New Hampshire Motorcycle FAQs

1. Is Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Necessary?
Although motorcycle insurance coverage may not be mandated under New Hampshire law, the motorcycle injury attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. strongly encourage every rider to carry full insurance coverage on their motorcycle. This usually includes:

• Bodily injury liability limits and uninsured/underinsured limits of at least $250,000;
• Medical payments coverage of at least $10,000; and
  Collision, comprehensive and property coverage on your motorcycle.
• In a non-mandatory insurance state such as New Hampshire, if you do not maintain sufficient insurance coverage and are seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, there may be no insurance monies available to compensate you for your injuries.

2. How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After My Motorcycle Accident?
In New Hampshire, adult motorcyclists have three (3) years to file a legal action in court to seek compensation for their injuries and property damage. Failing to file your legal claim within the Statute of Limitations will bar your claim.

3. If I Have No Insurance of My Own, Can I Bring a Claim Against the Driver Who Hit Me?
Regardless of whether you maintain motorcycle insurance, you are always entitled to bring a claim against the at-fault party, so long as you do so within the Statute of Limitations.

4. A Car Cut Me off and Fled the Scene. What Can I Do?
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to cover you and provide compensation for your injuries and damages in the event the at-fault driver cannot be identified.

5. Should I Hire an Attorney for My Motorcycle Accident Case?
Riders and passengers can sustain severe and life threatening injuries in a motorcycle accident. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to assist with your claim. A skilled New Hampshire motorcycle accident lawyer will manage all aspects of your case, including negotiating with the insurance companies, gathering necessary witness information, managing your medical bills and records, and keeping track of your expenses. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. in Manchester, New Hampshire will manage all the details of your case, so that you can focus on getting better.

6. If My Health Insurance Pays My Medical Bills From My Motorcycle Accident Will I Have to Pay Them Back?
In most situations the answer is "yes." Most health insurance policies provide for a right of subrogation, meaning that they are entitled to be paid back on any bills they paid on your behalf, if you receive a personal injury settlement or award. Often, your injury lawyer can negotiate down the amount recoverable.

7. Do I Have to Wear a Helmet When I Ride My Motorcycle?
If you are over 18 years of age, New Hampshire law does not mandate helmet use. As such, wearing a helmet or not, is left up to you. The motorcycle lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. strongly recommend all riders and passengers wear DOT-approved helmets.

8. I Was Injured in a Motorcycle Accident but Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet. Can I Still Collect Damages From the Other Driver?
If the other driver was the cause of the motorcycle accident and your resulting injuries, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Your failure to wear a helmet does not prevent you from asserting a claim against the at-fault party.

9. Should I Call the Police if I Am Involved in a Motorcycle Collision?
If you were involved in a New Hampshire motorcycle accident that resulted in significant property damage and/or personal injury, you are required to report the accident to the police. Contacting the police allows them to document the collision, obtain witness and insurance information, and determine who was at fault for the collision. This information will be critical in bringing a claim against the responsible driver.

10. Why Is an Investigation of My Motorcycle Accident Case Important?
It is critical to initiate a prompt investigation because insurance companies will often attempt to prove that the motorcyclist was reckless or at fault for the crash, all in an attempt to reduce the value of your claim. An experienced New Hampshire motorcycle injury attorney will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the facts of the case are represented and that the victim's rights are protected.

11. What Is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
An uninsured motorist is one who does not have auto or motorcycle insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is a clause in your insurance policy, which pays you for injuries and damages when an uninsured motorist hits and injures you. Underinsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries when the at-fault motorist has insurance coverage, but the liability limit is not high enough to fully compensate you for all the damages you have suffered.

12. Can I Make a Claim Through My Insurance if I’m Struck and Injured by a Hit-And-Run Driver?
Yes, if you have been injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist policy for your injuries and damages.

13. What Can I Do if a Motorcycle Defect Caused My Injuries?
If you were injured due to a manufacturing defect or product defect in your motorcycle, then you may have a claim against the manufacturer of the motorcycle. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will retain an expert to thoroughly examine the motorcycle for any evidence of defects, malfunctions or design flaws. It is important to preserve the vehicle unaltered so it can be thoroughly examined for defects.

14. How Can I Seek Compensation if a Dangerous or Defective Roadway Caused My Motorcycle Accident?
A number of motorcycle accidents in New Hampshire are caused by roadways or intersections that are dangerously designed or roadway defects such as uneven pavement, potholes or missing signage. In such cases, you may be able to file a claim against the governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway in question.

15. What Should I Do if My Family Member Has Been Killed in a Motorcycle Accident That Was Not Their Fault?
The loss of a loved one under any circumstances can be devastating. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident as the result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, you can file a wrongful death claim against the negligent or responsible party. Typically, an estate will be open and the estate will initiate the claim on the decedent’s behalf. Such claims seek compensation for losses including, but not limited to, medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits and emotional distress.