New Hampshire Hit & Run Accident Attorneys
Don’t Suffer the Financial Consequences of a Hit & Run
When a driver leaves the scene of a
car accident before giving identifying and insurance information to the other drivers,
they have committed the crime of a hit and run accident. It is every driver’s
nightmare to get caught in a hit and run accident because it can seem
like there is no way to get coverage for the resulting damages.
If you’re reeling from the aftermath of a hit and run accident, calling (603) 716-9777 and speaking with an attorney from Upton & Hatfield, LLP should be at the top of your to-do list. We represent clients throughout New Hampshire, north to south. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and tell us how we can be of legal assistance.
Did you know we offer free case evaluations? Schedule one today with a New Hampshire hit and run accident lawyer!
What to Do If a Car Hits You and Runs
Immediately following your accident you should take the following steps to ensure that your injury claim starts off on the right foot:
- Move your vehicle to safety if possible and check any passengers for injuries; if anyone is injured called 911 immediately and obtain medical attention
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Once the police arrive at the scene try to describe the other vehicle as
much as possible by providing information on:
- Car make, model and color
- Any unique identifiers like bumper stickers, dents, etc.
- License plate number (even partials can be helpful!)
- What the other driver looked like
- How the crash occurred
- Alert your insurance company about the incident and begin processing your claim; avoid speculating about how the accident occurred or providing more information than necessary
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Hire an attorney to ensure that your insurance company provides adequate compensation for your injuries
How to Pursue Compensation After a Hit & Run
Hit and run accidents can leave you with no options to pursue compensation, but not always. With the assistance of our law firm and law enforcement intervention, you might be able to get compensation yet. If you can tell the police enough about the driver and their car, then they might be able to find and arrest them, allowing you to file a claim against their insurance policy like normal.
A hit and run driver who remains unidentified creates a much different situation, though. You cannot file a claim against a phantom driver, so what do you do? If you own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance through your auto insurance policy, then you can probably use that to seek coverage from your insurer, rather than a third-party insurance company.
UM/UIM insurance can provide coverage for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering (in some cases)
Can You Get Punitive Damages for a Hit & Run?
When a court believes that a defendant should be further punished for their wrongdoing, it can approve of punitive damages.
Punitive damages are sometimes ordered when the defendant:
- Broke the law in the course of causing harm, such as committing a hit and run.
- Acted with egregious negligence, like driving 100 mph in a residential area.
However, punitive damages are rare because the insurance company representing the defendant is not obligated to pay for punitive damages in their place. The defendant will be ordered to pay them, which is often not possible because people have limited finances compared to an insurance company. Our attorneys can help you explore the possibility of seeking punitive damages, but we cannot promise that there is a high chance that they will be approved if your case goes to court.
Is a Hit & Run Claim a Criminal Case?
Committing a hit and run is a criminal act in every state. Filing a hit and run accident claim does not involve the criminal justice system, though. Civil courts and criminal courts are placed in intentionally separate legal circles.
Yet, any evidence used to convict the hit and run driver could potentially help you win your injury claim. If a court of criminal law was convinced that the driver committed a hit and run, then it is reasonable to say that a court of civil law should be convinced that the driver was liable for the accident.
We Prioritize Your Happiness & Satisfaction
Our hit and run accident attorneys in New Hampshire have extensive experience handling complicated cases that other law firms might not accept due to their difficulty. If you were hit by a driver who then ran away and escaped, then we can help you make the most of the situation by exploring all possible legal avenues for compensation.
Talk to our hit and run accident lawyers in New Hampshire today by dialing (603) 716-9777.
Meet Our Attorneys
Diverse Experience, Personalized Attention
Representative Matters
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Husband and Wife were killed in a motor vehicle – Settlement after suit filed - $1,250,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Client suffered significant burn injuries on her legs as result of vendor’s negligence – Settlement after suit filed - $900,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury and Worker’s Compensation
Motor vehicle collision while on the job – Settlement and Worker’s Compensation Lump Sum Settlement Total - $340,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Client slipped and fell on ice injuring knee – Settlement prior to suit - $232,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Ladder collapsed and client fell injuring knee – Settlement after filing suit - $225,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Client suffered a degloving injury in a motor vehicle collision – Settlement after filing suit - $130,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Client fractured left leg in motor vehicle collision – Settled for full extent of insurance coverage - $100,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Client suffered head injury in motor vehicle collision and lost sense of taste and smell – Settled for full extent of insurance coverage - $100,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Lead paint poisoning – Settled after filing suit - $100,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Client suffered multiple injures in a motor vehicle collision – Settled prior to filing suit - $100,000
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Personal Injury Personal Injury
Client suffered a lower leg injury when he slipped and fell on ice – Verdict - $97,000
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Personal Injury Motorcycle Accident
We represented the family of an operator of a motorcycle killed by an elderly man at an intersection who claimed the motorcycle was being operated at an excessive speed.
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Personal Injury Dog Bite
We represented a seven-year-old boy bitten by a neighbor’s dog. Medical bills were under $200. The jury returned a verdict of $40,000 after we proved the owner lied about the dog’s prior history.
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Personal Injury Slip & Fall
We represented a woman who slipped and fell on ice in the parking lot at the Mall. She suffered a broken ankle. The case settled for $62,000 before trial.
Why Hire Us?
Our Promise to Our Clients-
A Reputation for Excellence
We are known for our unwavering commitment to achieving the objectives of our clients.
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A Legacy of Successful Results
Our 100-year legacy is built on achieving successful results for our clients.
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Committed to the Community
We are proud to support a number of worthy non-profit organizations as a way to give back to our community.
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Diverse Breadth of Experience
We provide our clients with full-service legal representation across a variety of practice areas.
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Client-Focused Solutions
We pride ourselves on providing our clients with personalized legal representation that meets their unique needs.
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Experience on Your Side
Founded in 1908, we put more than 100 years of practice and experience to work for our clients.
A Reputation for Outstanding Service
Developed Client by Client-
“The attorneys and staff at the Hillsborough office were very knowledgeable and helpful. I have also used them for estate planning and have recommended them to many of my friends and family.”
- Amanda V. -
“Heather Burns and Michael McGrath were a methodical and dedicated team throughout my medical malpractice case. They were relentless in their search for every detail and aspect of their findings. They left no stone unturned.”
- Christina L. -
“We would like to thank you for your guidance and assistance as we went through the process of estate planning. Your kindness, patience, and calmness were such a gift throughout the process.”
- M & T -
“I was extremely happy with Upton and Hatfield's real estate service. The attorneys and staff at the Hillsborough office were very knowledgeable and helpful. I have also used them for estate planning and recommended them to many of my friends and family.”
- Amanda V. -
“Mike helped us navigate through a very complicated and stressful situation. He explained the process and all of our options and was very helpful, knowledgeable and thorough.”
- Concetta