After a car accident in Merrimack, New Hampshire law gives you the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by another driver’s carelessness. But knowing you have that right and understanding how to exercise it are two completely different things.
You’re likely dealing with doctor’s appointments, calls from insurance adjusters, and the growing concern of how you’ll pay for it all. The path forward might seem unclear when you are trying to heal.
That’s where we come in.
As car accident lawyers in Merrimack, our job is to manage the legal process for you, building a case based on facts and New Hampshire law so you can focus on recovery. We provide direct answers to your questions and handle the details of your claim from start to finish.
If you need to know what your options are, call Coates Law Office for a no-cost, confidential case review at (603) 262-5766.
Key Takeaways for a Merrimack Car Accident Claim
- New Hampshire’s fault laws determine who pays. This means the person responsible for the crash is liable for the damages, so your claim must be built on solid evidence proving the other driver’s negligence.
- You can be barred from recovery if you are found mostly at fault. Under the state’s “modified comparative fault” rule, you cannot recover any compensation if you are 51% or more to blame, which is why disputing any unfair blame is a central part of your case.
- A strict three-year deadline applies to most cases. According to RSA 508:4, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit; if you miss this window, you lose your right to seek compensation forever.
Why Choose Coates Law Office for Your Merrimack Accident Claim?
When you are recovering from an injury, you need an advocate who provides direct, personal attention. Our approach is built on direct accountability.
- Direct Communication: You work directly with our experienced legal team. We believe in keeping you informed at every stage, so you always understand where your case stands and what to expect next.
- We Prepare Every Case for Trial: Insurance companies are businesses that must balance paying claims with protecting their bottom line. We find that by preparing every case as if it will go to court, we place ourselves in a much stronger position to negotiate a fair settlement. It sends a clear message that we are ready to see the case through.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Simply put, you pay no attorney’s fees unless and until we secure compensation for you.
Our commitment is shown through our results. Attorney Brad Coates recently secured a $1.25 million policy limit settlement for a client who suffered severe, life-altering injuries in a head-on DUI collision. This outcome shows our dedication to pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.
Our office, located at 447 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH 03054, is a convenient and established part of this community. We are here to help our neighbors.
How Is Fault Determined in a New Hampshire Car Accident?
Because New Hampshire is an “at-fault” state, proving the other driver was negligent is the foundation of your claim. Negligence is a legal concept that means someone failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused you harm. We work to demonstrate it with clear evidence.
An insurance company will not take your word for it. They conduct their own investigation, looking for any evidence to argue you were at fault. Our role is to build a case so strong that the other driver’s responsibility is indisputable. Here’s how we do it:
- The Police Report: While not always admissible in court, the police report is a starting point. It contains the responding officer’s initial observations, witness information, and sometimes a preliminary opinion on who violated a traffic law.
- Physical Evidence: The location of vehicle damage, skid marks on the pavement, and debris in the road all tell a story. We use photographs and sometimes expert analysis to piece together the moments before impact.
- Witness Statements: Independent witnesses who saw the crash can provide an unbiased account. We reach out to these individuals to secure their statements while the memory is still fresh.
- Traffic Laws: We analyze the specific circumstances of the crash against New Hampshire’s traffic statutes. Did the other driver fail to yield, follow too closely, or make an illegal turn? Citing a specific violation is powerful proof of negligence.
- Expert Analysis: In cases with disputed facts or severe injuries, we may work with accident reconstruction experts. These professionals use physics and engineering principles to create a scientific model of the collision, showing exactly how it happened and who was responsible.
Calculating the Value of Your Claim: More Than Just Medical Bills
The goal of a personal injury claim is to secure financial compensation that covers all your losses—not just the obvious ones. These losses, called “damages,” fall into two categories.
Economic Damages: The Tangible Losses
These are the verifiable financial costs that have piled up since the accident. Anything with a receipt or invoice falls into this category.
- All Medical Expenses: This includes the ambulance ride, hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription costs, and any future medical care your doctors anticipate you will need.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: We document the wages you lost while out of work. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job or limit your ability to earn in the future, we calculate that loss of earning capacity as well.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages: The Human Cost
These losses are just as real, but they don’t come with a price tag. They are meant to compensate you for the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress your injuries have caused. New Hampshire law allows a jury to determine a fair amount based on the severity and duration of your suffering.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries keep you from participating in hobbies, family activities, or other parts of life you once valued, you can be compensated for that loss.
