Helping Victims of Auto Collisions in New Hampshire
Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. In New Hampshire, the Department of Safety reports that there are more than 100 car accidents every day. These crashes result in thousands of injuries and dozens of deaths each month.
At Upton & Hatfield, LLP, we understand the devastating impact that a car accident can have on your life. If you or someone you love was involved in a car crash, you may be facing a long road to recovery. You may be unable to work, facing mounting medical bills, and struggling to support yourself and your family. Our Peterborough car accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
New Hampshire's fault-based system requires the at-fault party in a car accident to cover damages. This system is crucial in determining who will be responsible for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Under this framework, having robust legal representation can significantly influence the outcome. Our attorneys at Upton & Hatfield provide decades of experience in navigating these complexities, ensuring that our clients understand their rights and options every step of the way.
Local court systems, known for their stringent adherence to state law, also play a pivotal role in these cases. Having a deep understanding of New Hampshire's legal climate and its courts is essential in developing successful legal strategies that meet the unique challenges presented by each case. Our lawyers work closely with local investigators and legal experts to collect evidence and build a compelling case. This familiarity with local procedures and expectations gives you an advantage in achieving a favorable outcome.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing the immediate steps to take can protect your legal rights and health. First, ensure safety by moving to a secure location and checking for injuries. It is vital to contact local law enforcement to file a police report, which serves as an official record and can be a critical component in establishing fault later in the legal process.
After ensuring everyone's safety, exchange insurance information with the other parties involved and document the accident scene with photos. These images can provide pivotal evidence of damage and environmental factors at play. Lastly, seek medical attention, even if injuries appear minor. Some injuries manifest symptoms hours or days after the accident, and medical records are essential in supporting your claim for damages.
By contacting Upton & Hatfield, you receive guidance tailored specifically to these processes, aligning with New Hampshire's legal and insurance requirements.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often due to negligence. When a driver fails to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel, they can be held liable for any resulting damages. Our Peterborough car accident lawyers can help you prove negligence and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
Distracted driving: When a driver takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off the task of driving, they are distracted. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, and using in-car technologies.
Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. Drunk drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased coordination, making them more likely to cause an accident.
Drowsy driving: When a driver is too tired to focus on the road, they are more likely to cause an accident. This is especially true for commercial truck drivers, who are often overworked and under-rested.
Speeding: When a driver is traveling at a high rate of speed, they have less time to react to hazards on the road and are more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
Reckless driving: Drivers who engage in reckless behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights, are more likely to cause an accident.
Poor weather conditions: New Hampshire is known for its harsh winters. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can make the roads extremely dangerous. When drivers fail to adjust their driving to accommodate for poor weather conditions, they can cause an accident.
Defective auto parts: Sometimes, car accidents are not the result of driver error. Instead, they are caused by defective auto parts. When a car part is defective, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. In these cases, the manufacturer of the defective part can be held liable for any resulting damages.
New Hampshire Car Accident Laws
New Hampshire follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means that the at-fault party and their insurance company are responsible for covering the damages resulting from the accident.
New Hampshire also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. If your fault exceeds a certain threshold (usually 50%), you may not be eligible for compensation. This legal framework underscores the importance of a comprehensive and accurate assessment of each incident. It highlights the necessity for professional legal guidance to ensure that all contributing factors are properly evaluated and that your rights are vigorously defended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in New Hampshire?
If you were injured in a car accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim. In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a claim within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to compensation. Navigating this timeframe requires a proactive approach, ensuring that all necessary documentation and evidence are gathered promptly. Engaging with our team early in the process enhances your ability to build a strong claim, maximizing the potential outcome.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
In a car accident claim, the types of damages you can recover typically include compensatory damages. These encompass both economic and non-economic losses such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Economic damages are usually straightforward to calculate, as they cover tangible losses like hospital bills and repair costs. Non-economic damages, however, address intangible losses like emotional distress and reduced quality of life. At Upton & Hatfield, we have the expertise to evaluate and substantiate these claims thoroughly, ensuring fair compensation for all aspects of your loss.
Do I Need to See a Doctor Even if I Feel Fine?
Yes, seeking medical attention after a car accident is crucial, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not manifest symptoms immediately. A medical professional can identify potential issues and provide necessary treatment before they worsen. Moreover, medical records serve as crucial evidence in legal claims, validating that the injuries resulted from the accident. Consulting a healthcare provider promptly also avoids any suspicion by insurance companies regarding the legitimacy of your claims.
How Can a Lawyer Assist With Dealing with Insurance Companies?
An attorney plays a vital role in dealing with insurance companies post-accident. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts, which can complicate your path to fair compensation. Our team at Upton & Hatfield negotiates assertively on your behalf, managing communications and ensuring your rights are upheld. We diligently gather and present evidence to support your case and counteract any attempt to devalue your claim. This comprehensive approach helps streamline the claims process and aims at securing the settlement you deserve, allowing you to focus on recovery.
How Our Peterborough Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
After a car accident, you may be facing a long road to recovery. You may be unable to work, facing mounting medical bills, and struggling to support yourself and your family. Our Peterborough car accident lawyers are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We can handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company. We are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. Our legal team prioritizes a client-centered approach, focusing on personalized strategies that align with your specific situation and goals.
Our car accident lawyers in Peterborough can help you:
Investigate the accident: We can investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability. This may include reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
Calculate your damages: We can calculate the full extent of your damages, including your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We can also work with experts to determine the value of your future damages.
Negotiate with the insurance company: We can handle all communication with the insurance company and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we can take your case to trial.
At Upton & Hatfield, LLP, we have been helping car accident victims for more than a century. We understand the devastating impact that a car accident can have on your life, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Peterborough car accident lawyers have a proven track record of success and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We are not afraid to take on the insurance company and fight for you in court. We approach every case with the diligence and dedication required to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients, utilizing cutting-edge technology and resources to support our legal strategies.
If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Peterborough car accident lawyers can help you fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We offer compassionate, personalized legal services and are committed to helping you get back on your feet. Our dedication extends beyond the legal proceedings as we strive to provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the recovery process, ensuring you are well-informed and confident in the decisions you make along the way.
“I was very fortunate to have Upton & Hatfield represent me. Could not of asked for a better experience. I highly recommend using Upton & Hatfield. A++”
