New Hampshire Car Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in New Hampshire, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. At Tenn And Tenn, PA, we understand the confusion and worry that can accompany such a situation. Our team of experienced New Hampshire car accident lawyers are here to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time.

The Impact of Car Accidents in New Hampshire

According to data from the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety, in 2019 alone, there were 6,787 car accidents in the state, resulting in 493 serious injury crashes and 34 fatalities. Shockingly, the cost of fatal motor vehicle accidents in just one year totaled $143 million in medical bills and lost wages.

Legal Recourse for Car Accident Victims

In New Hampshire, victims of car accidents have legal options available to them. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation through a civil claim or negligence lawsuit. To succeed in such a claim, you must establish that the other driver owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that their breach directly caused your injuries.

Understanding Driver Negligence

Driver negligence refers to the failure of a driver to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle, resulting in harm to others. This can include behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, driving while intoxicated, and more. Proving driver negligence involves demonstrating that the driver owed a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that their breach caused your injuries.

Types of Compensatory Damages

In New Hampshire, injured drivers may be entitled to compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse them for various losses incurred as a result of the accident. Economic damages cover tangible expenses such as medical bills and property damage, while noneconomic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering.

Statute of Limitations

It’s important to act quickly if you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Hampshire. The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

How We Can Help

At Tenn And Tenn, PA, we offer free consultations to car accident victims in New Hampshire. From the moment you hire our firm, we will begin working on your case diligently. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

We help people with Car Accident matters in the following locations: Alstead, Amherst, Andover, Antrim, Atkinson, Auburn, Bedford, Bennington, Berlin, Boscawen, Bow, Bradford, Brentwood, Brookline, Candia, Canterbury, Cheshire, Chester, Chesterfield, Chichester, Claremont, Concord, Deerfield, Deering, Derry, Dover, Dublin, Exeter, Francestown, Franklin, Goffstown, Greenville, Hampton Beach, Hampton, Hancock, Harrisville, Hooksett, Hudson, Keene, Laconia, Lebanon, Londonderry, Manchester, Merrimack, Nashua, Pelham, Portsmouth, Rochester, Somersworth, and Windham.

Types of Car Accident Cases

Aggressive Driving Accidents

Aggressive drivers not only add stress to your work commute, but they also increase your risk of being in a serious car accident. The New Hampshire car accident attorneys of Tenn And Tenn, P.A., have years of experience litigating auto accident cases oh behalf of injured New Hampshire residents. If you have been injured in a car wreck caused by an aggressive driver, one of our experienced attorneys can evaluate your case and talk with you about your options for seeking compensation.

Aggressive Driving is a Major Cause of Accidents

Speeding or otherwise driving aggressively is one of the leading causes of accidents both across the United States and in New Hampshire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 40 fatal accidents attributed to speeding each year in New Hampshire. This number does not account for accidents related to following too closely, cutting off other drivers, or other forms of aggressive driving. If a person is injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, the injured person can potentially collect compensation for his or her injuries.

New Hampshire Law Holds Aggressive Drivers Liable for Injuries They Cause

A person injured by an aggressive driver has the option of filing a lawsuit that alleges negligence on the part of the aggressive driver. To prevail in an aggressive driving negligence lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove:

1. The aggressive driver owed a duty to the plaintiff;
2. The aggressive driver breached his or her duty; and
3. The plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the aggressive driver’s actions.

All drivers owe a duty to other drivers and motorcyclists to drive reasonably given the circumstances. An aggressive driver whose tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic causes an accident has generally breached that duty. If the accident causes injuries to another person, the aggressive driver can be held liable under New Hampshire law.

Even if the injured driver was partly at fault for the accident, the case may still be viable. New Hampshire allows plaintiffs who are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident to collect a portion of their damages. Ask an experienced attorney about the particular circumstances of your case and whether you are able to seek compensation.

Once the plaintiff proves that the aggressive driver was both negligent and the cause of the injuries at issue, the plaintiff is entitled to damages. The victims of an aggressive driver can recoup the quantifiable costs of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and personal property damage. These are called economic compensatory damages. Plaintiffs may also collect noneconomic damages, which compensate for things like emotional distress or pain and suffering. A knowledgeable attorney can help you determine what kinds of damages you may be entitled to.