Insurance adjusters sometimes use formulas, like a “multiplier method,” where they multiply the medical bills by a certain number to arrive at a settlement offer. However, this approach rarely captures the full human story. We build a case that tells that story, supported by medical records and your own account of how the injury has rewritten aspects of your life.
A Call From the Other Driver’s Insurance: What Should You Expect?
Shortly after the crash, an insurance adjuster from the other driver’s policy will likely call you. They may sound helpful and concerned, but remember their job: they work for a business that needs to resolve claims for the lowest possible amount.
Their investigation is designed to find information that can be used to argue you were partly at fault or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
- They Will Ask for a Recorded Statement: You are not obligated to provide one. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can be easily misinterpreted. For instance, a simple “I’m fine” in response to “How are you?” could be used later to suggest your injuries were minor.
- They May Make an Early Settlement Offer: It might be tempting to accept quick money, especially as bills start arriving. These initial offers almost never account for future medical needs, ongoing lost wages, or the full extent of your pain. Once you accept, you cannot ask for more money later if your injuries worsen.
You have the right to let your lawyer do the talking.
- Don’t: Provide a recorded statement or sign any documents without speaking to us first.
- Do: Politely decline to discuss the details. A simple, “I’m not able to talk about this right now,” is enough. You can tell them your attorney will be in contact.
Once you retain us as your Merrimack, NH car accident lawyer, we take over all communication with the insurance company. This protects your claim and lets you focus on your health.
Where Do Car Accidents Happen Most in Merrimack, NH?
A collision can happen on any road, but some areas in and around Merrimack see more than their fair share of accidents. This is usually due to a mix of heavy traffic, complicated intersections, and speed.
We see crashes occur frequently in these locations:
- Daniel Webster Highway (U.S. Route 3): As Merrimack’s main commercial corridor, this road is packed with businesses, driveways, and traffic lights. The constant starting and stopping creates a high risk of rear-end collisions and intersection accidents.
- The F.E. Everett Turnpike: This is a major commuter route connecting Merrimack with Nashua and Manchester. High speeds, lane changes, and merging traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours, are common factors in serious collisions.
- Intersection of Continental Boulevard and Camp Sargent Road: This is a busy, and sometimes confusing, intersection that can lead to T-bone or failure-to-yield accidents.
- Baboosic Lake Road: With its curves and changing speed limits, this road may catch inattentive or unfamiliar drivers off guard. New Hampshire’s winters add another layer of risk, as snow and ice make navigation even more difficult.
The daily flow of commuter traffic toward employers in Nashua and Manchester makes these roads particularly hazardous during peak hours. Furthermore, New England weather—from dense spring fog to winter black ice—demands constant vigilance from every Merrimack driver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merrimack Car Accident Claims
Do I really need a lawyer if the accident seemed minor?
Yes. Some serious injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline masks pain, and you may not realize the extent of an injury for days or even weeks. Accepting a quick check for your car repairs could prevent you from seeking compensation for medical bills when the pain flares up later. A conversation costs nothing and protects your future options.
How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
The timeline depends entirely on the specifics of your case. A straightforward claim with clear fault and minor injuries might settle in a few months. A more involved case with serious injuries or a dispute over who was at fault could take over a year, especially if it proceeds to a lawsuit in Hillsborough County Superior Court. Our goal is to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without leaving any money on the table.
The other driver was from Massachusetts. Does that change my case?
Not for you. Because the accident happened in Merrimack, New Hampshire law governs your claim. We handle the extra work of dealing with an out-of-state driver and their insurance company, which may have different internal procedures, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Do I have to pay my medical bills while the case is ongoing?
This is a common source of stress. Your health insurance should be used to pay for your medical treatment. Your health insurer may then seek reimbursement from the final settlement through a process called subrogation. If you don’t have health insurance, we can sometimes issue a “letter of protection” to your medical providers. This is a contract that guarantees the provider they will be paid from the settlement, allowing you to get the care you need now.
Will I have to go to court?
The vast majority of car accident cases are settled out of court. Insurers generally prefer to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. As mentioned earlier, we prepare every case for the possibility of court because this rigorous preparation is what leads to the best settlement offers. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we will be ready to present your case to a jury.
Take the Next Step
The legal system may seem difficult, but with proper guidance, you can feel confident that your rights are protected. Your energy should be spent on healing; allow us to handle the legal work.
Call Coates Law Office to speak with a team that understands what you are going through and knows how to help. Your first conversation is free, it is confidential, and there is no obligation. Contact us now at (603) 262-5766.