Portsmouth, NH Accident Lawyers

Everything you Need to Know:

At Granite Law Group, our team of Portsmouth, New Hampshire accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys thoroughly understand that being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming. Our dedicated legal team of Portsmouth, New Hampshire car accident lawyers are vastly experienced in handling these types of situations. With rigorous training and an immense grasp of car accident laws, our attorneys aim to alleviate your stress. We can guide you through the process of obtaining the rightful compensation you deserve. Our commitment toward serving the Portsmouth, New Hampshire community extends beyond courtroom trials. We offer a Free Consultation for all our potential clients. This approach ensures that together, our personal injury lawyers can evaluate your case and provide a comprehensive legal strategy.

For immediate assistance, do not hesitate to contact us at (603) 883-4100. With Granite Law Group, you have a reliable legal advocate by your side.

Types of Car Accidents:

Our Portsmouth, New Hampshire car accident lawyers are well-versed in handling various types of car accidents. We also prioritize guiding distressed clients through such tough and complex situations.

• Head-On Collisions: One of the deadliest kinds of mishaps, these occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions directly collide. This type of impact can result in severe injuries or loss of life.
• Rear-End Collisions: Usually happening in heavy traffic, a rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle crashes into the vehicle in front of it. In most cases, the driver of the car that hits from behind is usually held responsible for the accident.
• Side-Impact Collisions: Often occurring at intersections, side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, happen when the side of one vehicle is hit by another vehicle. The severity of these accidents can range from minor to catastrophic, depending on the speed and force of the impact.
• Sideswipe Accidents: This occurs when two parallel cars hit each other while moving in the same or opposite directions. These are often due to lane-changing without checking blind spots or distraction.

All things considered, no matter the accident type, our Portsmouth, New Hampshire accident lawyers committed to diligently work on our client’s cases. Our wealth of knowledge and understanding of car accident law allows us to assist those who find themselves in such adversity.

Causes of Car Accidents:

Auto accidents are an unfortunate reality, often resulting in significant personal injury and property damage. In summary, there are several common causes of these incidents:

• Distracted Driving: One of the foremost reasons for car accidents is distracted driving. Cell phones have become a significant distraction. This leads drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel, often leading to catastrophic accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. These lead to potentially deadly accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors, such as sudden lane changes, tailgating, and road rage, can easily lead to a car accident. These behaviors not only pose a risk to the aggressor but also to other motorists on the road.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway. It extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Failure to Yield: When drivers fail to yield the right of way, whether at a stop sign, red light, or when merging into traffic, it can result in severe accidents.

All in all, understanding these common causes of auto accidents can help motorists to remain vigilant on the road.

What to do After a Car Accident:

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be a confusing and stressful process. To that end, our team of Portsmouth car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through each step.

Steps to Take:

• Medical Attention: The critical first move following a car collision is seeking immediate medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor or non-existent, it’s essential not to discount potential delayed symptoms.
• Reporting the Accident to Police: A law enforcement officer’s record of the accident provides a detailed account of the collision. An official report is beneficial when pursuing a legal claim.
• Report to Insurer: Notify your insurance company of the incident as soon as possible. They need details of the accident to start your claim.
• Gather Contact Details of Witnesses: Acquiring the contact information of any witnesses can play a pivotal role in your case. Their testimony could provide invaluable third-party perspectives.
• Document the Accident Scene: If possible, taking pictures or recording video of the site post-accident could paint a clearer picture.
• Seek Legal Counsel: We strongly recommend consulting a car accident attorney proficient in handling car accident claims. It’s important to remember not to admit fault or guilt at the scene or to your insurance company.

Unquestionably, trust our Nashua-based law firm composed of top accident lawyers and personal injury lawyers to guide you through this tumultuous time. We commit to using our knowledge and skills to help secure fair compensation for any injuries suffered throughout Portsmouth, New Hampshire and the Seacoast of New Hampshire.

Whom to I Sue After a Car Accident:

• The driver of the other car: Our law firm of personal injury lawyers and Nashua attorneys are prepared to handle claims against drivers whose negligent conduct has inflicted harm on others.
• The employer of the driver of the other car: If the accident was caused by a driver who was performing a task related to their job at the time of the incident, their employer could be held legally responsible.
• The government entity responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred: If your accident was caused by unsafe or hazardous conditions on a public road that were due to negligence from the city, state, or federal government’s road maintenance, a claim can possibly be pursued against the said government body.

Remember, our law firm’s ambition is to help accident victims understand their rights and seek the compensation they deserve. Each case is distinct, requiring our car accident attorneys to take a unique approach and strategic decisions, with our highly experienced team of accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys at the helm.

