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Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney in New Hampshire

You may have many questions when you are involved in a truck collision, we are here to help! We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by truck accident victims in the state of  New Hampshire.

Do Truck Accident Claims Only Cover Serious Injuries And Fatalities?

No, you may be able to file a truck accident claim even if your injuries are not considered serious, or if you didn’t lose a loved one in the accident (wrongful death).

Unfortunately, most truck crashes lead to catastrophic injuries for accident victims, or those which have a life-changing impact, which is why such injuries are often cited on these claims. In general, the more severe your injury, the more costs (such as medical bills) that may be associated with it and the more compensation you may be awarded.

This is not a hard rule, however. Some truck accident victims have incurred devastating injuries only to be given a low settlement by insurance companies. For this reason, it’s in your best interest to work with highly skilled, top personal injury lawyers for your case.

What Are Some Common Reasons That Truck Crashes Occur?

A truck wreck can occur in New Hampshire due to a number of reasons, though some contributing factors are seen in auto accidents more than others. Top reasons for motor vehicle accidents in the state of New Hampshire include impaired driving, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and driving too fast. Other common reasons that large commercial trucks may collide with passenger vehicles include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Driver error
  • Lack of training (such as failure to complete/obtain CDL)
  • Lack of truck maintenance
  • Faulty road conditions
  • Unexpected weather conditions
  • Distracted driving
  • Following too closely
  • Lane departure (driving in the wrong lane or crossing the centerline)
How Can I Begin A Truck Accident Case?

Looking to begin a truck accident case in Exeter, Portsmouth, or elsewhere in New Hampshire? The best way to get started is by contacting a reputable legal team. LegalFinders can help connect you to the New Hampshire truck accident lawyers you need to represent your case.

Once you find your lawyer, they will get to work straight away — poring over details, collecting documentation, contacting insurance companies, and doing all the tasks necessary to prepare a strong case.

When it’s time, they will file your claim and begin the process of settlement negotiations when needed. If your case goes to trial, a personal injury attorney will have the skill set and experience to fight for fair compensation.

What Damages Can I Claim For A Truck Accident Case?

Because semi-truck accidents lead to such devastating losses, there are a number of damages you may be able to list on your claim. These might include:

  • Emergency medical care expenses
  • Recovery costs, such as in-home care
  • Compensation to cover time lost at work
  • Payments for any missed employee benefits during your recovery, such as 401k earnings or health insurance
  • Payments to atone for your pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium or loss of companionship, such as in the case of the wrongful death of a loved one

In some rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded by the court in an effort to deter the defendant from making the same grievous mistake again. You cannot file for these damages, however.

How Is Fault Determined In A New Hampshire Auto Accident?

While fault may be cited in an auto accident report from law enforcement authorities, insurance companies must make their own investigations to determine fault in an accident.

It is your truck accident lawyer’s job to ensure you are not accused of fault that is not rightfully yours. This can be a tall task, since the insurance company will be acting to protect their own interest and may try any number of tactics to demonstrate your fault.

Yet a credible lawyer will be able to gather evidence and utilize it to show that the accident was caused by the responsible party’s negligence in order to help you gain the compensation you deserve.

How Does Consideration Of Fault Affect My Truck Accident Claim?

For all cases of personal injury in New Hampshire, fault affects the amount of damages you can claim. That is, your awarded compensation will be reduced by the amount of fault you have (if any) in the truck accident.

Say a truck driver collided with your loved one’s vehicle because the trucker was distracted, but your family member was found to be texting at the time of the accident. The courts may reduce the amount of damages you can collect on behalf of your loved one’s wrongful death due to their fault percentage.

If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot collect any damages in a personal injury case in New Hampshire. This is why it’s best to hire a law firm that will work to prove your lack of fault beyond the shadow of a doubt.

Is There A Time Limit For Starting Truck Accident Injury Cases?

The time limit, or statute of limitations, for filing a truck accident injury claim in New Hampshire is three years, beginning on the day of the accident.

While you cannot apply for extensions, this deadline may begin on a different day if, for example, your injuries appeared weeks or months after the accident.

To be accepted, your claim needs proper documentation, evidence, to be fully filled out and filed within the right branch of the court system. An experienced lawyer will ensure this happens and will not allow you to miss the claim-filing deadline.

Do I Need A Lawyer To File A Personal Injury Claim?

There is no law in New Hampshire which requires you to hire a lawyer to file a personal injury claim after a truck accident. Although, you may find a number of benefits in working with a qualified legal team.

For example, lawyers already know the laws which apply to your case and how to work with them to achieve the best outcome for your case. They know how to communicate with the defendant’s lawyers and insurance companies in ways that will not negatively impact your case. And they can explain what’s happening with your case, step by step, in ways that you can understand.

Truck accident attorneys provide the missing link that can mean the difference between receiving a low, hasty settlement offer and hard-fought, well-deserved maximum compensation for your injuries.

