A car crash can turn your life upside down in seconds. Whether you were rear-ended on Elm Street or T-boned near the Millyard, what you do next matters. From reporting the crash to dealing with insurance companies and protecting your rights, understanding your legal responsibilities in New Hampshire can make a huge difference.
Prioritize Your Safety and Follow Reporting Rules
Your first priority should always be safety: yours and everyone else’s. Move vehicles to a safe spot if possible. Call 911 if there are injuries or if anyone is in danger.
Under New Hampshire law, you must report a car crash if it results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. In Manchester, this usually means calling the local police to the scene. They’ll file a report, which can be crucial later if you need to prove what happened. Don’t assume the damage looks minor and drive off, failure to report a crash when required can lead to fines or license suspension.
Even if you think you're okay, get checked by a doctor. To understand why timing is so critical, see why getting medical care immediately after a crash protects both your health and your case. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, don’t show up right away. Medical records also serve as documentation if you file a claim later.
Also, take photos. Get names and contact info from other drivers, passengers, and witnesses. If the police arrive, ask how to get a copy of the report. These simple steps can save you major headaches down the road.
What You Say to Insurance Companies Can Hurt You
New Hampshire doesn’t require drivers to carry auto insurance, but if you do have it (and most people do), notify your insurer right away. This is not the time to overshare. Stick to the facts. Avoid saying things like “I’m fine” or admitting fault. Insurance companies may use your own words against you.
The other driver’s insurance company might call you too. You’re not required to speak with them, and you probably shouldn’t. Their goal isn’t to help you. It’s to limit how much they pay out.
If you’re facing medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, you may be entitled to compensation. But getting a fair offer isn’t automatic. Insurers often pressure crash victims into quick settlements that don’t come close to covering long-term costs.
Before you sign anything, or even give a recorded statement, get legal advice. An attorney can deal with the insurance company for you and push back on lowball offers. They’ll also make sure any settlement protects your rights in case more issues pop up later.
Fault and Deadlines in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is an at-fault state. That means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for the damages. But proving fault isn’t always easy, especially when both drivers say the other was to blame.
Police reports, photos, witness statements, and crash reconstruction reports can all play a role in showing what really happened. If the crash was caused by texting, drunk driving, speeding, or running a red light, that could support your claim. But even if you were partly at fault, you may still be able to recover damages under the state’s modified comparative fault rule, as long as you’re less than 51% responsible.
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may be your next step. In New Hampshire, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like a long time, but key evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance delays can eat up months.
Some cases settle out of court. Others may go all the way to trial. Either way, having someone on your side who understands how Manchester courts handle these cases, and what juries tend to look for, can make all the difference.
We’re Here to Help
At Buckley Law Offices, we know how stressful life can feel after a car crash. We’re ready to protect your rights, fight for what you deserve, and guide you every step of the way. It's why our clients choose us when it matters most.
Our firm is located in Nashua, New Hampshire and we are ready to help wherever your crash occurred. Schedule a consultation right now and let’s talk about how we can help you move forward.
