Car Accidents

Bringing a Maine Personal Injury Claim Following a Head-On Accident

Published on: June 30, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into one another. Sometimes, one driver is clearly responsible for the collision. On other occasions, both drivers may share responsibility for the crash. When seeking compensation as a passenger in a New Hampshire head-on collision, you may choose to sue one or both drivers for your injuries. Alternatively, if you were a driver involved in a head-on collision, the other driver may argue that you share some level of fault for your resulting harm.

For example, according to a recent news article, one person was killed, and three people suffered injuries in a New Hampshire head-on crash. Local police in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, observed a Volkswagen Jetta driving erratically and speeding in the westbound lane. The Jetta then reversed directions, crossed into the westbound lane, and hit a Jeep head-on. On impact, a passenger in the Jetta was ejected and died at the scene. Both drivers and another passenger were transported to the hospital for their injuries. Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

How Does New Hampshire Apportion Fault Among Multiple Defendants?

In a head-on collision, multiple parties may share responsibility for the same person’s injuries. For example, if both drivers in a head-on crash acted negligently, they may both be at fault for a passenger’s harm. In these situations, a plaintiff can sue multiple defendants for negligence. Under New Hampshire law, a defendant is solely liable for their share of fault for an accident. For example, if a defendant is only 10% at fault for an accident, they will only have to pay 10% of the ultimate damages award. However, this rule does not apply if any defendant is more than 50% at fault. Under a rule known as joint and several liability, a plaintiff can potentially collect their entire damages award from a single defendant. If any of the defendants cannot pay their share of the damages award, the plaintiff can recover that defendant’s share from another defendant who was more than 50% at fault.

Understanding New Hampshire Car Insurance Requirements

Published on: June 13, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

When you suffer injuries or vehicle damage in a New Hampshire auto accident, you may be unsure what comes next. Thankfully, purchasing auto insurance can help cover some of the resulting costs. If you do not have insurance, you must pay for all damage to your vehicle out of pocket, which is often a significant expense. In New Hampshire, auto insurance policies cover damages incurred both when you are at fault and when someone else is at fault. Understanding New Hampshire’s insurance laws is critical to make sure you have adequate coverage in the event of an accident.

Does New Hampshire Require Drivers Purchase Auto Insurance?

According to the New Hampshire Insurance Department, the state does not require you to purchase auto insurance. However, if you choose not to buy insurance coverage, you must prove you have sufficient funds to meet New Hampshire motor vehicle financial responsibility requirements, which arise if you are at fault for an accident. Additionally, if you take out a loan on your vehicle, you should be aware that some lenders require auto insurance. In any event, it is important to be sure you have coverage for the hefty expenses that can result from a serious accident.

What Types of Insurance Coverage Should You Buy?

New Hampshire is unique in requiring people to bundle their insurance coverage. If you buy auto insurance for personal use, you must also buy Medical Payments Coverage, which covers medical expenses resulting from an auto accident. New Hampshire law requires you to buy at least $1,000 of Medical Payments Coverage. Additionally, people who buy auto insurance must also buy Uninsured Motorists Coverage, which protects against injuries from an accident with an at-fault uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. However, it does not cover property damage. The law requires Uninsured Motorists Coverage to match the limit of your Auto Liability Coverage, so the minimum limit is essentially also $1,000.

How to Get a New Hampshire Accident Report

Published on: June 7, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

When an accident happens on the road, a responding police officer will typically write an accident report. Usually, officers will record details from the accident, including their impressions of the scene. In addition, they often will interview witnesses and record notes from their interviews in the report. The report may also express officers’ opinions on the accident, including the party they believe was at fault. If you suffer injuries in a New Hampshire car accident, it is vital to request a copy of the resulting accident report.

Why Should You Request an Accident Report?

Should you choose to pursue a negligence lawsuit against the driver responsible for your injuries, the accident report will serve as vital evidence to support your claim. For example, an officer may conclude the party you are suing was at fault for the accident. In other cases, the report could rule out a defendant’s alternative explanation for an accident that would otherwise deflect blame. For instance, a defendant may claim that you hit the back of their vehicle first, but an officer may conclude that the accident occurred when the defendant backed up too far and hit your car. As a result, accident reports can serve as powerful evidence that the party you are suing is responsible for your injuries or that you are less at fault in comparison.

Understanding New Hampshire Comparative Fault Laws

Published on: May 31, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

When determining fault in negligence lawsuits, New Hampshire follows a system known as modified comparative negligence. Comparative negligence refers to a plaintiff’s responsibility for the injuries they suffered. For example, if a driver strikes a pedestrian, that person may sue the driver for negligence. However, the pedestrian may also share some portion of fault if they ran across a busy street and failed to use a crosswalk. In these scenarios, if a judge or jury finds that the plaintiff was negligent, they may attribute some responsibility for the accident to the plaintiff. The rationale behind many comparative fault laws is that courts should only hold defendants accountable for their share of fault.

