Car Accidents
In New Hampshire
Car accidents are a daily occurrence on New Hampshire roadways. While accidents have long been a part of life in the Granite State, the rate of fatal car accidents is on the rise. In 2018, the state experienced the most traffic fatalities in 13 years. While some of these crashes were unavoidable, others were caused directly by the negligence of another driver.
If you have suffered injuries in a New Hampshire car crash due to no fault of your own, it is important that you discuss your case with an experienced injury attorney right away. There are strict deadlines related to the filing of a car accident claim, and failing to comply could cost you the chance of monetary recovery. To learn more about your rights following a collision, contact the New Hampshire accident lawyers with the Coates Law Office, PLLC, right away.
Liability In A New Hampshire Car Accident
To recover compensation through a car accident lawsuit, you must first demonstrate that the other driver was at fault for the collision. To do so, you must establish that the driver's negligence resulted in the crash. Negligence can come in a variety of forms, including:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Failing to yield
- Aggressive driving
- Following too closely
- Driving the wrong way down a one-way street
Not every car accident will result in a claim for monetary compensation, however. The plaintiff must establish that the driver owed them a duty of care and that the at-fault driver failed to meet that duty. Any of the negligent acts described above could result in a finding of fault in a New Hampshire car accident case.
State Insurance Requirements
Like every other state, New Hampshire requires that drivers take financial responsibility for any collisions they cause. Unlike most states, however, New Hampshire allows for other methods besides minimum car insurance coverage. State law requires drivers to meet their financial responsibilities after a crash, whether insurance is utilized or not.
However, there are minimum coverage levels for anyone relying on car insurance to meet their financial responsibility requirements. The minimum coverage includes:
- $25,000 in bodily injuries per person
- $50,000 in bodily injuries, combined for the entire accident
- $25,000 in vehicle damage
The state also has additional requirements regarding uninsured/underinsured drivers as well as medical payment coverage. Uninsured policies are important in New Hampshire, given that liability insurance is not mandatory. Contact New Hampshire car accident attorney to learn more about financial responsibility requirements.
Common Car Accident Injuries
There is no way to quantify the ways in which the human body can sustain injuries in a car wreck. Many accidents can result in few, if any, bodily injuries. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In severe car accidents, the injuries could result in permanent, life-altering injuries. Some car accident injuries prove to be fatal. Common injuries stemming from a car crash include:
- Brain injuries, including concussions
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Death
- Cuts and bruises
- Road rash
- Tendon or ligament damage
- Joint injuries
In many cases, a New Hampshire car accident lawyer could help you recover monetary compensation for any injuries you incur following a crash.
Damages Available In A Car Accident Claim
With the right attorney, you might be able to recover compensation for any injuries resulting from a car accident. In addition to the cost of treating your injuries, you could also seek compensation for other financial or emotional damages.
Every type of damages in a car accident claim falls into one of two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include measurable losses like medical bills or missed paychecks. The amount of these damages is tangible, and their value could be proven through documents like receipts or invoices. Non-economic damages are not so easily measured. These damages, including pain and suffering, are subjective losses you experience due to a crash. If your claim goes to trial, the jury will ultimately determine the value of these damages.
The most common types of damages sought in a car accident lawsuit include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished future earnings
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
Contact A New Hampshire Car Accident Lawyer
Every New Hampshire car accident victim has legal rights following a crash. A New Hampshire car accident lawyer could help ensure that your right to pursue compensation for your injuries is protected. Attorney Bradford Coates is an experienced injury attorney that is ready to guide you through the process of filing a car accident lawsuit.
To learn more about your legal rights, contact the Coates Law Office, PLLC, right away. Call 603-262-5766.