Earlier this month, one man was killed in a New Hampshire motorcycle accident on Route 106, in Belmont, just north of Brown Hill Road. According to a local news report, the driver of a car was traveling southbound on Route 106 when she veered over the center median. The motorist traveled for about 300 feet before crashing head-on into a motorcycle. Another northbound car was struck by both the at-fault motorist’s car and the motorcycle.
The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The at-fault motorist was initially trapped inside of her vehicle, but was freed by responders. The driver of the third vehicle was able to walk away from the crash. Police are in the midst of an official investigation, and are trying to determine the driving behavior of the motorists immediately before the collision.
The fatal accident is the third in 14 months on this particular portion of Route 106 near Belmont. In the wake of the most recent accident, one state representative has called for rumble strips to be installed along the median to prevent this type of accident.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in New Hampshire
While no rider wants to think about it happening to them, the reality is that there are hundreds of New Hampshire motorcycle accidents each year. Of those, between 15 to 20 result in the death of the rider, while dozens more cause serious, life-changing injuries. When someone is injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, they can pursue a claim for compensation through a New Hampshire personal injury lawsuit.
To succeed in a motorcycle accident claim, an accident victim must be able to show that the defendant violated a duty of care that was owed to the motorcyclist. Additionally, they will need to establish that the defendant’s actions were the cause of their injury. Typically, proving the existence of a legal duty is straightforward, because all New Hampshire motorists owe a duty to those with whom they share the road. However, the defendant often contests the elements of breach and causation.
After a fatal motorcycle accident, the surviving loved ones of the accident victim can bring a wrongful death claim against any of the parties they believe to be at fault. A New Hampshire wrongful death claim can be filed by “any person interested in the estate of the” accident victim, and requires proof of the same elements as a traditional negligence claim.
Have You Been Injured in a New Hampshire Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a family member has recently been the victim of a New Hampshire motorcycle accident, contact the dedicated personal injury lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates, P.C. At my law firm, I work with injury victims to help them obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries. I handle all types of New Hampshire personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall cases, and claims involving dangerous or defective products. To learn more, call 800-804-2004 to schedule your free, no-risk consultation today. Calling is free, and you will not be billed for our services unless we can help you recover for your injuries.