Proving Liability in a Car Accident:

Experiencing a car accident can undoubtedly be a traumatic and life-altering event. If you’re based in Nashua, New Hampshire and find yourself amidst such unfortunate circumstances, it’s critical to know that you can turn to an accomplished law firm that offers comprehensive support and guidance. Crucially, there are four key elements pertinent to a negligence claim, namely the duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

In the context of car accidents, the duty of care implies the responsibility of all drivers to adhere to regulations and react appropriately while on the road. Breach of duty is when this responsibility has not been upheld, resulting in a car accident. Furthermore, causation, an essential aspect in negligence claims, has to be proved. This indicates the breach actually caused the accident and subsequent injury or damages. Lastly, the last element, damages, refers to the actual harm or loss suffered by the victim due to the accident. This may include physical injury, emotional distress, medical expenses, loss of wages, or even damage to the vehicle.

Not to be overlooked, some car accident claims involving auto defects may rely on a theory called strict liability. This principle suggests that the manufacturer of a faulty or defective product can be held liable for injuries. This is the case even without the need to prove negligence. In short, it’s imperative to seek a seasoned law firm that helps in understanding these elements with clarity.

Evidence in Car Accident Cases:

Our seasoned Portsmouth, New Hampshire car accident lawyers possess a firm grasp of addressing matters related to car accidents. What’s more, our exposure to various car accident cases has enabled us to understand the critical elements imperative for validating your case. These pieces of evidence can significantly increase your chances of securing proper recompense.

• Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene: It is fundamental to illustrate the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. These can include road conditions, traffic signals, and the final resting places of the vehicles involved.
• Police Report: A well-documented police report carries a substantial weightage. It articulates an objective view of the accident, often comprising details which could be crucial to your claim.
• Accident Reconstruction: This is implemented by trained professionals who use science and engineering principles to recreate the accident’s circumstances. This approach can authenticate your rendition of the events.
• Eyewitness Testimony: Testimony from onlookers or passengers can strengthen your case as it provides an independent view of how the accident unfolded.
• Expert Testimony: Professionals in relevant fields may offer insight into different aspects of the accident. These include medical experts discussing the extent of your injury or an automotive engineer addressing vehicle safety.

Consequently, each element is crucial, acting like pieces of a puzzle.

Comparative Negligence in Car Accident Cases:

Understanding the principle of comparative negligence and its implications on your compensation after a car accident can be overwhelming. In simplest terms, comparative negligence is a system that proportionally divides the fault in an accident between the involved parties. It helps determine the degree of fault each party bears. It also affects the total amount of compensation one may be entitled to receive after an accident.

In the state of New Hampshire, Modified Comparative Fault – 51% Bar rule applies. This means that a victim can recover damages if they were 50 percent or less at fault in the accident. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you are barred from receiving compensation. The damages collected are then reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to the plaintiff. For instance, if a court determines you suffered $10,000 in losses but were 20% responsible, your damages will be reduced by $2,000.

Of course, our law firm comprised accomplished car accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers who can adeptly navigate this complex aspect of law. They can effectively prove the level of negligence of the other party involved in your car accident. This ensures maximum compensation for your losses. Fostering a thorough understanding of comparative negligence law, they always remain ready to serve accident victims.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents:

Undoubtedly, car accidents can result in an array of injuries, each carrying its own set of complications. Our Nashua-based law firm has significant experience in handling claims associated with different types of car accident injuries.

Car Accident Injuries:

• Brain injuries: These can vary from minor concussions to serious head injuries. They can lead to lifelong cognitive issues, necessitating ongoing medical treatment and possibly causing loss of income.
• Spinal cord injuries: Often causing permanent disability or paralysis, these injuries can drastically alter a victim’s life. These can be particularly complicated cases as they call for substantive claims for future care and loss of income.
• Burn injuries: Car accidents can involve explosions or intense heat producing serious burns that require extensive medical treatment.
• Broken bones: Broken or fractured bones are a common injury in car accidents. Depending on the severity, they can cause long-term pain and limit mobility.
• Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash is a classic example of soft tissue injury. It’s often dismissed as minor, but can cause serious long-term neck and back pain. Soft tissue injuries also include sprains, strains, and bruising.
• Lacerations: Cuts and lacerations may lead to scars, which may require cosmetic surgery.

In addition to these injuries, it’s important to note that some car accidents may result in fatal injuries. These can lead to wrongful death claims. Our Portsmouth, New Hampshire car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys are ready to help families seek justice through these complex legal proceedings. Our comprehensive understanding of the associated legalities sets us apart in the field.

Damages in Car Accident Cases:

When dealing with car accident cases, it is crucial to understand the range of potential damages that may be applicable. These damages can be broadly categorized into two types: economic and non-economic.

