Shock hits you. Feelings of hopelessness can be overwhelming. What should you do? Who should you call? Turn to the law firm people have trusted for more than a century in New Hampshire - the experienced car accident attorneys at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. We are located in Dover and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
How Did Your Accident Happen?
Why Did Your Accident Happen?
You need time to rest, recover and rebuild your life. We can help you do just that. We can deal directly with insurance companies and handle all the red tape so you can focus on what really matters - getting better. While you may feel that things are out of control after your accident, we can help you in your quest for legal justice.
Come to our office for a free case evaluation, directly with one of our attorneys. We won't settle for anything less and neither should you. Experienced attorneys at one of the oldest law firms in New Hampshire have what it takes to offer confident legal guidance. We can provide valuable information on what to do in the event of a car accident, such as:
Contact us. We'll handle the rest
We have over one hundred fifty years of experience dealing with the fine print and tricky language that insurance companies and negligent parties often try to use to get out of the responsibility that they have to compensate you for your injuries. To an insurance company, your accident is probably nothing more than inconvenience. And the last thing they want to do is pay you the money you rightfully deserve. Often, they comb through every possible footnote and bit of fine print in search of opportunities to deny your claim, downplay your injuries or shortchange you.
Don't let insurance companies dictate what happens to you. Fight back. Talk to an attorney at our law firm and learn how we can help you. You'll notice the difference the first time you contact us. We don't take a one-size-fits-all approach to car accident cases. We take the time to find out exactly what happened to you. We listen. That way, we can carefully craft a unique solution that suits your specific legal needs. That's what sets us apart from other law firms. Your needs are our priority. We have offices located in Dover and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Attorneys that care
Car accidents can be tough to get through, especially on your own. They often involve expensive medical bills, property damage and potentially life-threatening injuries. That's why you need a car accident lawyer who cares not only about your health and your case, but also the outcome of your claim. Make sure you take your car accident case seriously right from the start. Make sure you contact us. We can help you get the financial compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
What should I do if I was hit by a car?
If you get hit by a car you should stay calm and move out of the road, if possible. If you’ve been seriously injured and can’t move, have someone else call you an ambulance. Otherwise, you should:
- Call police and tell them you got hit by a car. Calmly ask the driver and anyone who witnessed your accident to stay at the scene until police arrive. When police arrive, ask the officer how you can get a copy of the police report.
- Take down the driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate number. Do not argue about the accident or who was at fault.
- Take detailed pictures of the crash scene. Include all property damage, tire marks, street signs, road markings, crosswalks, construction and any of your visible injuries.
- Get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed your accident.
- See a doctor right away. Even if you don’t feel injured, you may have serious and potentially fatal injuries that aren’t immediately noticeable. Follow your doctor’s orders for treatment, document your visits, and keep all follow-up appointments.
- Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer. A Dover or Portsmouth car accident attorney can meet with you, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and give you an idea of how much money you might be able to get from your claim.
Are you required to have car insurance in New Hampshire?
While car insurance is generally not legally required in New Hampshire, drivers are liable for any car accidents they cause and must be able to show independent proof of their financial responsibility. Failure to meet these requirements may result in a loss of driving privileges and other stiff penalties.
For those who do decide to purchase car insurance, the minimum requirements are:
- Bodily injury limit of $25,000 per person, per accident
- Per-accident limit of $50,000 for more than one injured party
- $25,000 for property damage, per accident
- $1,000 in medical payments coverage, per accident
Under New Hampshire law, drivers who purchase car insurance must also purchase uninsured motorist coverage.
How do insurance companies decide who is at fault?
The insurance company can determine fault in a car accident by collecting evidence from the crash scene, interviewing eyewitnesses, analyzing police reports, and getting recorded statements from everyone involved in the accident. Often, the insurance company will challenge a claim by arguing multiple parties contributed to the accident and should share fault.
What is the average settlement for a car accident?
Every case is different, and no two car accidents are the same, which is why the value of your claim will depend heavily on the severity of your injuries and the specific details of your case. You claim could be worth hundreds, thousands, or more.
If you get injured in a car accident where you’re not at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Your medical expenses (e.g., physical therapy, rehab, long-term care)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Replacement services, such as housecleaning and childcare
- Pain and suffering
- Enhanced damages
How much should I ask for pain and suffering from a car accident?
There is no set amount of money for pain and suffering that you should request for your car accident. Since it falls under the category of non-economic damages, pain and suffering isn’t something that can be easily measured or calculated. The severity of your injuries and the overall impact your accident has had on your life are things that may be considered when requesting compensation for pain and suffering.
How long does it take to negotiate a car accident settlement?
Some car accident settlements take weeks to negotiate, while others may take months. It really all depends on the specific details of your case and whether or not the car insurance company is challenging your claim. Settlement negotiations often involve a lot of back and forth with the insurance company, which is why some cases take longer to settle than others.
Do you need a lawyer after a car accident?