Decades ago, the majority rule among states would prohibit the plaintiff from receiving damages if they shared any portion of fault for their injuries. Today, New Hampshire and many states follow a modified comparative negligence system. New Hampshire passed these rules for recovery under Section 507 of the state’s Revised Statutes. Under this law, plaintiffs in New Hampshire can recover damages against defendants so long as they were less than 51% at fault for the accident. If plaintiffs are more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover any damages. On the other hand, if plaintiffs are equally at fault or less, they can still recover damages. When a plaintiff sues multiple defendants, the plaintiff’s level of fault still must be less than 51% to recover from each defendant. In turn, defendants are only liable for their portion of the fault.

Additionally, plaintiffs should be aware that New Hampshire law, specifically Section 507, will reduce their damages award based on their portion of fault for the accident. For example, if a judge or jury finds the plaintiff 10% at fault for the accident, they will reduce the plaintiff’s ultimate damages award by 10%. Because defendants would then pay less in damages, they will often argue that the plaintiff shares some level of responsibility for the accident. To make their case, defendants may seek to introduce evidence that the plaintiff acted negligently. Under Section 507, each party has the burden of proving the other is at fault. An experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorney can help you understand the state’s comparative fault and develop a case theory to help prove you were not at fault for your injuries.

New Hampshire Head-On Collision Kills Passenger

Published on: April 28, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in the opposite direction crash straight into each other. This type of car accident often leads to severe injury or fatalities. Head-on collisions may occur when a vehicle is traveling in the wrong lane, striking an unassuming driver as a result. When you or a loved one suffers injuries in a serious head-on collision, you may consider bringing a personal injury lawsuit to hold the negligent driver accountable.

As a recent news article tragically reported, a head-on collision killed a 24-year-old man in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Local police were responding to an unrelated incident when they observed a car driving erratically at a high speed. The car was originally traveling westbound when it suddenly reversed course, slamming into a Jeep that was traveling in the opposite direction. As a result of the head-on crash, a passenger was ejected from the first car. Sadly, he died at the scene. Both drivers and another passenger were transported to the hospital for injuries ranging from minor to serious. Police are still investigating the crash and have not ruled out criminal charges.

What Damages Can You Recover After a New Hampshire Head-On Collision?

A head-on car accident may result in significant injury and property damage. Recognizing these serious consequences, New Hampshire law allows injured plaintiffs to recover compensatory damages. This type of damages award aims to put the injured person in the same position as if the accident never occurred. After a serious head-on collision, plaintiffs may seek compensatory damages to cover medical bills, including psychological treatment for the stress of the accident. Additionally, plaintiffs may seek compensation for future lost earnings if they suffer injuries affecting their ability to work. Finally, they may also pursue compensation for extensive property damage to their vehicle resulting from the accident.

One Person Dead in New Hampshire Aggressive Driving Accident

Published on: April 24, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

Too often, a driver creates dangerous conditions on the road by operating their vehicle aggressively. Aggressive driving, also known as “road rage,” can lead to serious injury or even death. While not all accidents are completely avoidable, drivers should understand common behaviors of aggressive drivers and avoid escalating a road rage incident.

As a recent news article reported, an aggressive driving accident in Manchester, New Hampshire, left one person dead. The driver was traveling on I-293 South when she took an exit off-ramp at a high speed. Then, as the driver turned onto a street, she struck another car head-on. The driver’s fiancé, a passenger in the car, died at the scene. The driver was transported to the hospital for her injuries. According to a witness, the driver was operating her vehicle so aggressively that the witness had to swerve out of the driver’s way. According to local police, the driver had been arguing with her fiancé before the crash. She and her fiancé also smoked marijuana prior to the accident. Police arrested the driver, charging her with negligent homicide.

What Are Common Aggressive Driving Behaviors?

An aggressive driver may act out their aggression in a few different ways. According to AAA, common examples of aggressive driving behaviors include speeding in heavy traffic, tailgating, running red lights, and driving irresponsibly when crossing lanes. Specifically, an aggressive driver may weave in and out of lanes, change lanes without a turn signal, block cars attempting to pass them or change lanes, or cut off another driver and then slow down. Finally, a driver may use headlights or brakes aggressively to send a message to other drivers. As the AAA’s examples make clear, aggressive driving involves dangerous behaviors that could lead to a serious accident.

Recovering After a New Hampshire Pedestrian Accident

Published on: April 11, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

Pedestrian accidents can happen for several different reasons. Sometimes, a driver acts negligently and strikes a pedestrian as a result. On other occasions, a pedestrian may not use the designated crosswalks, instead crossing the road where a driver does not expect them. A pedestrian accident could also result from multiple acts of negligence. Given these complex issues of causation, the rules for recovering damages after a pedestrian accident can be complicated. Accident victims may benefit from speaking to a New Hampshire attorney to learn more about bringing a negligence lawsuit.