Were you or a loved one injured in a large truck accident in New Hampshire? Here you can find out your legal options, including how to seek compensation after a big rig accident. Whether you’re looking for help in Nashua, Concord, Manchester, or somewhere else in the state, LegalFinders can put you in touch with some of the top truck accident attorneys in your area. Reach out for a free consultation today to learn more.

Connect With Top-Rated Truck Accident Attorneys Near You

Injuries caused by a tractor trailer accident can have devastating results. Often, these accidents lead to injuries that change the course of life for accident victims. They may become paralyzed, lose mobility, or be otherwise unable to return to work or life as they knew it.

Because of this, truck accident victims in New Hampshire have the option of filing a personal injury claim to seek compensation from negligent parties. The negligent party is the person, company, or other party responsible for the accident that led to the victim’s injuries.

In some truck accident cases, there may be several responsible parties. For instance, if the truck driver was falling asleep at the wheel, causing them to crash into your car, this could be considered negligence. Similarly, if the trucking company responsible for the commercial vehicle failed to secure proper maintenance, this could also be considered negligence.

Commercial drivers and trucking companies alike have a responsibility to motorists who share the roadways with their large trucks. Truckers must be properly trained, alert, and following all traffic laws — these are unspoken agreements that all motorists share. Breaching these agreements means the truck driver breaks their ‘duty of care’ to other drivers. If duty of care is broken, negligence has occurred, and you may be able to file a claim against them.

In a similar vein, the trucking company responsible for the tractor trailer or big rig is expected to adequately vet new hires, train all truck drivers, maintain insurance, and more. Failure to do so may also be considered a breach of duty of care.

There are many different factors that can contribute to a truck crash, which is why you or your injured family member may want to consider working with experienced trucking injury lawyers on your case.

An experienced New Hampshire truck accident lawyer has managed cases like yours and won. They know the local and federal laws that apply to your case and won’t be afraid to fight insurance companies for fair compensation on your behalf. They can provide sound legal advice and guide you in your case, every step of the way.

When your claim is ready to file, your attorney will file it in the proper court system and within the deadline. They will ensure it has all the proper evidence and documentation to back a solid case foundation. If your case goes to trial, they can help you understand the possible verdicts (outcomes) and construct a strong case to give you the best chance for success.

In short, a New Hampshire truck accident attorney will aid you in securing a fair settlement offer that’s reflective of the injuries you’ve suffered, or to compensate for the wrongful death of your loved one. Connect with LegalFinders to find out more.

New Hampshire Truck Accident Statistics

In 2019, the state of New Hampshire saw 33,592 total motor vehicle crashes, according to the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety. Of those crashes, 90 were fatal, leading to more than 100 fatalities. This total number includes the number of fatal large truck accidents. Other facts regarding truck accidents in New Hampshire include:

Fatal crashes in 2019 involving large Trucks

4.2%

according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Jackknife accidents in New Hampshire in 2019

7

though none were fatal

Motor vehicle accidents in New Hampshire

No large truck occupants died

in 2019

Car occupant fatalities

38

23 pickup and SUV occupant fatalities the same year

Top factors in fatal auto accidents in New Hampshire

in 2019

were impaired driving due to alcohol or drug use, speeding, and lack of restraint (seat belts)

All motor vehicle accidents occurred on rural roadway

More than half (58%)

in New Hampshire

Fortunately, New Hampshire did not see a large increase in fatal car accidents in 2020 and 2021, like much of the rest of the nation. Yet overall rates of accidents still increased.

Most Dangerous New Hampshire Highways

Though national traffic crash data shows New Hampshire to have some of the safest roadways in the nation, motorists should still be cautious when driving in the state, as car accidents and truck accidents can and do occur.

In fact, during one week in 2017, the state saw 12 traffic-related fatalities among multiple motor vehicle crashes. Unfortunately, auto accidents and truck accidents can happen on any road.

Some of the most dangerous roads to watch out for include intersections which have seen disastrous accidents. Dangerous intersections motorists should be aware of in New Hampshire include:

Intersections
Route 293, Exit 2
The five-way intersection in Goffstown
Intersection of Route 202 and Estes Road in Rochester
Intersection of Route 108 South and Back River Road
A five-corner intersection in Hampton
Intersection of Colby Court and Second Street in Bedford

 

LegalFinders Can Direct You To The Best Truck Accident Attorneys In Your Area

If you’re looking for reputable New Hampshire truck accident lawyers in Salem, Merrimack, or anywhere else in the state, LegalFinders can help. Our extensive network is your one-stop solution for quality legal representation. Reach out to us today to learn how you can file a personal injury claim and get your life back on track after a truck accident.

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Published: 25 May 2022

ARTICLE SOURCES

Concord Monitor — NH traffic fatalities in 2021 didn’t spike like across much of the U.S.

US Department of Transportation — State Highway Safety Report (2019) – New Hampshire

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — Fatality Facts 2019: State by state

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — Traffic Safety Facts: Large Trucks

New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety — Highway Safety Plan 2021

Valley News — N.H. roads rank among safest in U.S.

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