Broadside Collisions

In the blink of an eye, a car accident can disrupt your life. Between dealing with injuries, fighting with an insurance company, and missing work, the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. Every day, the New Hampshire car accident attorneys of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. help people who have been injured in a car accident. If you were hurt in a broadside collision, we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Broadside Collisions Are Particularly Dangerous

Because broadside collisions involve the full force of one car slamming into the side of another, they can lead to serious injury and death. Often, broadside collisions occur in intersections when a driver runs a red light or a stop sign. On average, 20 fatal car accidents occur each year in intersections throughout New Hampshire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Broadside Accident Victims Can File a Lawsuit

The victims of a broadside car crash can file a lawsuit to protect their interests. Most car accident lawsuits allege that the defendant acted negligently. To win a negligence lawsuit, the victim of a broadside collision is required to prove:

1. The defendant, usually the other driver, owed a duty to the plaintiff;
2. The defendant did something to breach that duty; and
3. The defendant’s actions were a cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.

Any person who drives on a New Hampshire road owes a duty to others on the road to drive reasonably. Running a red light, ignoring a stop sign, or failing to yield the right of way are all ways in which a driver might breach this universal duty. If such a driver causes a broadside collision that injures another person, that driver can be held liable to the injured person.

New Hampshire imposes a three-year statute of limitations in personal injury cases. This means that a plaintiff must file a lawsuit within three years of the date he learned of his injuries, which is usually the date of the car accident. Although this may seem like a long time, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as practicable after the accident so that important evidence can be preserved.

New Hampshire Law Allows for Compensatory Damages

If the victim of a broadside collision accident wins their lawsuit, they are entitled to compensatory damages. Hospital bills, lost wages, and damage to a vehicle are examples of costs that can be recouped as economic compensatory damages. Mental anguish and pain and suffering are also compensable as noneconomic damages. Generally, New Hampshire does not allow awards of punitive damages. If you have questions about the damages to which you may be entitled, ask a knowledgeable attorney.

Dangerous Road Condition Accidents

When driving on New Hampshire’s roads, people expect that the only hazards they will have to deal with are the actions of other drivers. Unfortunately, this is not the case as many roads feature various dangers that can easily cause an unexpected auto accident. These crashes are severe in nature because they often prevent a driver from properly controlling his or her car or lessening the impact of a crash.

At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., our New Hampshire dangerous road accident lawyers understand that such crashes can be frightening and leave a victim with both physical and emotional trauma. To properly deal with such accidents, it is important for New Hampshire drivers to understand road hazards and what they can do in the event of a crash.

Frequent Causes of Dangerous Road Conditions

Roads are meant to be designed with safety and easy navigation in mind. However, not all roads are created equal. Weather can make even the best designed roads unsafe over time. Local governments are responsible for keeping their roads in good condition and quickly deal with hazards that arise. Unfortunately, this is often not the case and many roads go years without repairs. As such, more and more hazards may be created and become worse over time.

Roads can become dangerous from many different factors. However, there are several common reasons for most hazards. If a road is designed or modified improperly, it can easily become dangerous due to unsafe features, poor decisions regarding traffic management, and other dangers that drivers would not expect in the design of the road. Weather can create hazards by either slowly breaking down a road or creating sudden dangers such as ice, snow, or debris blown onto the road. Vehicles can also create hazards by causing damage, especially large trucks whose weight can quickly create cracks and potholes. Often, auto accidents can leave debris or break road barriers or light poles, creating new hazards that must be quickly fixed.

Common Features of NH Dangerous Roads

Road conditions can become dangerous over a length of time due to natural wear and tear or immediately due to man-made mistakes. Some of the common features of hazardous roads, both man-made and natural, include:

• Cracked and/or broken roads;
• Hazardous debris;
• Overgrown plant life;
• Obstructed traffic signs and signals;
• Improperly paved roads;
• Poor road design;
• Blind corners;
• Potholes;
• Unmarked curves; and
• Icy and other weather-damaged roads.

Any of these hazards can cause a serious accident and when multiple hazards are present, the likelihood and severity of a crash greatly increases.

Hazardous roads can result in severe auto accidents because the conditions present can make even the safest vehicles and the most cautious drivers lose control. Often, this creates accidents that are both uncommon and worse than a typical crash. Hazardous road accidents can cause commonplace crashes such as rear-end collisions and sideswiping, or more severe accidents resulting in rollovers and vehicles leaving the road entirely.

Slippery or broken roads can send a vehicle skidding across multiple lanes of traffic while obscured signs and blind corners can result in drivers making mistakes that cause severe accidents. The true danger of a hazardous road comes from a driver’s inability to be in complete control of the decisions they make on the road and the movement of their vehicle. As such, accidents are much more dangerous than normal.

Intersection Accidents

The purpose of intersections in New Hampshire is to balance the flow of traffic and to create an orderly progression on the streets. As such, most intersections feature many different signals, involve vehicles moving in numerous different directions, permit pedestrians to cross the street at various times, and include several other factors that are meant to control traffic of all kinds. However, because of the busy and crowded nature of intersections, auto accidents frequently occur in these areas and can cause serious injuries to those involved.

The New Hampshire intersection accident lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. understand the devastating nature of such accidents and the long-lasting impact they can have on a victim’s body. Recovering from such incidents may take years and can result in skyrocketing medical bills. As such, it is important to seek dedicated legal representation and search for compensation from those responsible.

Frequent Intersection Car Accidents

Because intersections feature motor vehicles traveling in different directions at differing speeds. And with or without the aid of signs and signals, mistakes and lapses in judgment can easily cause a crash. Common intersection accidents include:

• Striking a pedestrian;
• T-boning;
• Head-on collisions;
• Rear-end crashes;
• Sideswiping; and
• Hitting a stationary hazard.

While many of these accidents can occur at other sections of the road, intersections are especially dangerous because so many types of accidents could happen in one place. Additionally, it only takes a small area for such crashes to occur at an intersection.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Driving can be dangerous, and people who make unsafe lane changes only add to the likelihood of an accident. When choosing a New Hampshire car accident attorney to litigate your unsafe lane change case, experience should be a prime consideration. The lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. have helped countless people injured in car accidents across the state of New Hampshire, and can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Fatal Traffic Accidents Have Increased In New Hampshire

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show that after a decline the previous year, fatal traffic accidents in New Hampshire increased in 2012. There were 108 fatal car accidents in New Hampshire that year, which is an increase of 18 accidents over 2011. Drivers who make unsafe lane changes only increase the risk of causing a fatal or injury accident. A driver or passenger hurt in an accident caused by an unsafe lane change has a legal right to hold the responsible driver accountable.

A Person Hurt by an Unsafe Driver Can Seek Compensation

Most plaintiffs who take legal action after being hurt in a car accident file a negligence lawsuit. In order to prevail, the plaintiff must prove that: (1) the defendant owed a duty to the plaintiff; (2) the defendant breached this duty, in this case by making an unsafe lane change; and (3) the plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the defendant’s actions.

Each driver who gets behind the wheel in New Hampshire owes to others on the road a duty to drive reasonably. Swerving too quickly to cut off another driver or not being aware that the car is veering out of a lane are ways in which a driver may breach this duty. If this unsafe lane change causes an accident that injures another person, the unsafe driver can be held liable for damages.

New Hampshire follows the rule of modified comparative negligence. This means that the plaintiff can still collect a portion of his damages so long as he was less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Be sure to ask an experienced attorney about your case if you believe you may be partly at fault for your accident.

Prevailing Plaintiffs May Collect Damages

A plaintiff who files a successful suit as a result of an unsafe lane change accident is entitled to compensatory damages. Money recovered to compensate the plaintiff for past and future medical costs, any wages lost, damage to a vehicle, and emotional distress are all examples of compensatory damages. New Hampshire is not a state in which punitive damages are generally available.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common term used to describe neck injuries suffered in an accident. Anytime the body endures a sudden impact, twist or jerk there is the potential for a whiplash injury to occur. It is important to understand the causes of whiplash and its symptoms because whiplash injuries can become progressively worse if they are not properly diagnosed and treated. Anyone who has suffered a neck or back injury in an auto accident should seek immediate medical attention from a doctor and legal guidance from our experienced NH whiplash injury attorneys.

Definition of Whiplash

Whiplash refers to many different types of neck injuries. Examples of these neck injuries commonly classified as whiplash include soft tissue cervical hyperextension injuries, cervical sprains and cervical strains.

Whiplash injuries involve the back, neck or head being jerked, twisted or shaken. Car accidents are the most common causes of whiplash injuries. In fact, victims of New Hampshire car accidents can suffer a whiplash injury at speeds as low as 15 mph. Whiplash injuries can occur whether or not a seatbelt is worn and regardless of whether the victim’s head makes contact with the steering wheel or dashboard.

Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries

There are a number of symptoms associated with whiplash injuries. Many of the following symptoms can occur immediately after the accident or they may develop over the next several hours or even days:

• Neck pain
• Decreased mobility of the neck
• Muscle spasms
• Tenderness along the back of the neck
• Headaches
• Pain from the neck to the shoulder or arm
• Neck spasms

Avoiding Common Mistakes After a Car Accident in New Hampshire

Hiring the Wrong Type of Lawyer

One common mistake people make after being injured in a car accident is hiring a lawyer who is not experienced in trial litigation. Insurance companies are well aware of which lawyers are trial attorneys and which ones are not. Choosing a lawyer who is not prepared to take your case to trial could significantly impact your ability to secure fair compensation.

Delaying Medical Treatment

Another mistake to avoid is delaying seeking medical treatment after a car accident. Even if you don’t immediately feel pain or notice any injuries, it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be apparent right away but could worsen over time if left untreated.

Failing to Follow Medical Advice

Once you’ve sought medical treatment, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s orders diligently. This includes attending all follow-up appointments, undergoing recommended treatments, and adhering to any prescribed medications. Failing to follow medical advice could not only prolong your recovery but also harm your chances of obtaining full compensation for your injuries.

Speaking with the Insurance Company Without Legal Representation

One of the most significant mistakes you can make after a car accident is speaking with the insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say to them could be used against you to devalue your claim. It’s best to let an experienced attorney handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.

How Tenn And Tenn, PA Can Help

If you have questions about your car accident case in New Hampshire, the experienced legal team at Tenn And Tenn, PA is here to assist you. Our New Hampshire car accident lawyers have a proven track record of success in handling car accident claims and are prepared to fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Personalized Legal Guidance

We understand that every car accident case is unique, which is why we provide personalized legal guidance tailored to your specific situation. Our attorneys will take the time to understand the details of your case and develop a strategic legal approach aimed at securing the maximum compensation you deserve.

At Tenn And Tenn, PA, we are not afraid to take cases to trial if necessary. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to trial and which ones are not. Our reputation as trial attorneys sends a powerful message that we are prepared to fight for our clients’ rights in the courtroom if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

New Hampshire Car Accident Lawyers Client Story

This client story is for educational purposes only.

Chris had never imagined that a routine drive would change his life forever. One moment, he was cruising along, lost in his thoughts, and the next, his world was turned upside down by the screech of tires and the deafening impact of a T-bone collision.

As the dust settled and the shock wore off, Chris found himself trapped in his mangled car, pain shooting through his body with every movement. His mind raced with worry about his injuries, his job, and how he would afford the mounting medical bills. Little did he know, the battle was just beginning.

The insurance company, quick to protect their bottom line, offered Chris a settlement that amounted to mere pennies compared to the true cost of his suffering. But Chris refused to be treated like just another number on a balance sheet. He knew he deserved justice, and he was determined to fight for it.

Enter John Tenn, a beacon of hope in Chris’s darkest hour. With unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment to his client’s well-being, John took on Chris’s case with fierce determination. He listened to Chris’s story with empathy, understanding the pain and uncertainty that had become all too familiar.

Together, Chris and John embarked on a journey towards justice, navigating the complexities of the legal system with courage and resilience. With John by his side, Chris felt a newfound sense of strength and confidence, knowing that he had a true advocate fighting tirelessly on his behalf.

Despite the insurance company’s attempts to dismiss Chris’s claim, John refused to back down. He knew that Chris deserved more — more than just a token settlement, more than empty promises and hollow apologies. And so, armed with unwavering determination and a passion for justice, John took Chris’s case to trial.

In the courtroom, John dismantled the insurance company’s arguments, laying bare the truth for all to see. And when the verdict was finally handed down, it was a testament to John’s unwavering commitment to his client’s cause.

For Chris, the journey was far from easy, but with John Tenn by his side, he emerged victorious. With the weight of uncertainty lifted from his shoulders, Chris could finally begin to heal, knowing that justice had been served.

Today, Chris stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. And as he looks back on his journey, he knows that he owes it all to John Tenn and the team at Tenn And Tenn, PA. With their guidance and support, he was able to turn tragedy into triumph, proving that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a car accident in New Hampshire, don’t navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. The experienced team of attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, PA is here to help you seek justice and fair compensation for your injuries.

Free Consultations

At Tenn And Tenn, PA, we understand the challenges and uncertainties that can arise after a car accident. That’s why we offer free consultations to all potential clients. During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys about your case, ask any questions you may have, and receive personalized legal advice tailored to your unique situation. There is no obligation, and our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your legal options.

Contingency Fee Basis

We understand that facing a legal battle can be daunting, especially when you’re already dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a car accident. That’s why we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to worry about upfront costs or hourly fees. Instead, we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. Our fee is simply a percentage of the final award, so you can rest assured knowing that we are fully invested in securing the best possible outcome for your case.

Your Path to Justice Starts Here

Don’t wait to seek the legal representation you deserve. Contact Tenn And Tenn, PA today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards securing the compensation and justice you deserve after a car accident in New Hampshire. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, and we’ll work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and your voice is heard. When you choose Tenn And Tenn, PA, you’re choosing a trusted advocate who will fight for you from start to finish.