Recently, a pedestrian suffered injuries after a hit-and-run in Hudson, New Hampshire. When police responded to the scene, they found the injured pedestrian at an intersection. However, the car that struck the pedestrian was nowhere to be found. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital for serious injuries. After conducting an investigation, police identified and arrested a suspect, who now faces criminal charges.

What Are the Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents may occur due to several conditions on the road. For example, low light conditions may prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians near the road. When operating their vehicles at night, drivers should use their headlights and continuously scan the road and the shoulder for pedestrians. In other cases, there may be a lack of signage warning drivers of a busy pedestrian crossing. Pedestrian accidents may also occur if a driver is distracted, speeding, driving under the influence, or operating their vehicle while drowsy. As a result, drivers may fail to see crosswalks or pedestrians ahead of them. In any event, drivers should make sure to avoid these behaviors and stay focused on the road to avoid a pedestrian accident. On the other hand, a pedestrian accident may occur if pedestrians engage in “jaywalking.” Pedestrians jaywalk when they fail to use available crosswalks or other designated pedestrian crossing areas. If a driver is not expecting a pedestrian to be crossing, they may not be able to stop their vehicle quickly enough to avoid a crash. Regardless of the cause, drivers must stop at the scene, assist the pedestrian, and call emergency medical services and local authorities for help.

Recovering Damages in New Hampshire Road Rage Accidents

Published on: April 4, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

Everyone occasionally deals with irritation from other drivers on the road. However, when drivers let road rage affect their driving, they increase the risk of a serious accident. When a driver’s road rage leads to personal injury or property damages, they may be held responsible through criminal charges and a civil damages lawsuit.

As a recent news article reported, a New Hampshire road rage accident left one driver seriously injured. The accident occurred on the highway when a woman was driving northbound behind a 17 year-old boy in a pickup truck. As woman attempted to pass the truck, the two vehicles collided, and the woman lost control of her car. As she veered into the southbound lane, she crashed into an embankment, causing her car to roll over. The woman was transported to the hospital for serious injuries. Throughout their investigation, local police have treated the crash as a road rage incident.

What are the Penalties for a New Hampshire Road Rage Accident?

Recovering Damages after a New Hampshire DUI Accident

Published on: March 31, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

Driving under the influence, commonly abbreviated as DUI, is notoriously dangerous. When drivers operate their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, everyone else on the road suffers the consequence of their reckless decision. In the event of a serious DUI accident, victims may be left with severe injuries or property damage. To recover compensation for their injuries, victims of a New Hampshire DUI accident may wish to bring a negligence lawsuit against the intoxicated driver.

For example, two people suffered serious injuries after a DUI accident in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. The accident occurred when an intoxicated driver crossed the yellow dividing line and struck a Prius traveling in the opposite direction. The driver and passenger of the Prius were transported to the hospital after suffering serious injuries. Police arrested the driver and charged him with aggravated driving under the influence.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in New Hampshire?

Intoxicated drivers who cause a serious accident may face criminal charges and a civil lawsuit for damages. If an intoxicated driver’s behavior results in serious bodily harm, they can face both hefty fines and prison time. At minimum, a driver convicted of aggravated driving under the influence must pay $750 in fines and spend 17 days in prison, but a judge can impose a tougher sentence. In addition to criminal penalties, an intoxicated driver may face a civil damages lawsuit from an injured victim. In addition to physical injuries, victims of a serious accident may have suffered emotional harm, along with significant expenses. A civil negligence lawsuit allows victims to recover damages regardless of the outcome of a criminal case.

Four Women Injured in New Hampshire Hit and Run

Published on: March 22, 2023 | By Peter Thompson & Associates

Hit and runs occur when a driver causes injuries to a person or their property and fails to stop at the scene to provide assistance. When a driver commits a hit and run, they often leave an injured victim completely helpless. In some situations, whether drivers stop to help or drive away can be a matter of life or death for the victims they leave behind. Due to the egregious nature of hit and runs, drivers who commit them may face both criminal charges and civil penalties, often in the form of monetary damages.

According to a recent news article, police arrested a man in connection with a hit and run in Plymouth, New Hampshire. The accident occurred on Maine Street as four women moved off the sidewalk, which a pile of snow had obstructed. As they moved closer to the road, a driver struck them. Instead of stopping to provide assistance, he allegedly drove off. According to the woman he struck, the driver later stopped his vehicle and returned to the scene. However, he denied any involvement with the hit and run. All four women were transported to the hospital, where they received treatment for their injuries. Police have since charged the alleged hit and run driver with four counts of felony-level Conduct After an Accident.

What Are the Penalties for a New Hampshire Hit and Run?