• Economic Damages: These are directly calculable costs associated with an accident. They comprise:
• Medical Bills: These entail emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and follow-up appointments.
• Lost Income: This refers to the wages or earnings lost while recuperating from the injuries sustained in the car accident.
• Future Treatment Costs: These are projected expenses related to ongoing medical treatment, long-term care, or adaptions.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If the accident results in injuries that limit the victim’s ability to earn in the future, compensation may be sought.
• Non-economic Damages: These are intangible costs that can’t be easily quantified, including:
• Pain and Suffering: These can encompass the physical pain and psychological distress experienced due to the accident and its aftermath.
• Emotional Distress: An accident can lead to cases of trauma, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other emotional and mental health issues.
• Loss of Enjoyment: If the car accident impairs the victim’s ability to enjoy activities and hobbies they once partook in, they may be entitled to damages.

It goes without saying, that understanding the different types of damages can be essential in recovering the full extent of your losses. Our experienced Portsmouth, New Hampshire law firm can navigate these complexities. We strive to ensure you secure the compensation you deserve throughout Portsmouth, New Hampshire and the Seacoast of New Hampshire.

Car Accident Statute of Limitations:

Suffice it to say, that navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, necessitating an understanding of the laws governing this situation. One of the fundamental principles to comprehend is the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the legally defined time frame within which a victim has to file a lawsuit. This period in the state of New Hampshire is three years from the date of the accident. Also, different statutes of limitations may apply to cases involving government entities or minors. Filing a claim after this window period is typically barred, regardless of the legitimacy of your case.

It must be pointed out, that understanding the significance of this statute is crucial for all victims. This law helps maintain the integrity and fairness of the legal process. As time passes, evidence can deteriorate, memories can fade, and witnesses can disappear. Thus, timely action is vital in ensuring a successful claim.

Our grassroots law firm, located in Nashua, New Hampshire, composed of skilled car accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers are committed to helping clients understand these technicalities. These top accident lawyers help navigate the legal maze that often accompanies vehicular accident claims. Our team, experienced in handling car accident cases, will provide clear and comprehensive assistance. Remember, time is of the essence in these matters, and acting swiftly can significantly enhance the likelihood of securing compensation.

Insurance Claims in Car Accident Cases:

Our indomitable Portsmouth car accident lawyers excel in dealing with the aftermaths of car accident cases. New Hampshire stands unique as it follows a more traditional fault-based system when processing car insurance claims. The driver deemed at fault for the accident is held financially liable for the resulting damages and injuries. This approach sets the stage for a more comprehensive understanding of the accident-related expenses.

As a part of New Hampshire’s legal requirement for liability insurance, motorists are obligated to uphold minimum coverage amounts of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. Strikingly, New Hampshire is one of the few states that do not impose a mandatory insurance law on motorists. However, drivers are still held accountable for any damages or bodily injuries they cause in an accident. Our firm of accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys rises to that challenge, standing by our clients in their need of the hour.

Settlements in Car Accident Cases:

Accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. They often result in significant physical, emotional, and financial pain. Our Portsmouth, New Hampshire car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys stand ready to represent you in your time of need. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of car accident law and a keen sense for detail, our team diligently fights for the compensation you deserve.

Often, a decision needs to be made between settling a car accident claim outside of court or proceeding to trial. Each route presents its own potential advantages and shortcomings. While an out-of-court settlement can potentially result in receiving compensation quicker and avoiding the uncertain outcome of a trial, one should understand the implications of a settlement. In general, a settlement involves the release of claims, meaning that the victim waives their right to pursue further legal action.

This is not a decision to be taken lightly, which is why engaging an effective law firm is vital. Our team works closely with our clients to provide clear and comprehensive advice, ensuring they understand each step of the process. We aim to keep the scales balanced, placing the needs and rights of accident victims at the forefront. With this in mind, we provide legal representation that meets the high standards of our clients here in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and throughout the Seacoast of New Hampshire. With our Portsmouth, New Hampshire car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys by your side, we navigate the winding roads of the legal process together.

Let Us Help You Pursue Compensation:

Without a doubt, car accidents can throw life into disarray, causing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. If this is your current reality, you are not alone. With this in mind, our Portsmouth, New Hampshire car accident lawyers are here to help. We are well-equipped to handle the complexities of such cases. Our dedicated team of car accident attorneys has a comprehensive understanding of car accident laws and will seek to secure the compensation you deserve. By meticulously investigating the details of your case, we help to build a robust legal strategy tailored to your unique situation.

In summary, we believe in open communication and will work with you every step of the way. This ensures you are fully informed and guided through every decision-making process. We understand the financial strain a car accident can induce. Thus, our Portsmouth, New Hampshire personal injury attorneys are committed to offering a Free Consultation for all prospective clients. When life throws a wrench in the works, you don’t have to face it alone. Let us advocate for you through this trying time.

Links:

New Hampshire Accident Lawyers | Granite Law Group (granite-law-group.com)

Car Accident Lawyer FAQ | Granite Law Group (granite-law-group.com)

New Hampshire Personal Injury Lawyers | Granite Law Group (granite-law-group.com)