How will you pay for your medical treatment? What happens if you can’t return to work right away? After a car crash, these questions can be just as stressful as the physical injuries. When another driver’s mistake leaves you hurt and facing financial uncertainty, it’s easy to feel stuck.
The good news is that you have legal rights. New Hampshire law provides a way to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and seek the resources you need to get back on your feet. A skilled Bedford car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and pursue a fair outcome.
At Coates Law Office, we are committed to helping people in New Hampshire who have been injured through no fault of their own. We believe that open communication and an honest assessment of your case are the foundations of a strong relationship. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to better settlement outcomes for our clients. Contact us today to discuss your case for free.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Coates Law Office for Your Bedford, New Hampshire Car Accident Case?
- Common Types of Car Accidents in Bedford
- Proving Fault in a New Hampshire Car Accident
- What Compensation Can You Seek After a Bedford Car Accident?
- Deadlines for Filing a Car Accident Claim in New Hampshire
- Bedford, NH Car Accident FAQs
- Contact Our Dedicated Bedford Car Accident Attorney Today
Why Choose Coates Law Office for Your Bedford, New Hampshire Car Accident Case?
When you work with our firm, you receive dedicated and personalized attention. We believe in providing:
- Direct Communication: We value clear and candid communication. Our team will keep you informed about the progress of your case, so you are always aware of where you stand.
- Honest Evaluation: We will provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options and the strengths of your claim. This straightforward approach helps you make informed decisions.
- Results-Driven Advocacy: We are focused on securing the best possible outcome for you. We fight fiercely on your behalf against insurance companies to protect your rights.
- A Former Prosecutor on Your Side: Attorney Bradford Coates’s background as a prosecutor provides valuable insight into legal strategies, which he uses to build a strong case for you.
Our team at Coates Law Office is ready to put our experience to work for you, tailoring our services to meet your specific needs and goals.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Bedford
Every car crash is unique, but many fall into common categories. Understanding the type of accident you were in can be an important first step in determining who was at fault. Whether your accident happened on a busy road like the Everett Turnpike or on a quiet street in a Bedford neighborhood, we are prepared to help.
Our firm assists clients who have been injured in various types of collisions, including:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by distracted driving or following too closely, these accidents frequently result in whiplash and other neck and back injuries.
- T-bone (Side-Impact) Accidents: These typically occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way, leading to serious injuries for the person in the car that is struck.
- Head-On Crashes: Though less common, these are among the most dangerous types of accidents, often resulting from a driver crossing the centerline into oncoming traffic.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving Accidents: When a driver gets behind the wheel while impaired, their judgment and reaction time are severely compromised, putting everyone on the road at risk.
- Distracted Driving Accidents: Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio are just a few of the distractions that can lead to a serious crash.
These are just a few examples of the cases we handle. If you were hurt in any type of car accident caused by another driver’s carelessness, we can discuss your legal options.
Proving Fault in a New Hampshire Car Accident
New Hampshire is an “at-fault” state for car accidents. This means the person who caused the crash is responsible for the damages. To get compensation, you must prove that the other driver was negligent. Negligence is a legal term that means someone failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused you harm.
New Hampshire also follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. According to this law, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your share of the fault is not 51% or more. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, your compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
A car accident lawyer in Bedford can help gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and prove the other party’s negligence. This evidence may include:
- The official police report from the accident scene
- Photos and videos of the vehicles, your injuries, and the surrounding area
- Statements from witnesses who saw the crash happen
- Medical records detailing your injuries and treatment
- Input from accident reconstruction professionals
Having compelling evidence is crucial for demonstrating what happened and who should be held responsible.
What Compensation Can You Seek After a Bedford Car Accident?
If you were injured in a car wreck, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of losses. These damages are generally divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are intended to cover your direct financial losses. They are tangible and have a clear monetary value. Examples include:
- Current and future medical expenses (hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy)
- Lost wages from being unable to work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
- The cost to repair or replace your vehicle
Non-economic damages compensate you for the personal, non-financial ways the accident has affected your life. These losses are more subjective but are just as real. They can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
An experienced attorney can help you calculate the full value of your claim, ensuring both your current and future needs are considered.
Deadlines for Filing a Car Accident Claim in New Hampshire
It is important to be aware of the legal time limits for taking action after an accident. In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those from car accidents, is three years. This law means you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.
While three years may seem like a long time, it is best to act much sooner. Building a strong case takes time. Evidence can be lost, and witnesses’ memories can fade. Contacting a Bedford car accident lawyer soon after your collision allows them to begin their investigation while the details are still fresh.
Bedford, NH Car Accident FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions our clients ask about car accident claims in New Hampshire.
What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company calls me?
It is best to be cautious when speaking with the other driver’s insurance adjuster. They may seem friendly, but their goal is often to find information that could be used to minimize or deny your claim. You are not required to give them a recorded statement. You can politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
At Coates Law Office, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront fees. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we do not win your case, you do not owe us a legal fee.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still be able to get compensation through your own insurance policy. Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is designed for this exact situation. An attorney can help you file a claim with your own insurer.
How long will my Bedford car accident case take to resolve?
The time it takes to resolve a car accident claim varies widely depending on the details of the case. A straightforward case might settle in a few months, while a more complex one that involves serious injuries or a dispute over fault could take a year or longer, especially if it goes to trial.
Contact Our Dedicated Bedford Car Accident Attorney Today
Bradford H. Coates, Bedford Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, you should not have to face the insurance companies and the legal system on your own. Let Coates Law Office stand up for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have recovered millions for our clients, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Call us today at (603) 262-5766 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment.