New Hampshire Automobile Accident FAQ's

1. What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a NH Car Accident?
First and foremost, seek medical help for yourself or any injured person. If necessary, call the police and an ambulance right away. When the situation has stabilized and medical needs have been addressed, begin to collect any information you can about the accident. Here is a list of other things you should consider doing after being involved in a car crash in New Hampshire:

• Document the name, address, telephone number, driver's license number and insurance information of the other driver.
  Write down the make, model, and license plate number of each car involved.
• Collect the name, address and phone number of any witness who observed the accident. Oftentimes, witness information is critical to establishing fault.
• Find out the investigating police officer's name and ask how to obtain a copy of the police report.
• If possible, photograph the accident scene or draw a diagram of how the accident happened along with the final resting places of the vehicles, before they are moved or towed from the scene.
   

2. Should I Call the Police?
Yes. It is important to contact the police immediately if you are involved in an accident. Doing so will not only provide proof of the accident, but will allow for an immediate on-scene investigation. In addition, police will take statements of witnesses, and will examine the other driver to check for drug or alcohol use. The police can also be valuable witnesses to your injuries at the scene, and they can assist in securing an admission of fault from the negligent driver.

3. Should I Take Pictures of the Accident Scene?
Yes. Even if the police take photographs, you should try to document the accident scene yourself. We recommend that you take twice as many photographs as you think you might otherwise need. Taking shots from multiple angles and locations is the best way to enable an accident reconstructionist to produce an accurate diagram of the collision.

4. Should I Contact My Own Insurance Company?
Automobile insurance policies require their policyholders to promptly report every auto accident. Typically, an insurance adjuster will gather all of the basic information concerning the accident and your injuries. The adjuster may also request a recorded statement concerning the collision and your injuries.

If you are worried about providing a recorded statement, you should contact an attorney to discuss those concerns, prior to giving the statement to your insurance company. Our car accident lawyers will take the time to explain the process to you and address any concerns that you may have.

5. How Is Fault Determined After a Car Accident?
More often than not, the cause of the car accident will be readily apparent. If it is not, the investigating police officer will make an on-scene determination of fault, after speaking to the parties and witnesses involved. Generally, the police officer will be attempting to determine which person violated a traffic law in order to hold that person responsible.

6. Should I Admit Fault if I Think I’m to Blame for the Car Accident?
Many times, car accidents happen in the blink of an eye. The resulting stress and emotional reaction to the situation can cloud one's ability to think clearly. It is not until a full investigation has been completed that it can be officially known which party bears responsibility for causing the accident. Because other circumstances or factors that you may not have witnessed could have played a role in the accident, it is important to have an investigation conducted. If you mistakenly admit fault, it can be used against you.

7. If I Am Injured, Should I Visit My Doctor?
Always seek medical attention promptly if you are injured. It is important that you receive medical attention if you feel any pain or discomfort. Waiting to obtain treatment is not usually a good idea because it can have adverse physical consequences, and it can potentially hurt your case, as there will be no medical documentation of your injuries immediately following the accident.

8. Should I See a Doctor Even if I Don’t Have Apparent Injuries?
Many times, the onset of injuries can take a few days to appear. Our car accident attorneys recommend that accident victims seek medical attention as soon as possible, and especially before settling their claim with the insurance company. Once your claim is settled, the case is over. If future injuries or problems occur, you will not be able to undo or re-open the case.

9. Can I Try to Settle With the Insurance Company Myself?
Although you are free to do so, negotiating your own personal injury claim is not recommended by our car accident attorneys, especially in serious injury cases. Rather, we recommend that you consult with our experienced injury lawyers regarding your car accident. Our car accident lawyers know the law and are here to help you achieve full, fair and adequate compensation.

10. When Should I Contact an Attorney?
Once your immediate medical needs have been addressed, you should promptly contact an experienced car accident lawyer. The attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. will meet with you as soon as possible to help you address your needs and concerns. We provide free telephone consultations at (888) 332-5855.