claim for Damages
If you were not at fault in the accident, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. This may cover medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other costs related to the accident. To file a claim, you will need to contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company and provide information about the accident, including any evidence you collected at the scene, your medical records, and estimates for vehicle repairs. Insurance companies often have their own investigation processes, and they may try to offer a settlement amount. It is important to carefully consider any offer to make sure it covers all your expenses.
If you feel that the insurance company’s offer is too low or if the process becomes complicated, you may want to discuss your case with a legal professional. Having guidance can be helpful, especially if there are disagreements about who is at fault or if the insurance company is not offering fair compensation.
When to Consider Legal Help
While some car accident cases are straightforward, others can be more complex. If you have suffered serious injuries or if there is a dispute about who caused the accident, working with a legal professional may be beneficial. They can help you understand your rights and help you gather the evidence you need. For example, if the other driver’s insurance company is challenging your claim, an attorney can help protect your interests and negotiate on your behalf. They understand how insurance companies operate and can help ensure that you receive fair treatment.
A legal professional can also guide you through the process if you need to file a lawsuit. Sometimes, car accident cases go to court, especially if there is a disagreement over fault or if the insurance settlement does not cover all of your damages. Knowing your options and understanding the process can provide peace of mind during a difficult time.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Time is an important factor in car accident cases. In New Hampshire, there are deadlines for filing certain types of claims. This is called the “statute of limitations.” For personal injury cases related to car accidents, the time limit is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you want to seek compensation, you must file your claim within this period. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek damages.
Acting quickly also helps you gather strong evidence. Details and memories about the accident can fade over time, and the sooner you take action, the more accurate and helpful the evidence may be. Taking prompt action can improve your chances of a positive outcome and may make the recovery process smoother for you.
Knowing Your Right to Compensation
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of costs. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. New Hampshire law allows accident victims to seek fair compensation, and understanding this right can empower you in your recovery journey. Compensation can help ease the financial burden that an accident can create and can provide support as you heal. Knowing your rights to these types of damages can be helpful when negotiating with insurance companies or considering your options.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging, but you do not have to go through it alone. Tenn And Tenn, PA has a dedicated team ready to help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of seeking fair compensation. Their experience in New Hampshire law can be a valuable asset, whether you need help negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court. Reaching out to Tenn And Tenn, PA can give you the support and guidance you need during a challenging time, ensuring that you have a strong advocate on your side.