Whether you were navigating the traffic on Rockingham Road or driving through a quiet neighborhood near Beaver Lake, a car accident happens in an instant and changes everything. Suddenly, your focus shifts from your daily routine to dealing with injuries, a damaged vehicle, and the stress of unexpected bills. During this difficult time, a dedicated Derry car accident lawyer can handle the legal burdens, fighting for the compensation you need so you can concentrate on your recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Derry, New Hampshire, Coates Law Office can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Why Choose a Derry Car Accident Lawyer from Coates Law Office?
After a car crash, you need a legal team that is committed to your cause and understands how to get results. At Coates Law Office, we put our clients first, providing the dedicated support you need. Attorney Bradford Coates is a former prosecutor, giving him a distinct perspective on how the other side approaches these cases. He uses this knowledge to build a strong case strategy for you.
When you work with us, you receive:
- Direct and Open Communication: We believe in keeping you informed every step of the way. You will have a direct line of communication with our team and will never be left wondering about the status of your case.
- An Honest Case Assessment: We will provide a straightforward evaluation of your situation and your legal options. This honesty helps set realistic expectations and builds a foundation for the most effective strategy possible.
- A Results-Driven Approach: Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients and are prepared to fight for the full compensation you deserve. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, which often leads to more favorable settlement offers.
By choosing Coates Law Office, you are choosing a team that will handle the legal complexities of your claim so you can concentrate on what matters most—your health and well-being.
Past Case Results
Understanding Your Rights After a Collision in Derry, NH
If another person’s carelessness caused your accident, New Hampshire law allows you to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. The legal concept at the heart of these claims is negligence. In simple terms, negligence means that someone had a duty to act with reasonable care (like obeying traffic laws), they failed to do so, and their failure caused your injuries.
It is important to act promptly. New Hampshire has a law called the statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In New Hampshire, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file your claim. While this may seem like a long time, building a strong case requires immediate action to preserve evidence and document your injuries properly.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue in a Car Accident Claim
The goal of a car accident claim is to recover compensation, often called damages, for the losses you have suffered. These damages are intended to help you become financially whole again after the accident. While every case is unique, compensation often covers:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to your injuries, from the initial emergency room visit to ongoing physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care you may require.
- Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for the wages you have lost. If your ability to earn a living is permanently affected, you may also be able to recover for loss of future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced due to the accident and your injuries.
Understanding the full value of your claim requires a careful analysis of both your current and future needs, which is a key part of the legal process.
How a Derry Car Accident Attorney Can Support Your Case
While you focus on healing, a skilled attorney can manage all aspects of your legal claim. Insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible. Having a lawyer on your side levels the playing field and shows the insurance adjuster that you are serious about receiving fair compensation.
A lawyer can support your case by:
- Conducting a Thorough Investigation: We will gather all available evidence, including the police report, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and your medical records, to build a clear picture of what happened and who was at fault.
- Calculating Your Total Damages: We work with you to document every loss, from medical bills and lost wages to the non-economic impact the accident has had on your life, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
- Handling All Communications: Our team will manage all conversations and negotiations with the insurance companies for you. This protects you from saying something that could be used to reduce the value of your claim.
- Preparing a Powerful Claim: We build every case with the expectation that it might go to court. This level of preparation often convinces insurance companies to offer a fair settlement without the need for a trial.
This comprehensive support allows you to dedicate your energy to your physical and emotional recovery.
Client Testimonial
“I hired Brad Coates to handle my car accident claim. He made sure to explain the process every step of the way and was very thorough leaving no pages unturned. He treated my case with compassion and provided me with the trust and reassurance I needed during this sensitive time. I would highly recommend Brad to anyone I know. If I need any assistance in the future, there is no question about it that I will be calling Brad!”
-Emily C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Common Causes of Car Accidents in and Around Derry
Car accidents can happen for many reasons, but most are caused by driver error. Whether you were on a busy road like Rockingham Road (Route 28) or a quieter street near Beaver Lake, a moment of carelessness can lead to a serious collision.
Common causes we see in Derry include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a cell phone
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections
No matter the cause, if another driver’s poor decision led to your injuries, you have the right to seek justice.
Derry Car Accident FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions our clients ask about car accident claims in New Hampshire.
What should I do in the days following a car accident?
Once you are home and have received initial medical care, it’s important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan precisely. Keep all appointments and follow their instructions. You should also start a file to keep all accident-related documents, such as medical bills, receipts for prescriptions, and any correspondence from insurance companies.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 10% at fault, your final award would be reduced by 10%.
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 attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or award, which allows you to get high-quality legal representation without any upfront costs.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
It is generally best to avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance adjuster without first speaking to a lawyer. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that may get you to say something that could harm your claim. Your lawyer can handle these communications for you.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company through your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is a type of coverage that is required in New Hampshire unless you reject it in writing.
Contact a Derry Car Accident Lawyer Today
You do not have to face the consequences of a car accident on your own. If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, let attorney Bradford Coates and the team at Coates Law Office fight for you. We are ready to help you hold the at-fault party accountable and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Call us today to schedule your appointment.