Hiring a lawyer after a car accident isn’t mandatory, but you may want to consider speaking with an experienced car accident attorney after your accident to understand your rights and go over your legal options. Research has shown that those who hire a car accident lawyer receive more on average in compensation than those who don’t. A car accident attorney can also help you:
- Get appropriate medical care
- Investigate your crash
- Track down and interview eyewitnesses
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Handle settlement negotiations
- Represent you in court, if necessary
How Did Your Accident Happen?
Rear-End Accident
One of the most common accidents on New Hampshire roadways, the circumstances that surround them can range from distracted driving to simply having slow reflexes and poor judgment. Someone may have fallen asleep at the wheel, or have been under the influence of substances. Maybe someone was following you too closely and slammed into the back of your vehicle.
While fault is usually easy to see in a rear-end collision, insurance companies often look for ways to argue that you are to blame, such as accusing you of traveling below the speed limit, or stopping short. These types of accidents often result in injuries from whiplash to head injuries due to a collision with the steering wheel or dashboard of the car, or from snapping forward/back motion of your neck, during the crash. Musculoskeletal injuries can often impact the daily life of the victim, causing nerve and tendon pain and making it difficult to perform daily tasks. To properly obtain the compensation you need and deserve, contact our law firm today.
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Head-On Collision
These accidents are often fatal and leave a path of destruction in their wake. The property damage alone can be catastrophic. Two vehicles crashing head on into each other (especially on highways) can be a recipe for disaster. Traumatic brain injuries are common in these types of accidents, and they can take months or even years to recover from. Some victims may not recover at all.
While it may seem simple to successfully target the at-fault party, head-on collisions are more complicated than they might seem. Conflicting accounts of the accident may be given, which might contribute to an insurance company making attempts to reduce your claim. Thankfully, we know their tricks. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.
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T-Bone/Side-Impact Accident
Yield signs and red lights are present on the road for a very important reason: safety. Obeying the rules of the road is crucial for accident avoidance. The flow of traffic can be hard to follow, which makes intersections a perfect location for a T-Bone accident. Severe and even fatal injuries are often occur in side-impact accidents.
Determining fault with these types of accidents can be difficult. So can holding insurance companies accountable. That's why you need on us your side, fighting for your rights. We know how to take on insurance companies and challenge them if they're trying to deny your T-bone claim. And if they refuse to cooperate, we're prepared to take legal action against them and take them to court. Trust us. We will make sure your voice is heard loud and clear.
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Sideswipe
Many highways bear the scars of sideswipe accidents. And when they happen at high speeds, they can be deadly. The property damage aspect of a sideswipe accident can range from a broken mirror, door replacement, and even result in a totaled vehicle. In addition, even the smallest impact can lead to a devastating injury.
It is the responsibility of the driver to check their blind spots and use their mirrors when changing lanes or merging. If you were sideswiped, seek an attorney's guidance to protect your rights. Speak to a lawyer who will listen to your concerns. Contact us for a free case evaluation. We understand how the legal system works and know how to get results.
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Vehicle Rollover
The most common cause of vehicle rollover accidents is a driver neglecting to follow the rules of the road. Speeding, distracted driving (especially both combined on a highway setting) and driving under the influence often cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, swerve and roll over.
Rollover accidents can be fatal, crushing the cage of the car that protects its passengers. Explosions and fires also often occur. Paying attention on the road and practicing safe driving are incredibly important factors in preventing a rollover accident. If another driver fails to do these things or anything else and causes your crash, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and other accident-related expenses. We can help you every step of the way. That way, you can focus on what matters most - your recovery.
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Multi-Vehicle Collision
Any car accident can be devastating. However, accidents that involve multiple vehicles can be damaging and even fatal. The amount of property damage and the extent of injuries suffered can be catastrophic and result in a permanent disability or even death.
Liability can be difficult to prove in multiple-vehicle accidents. Multiple insurance companies can be involved in these accidents. Holding them accountable can be difficult. Thankfully, the attorneys at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin P.A. have been working with accident victims for decades to make things right. We offer a free consultation to all injury victims. Find out how we can help you. Contact our law firm today.
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Why Did Your Accident Happen?
Distracted Driving/Texting
A deadly habit, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents today. Unfortunately, many of these of these accidents result in serious injuries. Drivers who take their eyes off the road for a few seconds at high speeds might think their actions are harmless, but accidents often occur in such circumstances. Without watching the road, a driver can swerve into your lane or make another sudden action that could could cause a serious auto accident. Distracted drivers are a hazard to anyone on the road, even themselves. Distractions can include texting, using a GPS, talking on the phone or even excessive conversation with another passenger. If you were hit by a distracted or texting driver, you need an attorney to represent you and get you the compensation you need and deserve.
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Speeding
A leading cause for many accidents, speeding is a dangerous habit. Speed limits are put in place for a reason - to keep motorists and pedestrians safe. Unnecessary speeding can lead to dangerous actions that are often reckless and put others at risk. Coming to a sudden stop for a pedestrian or cyclist may be difficult if a person is driving too fast and can't avoid an accident. Speeding (sometimes combined with distracted driving) may also result in a driver running stop signs and red lights, a quick and effective recipe for an accident.
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Drunk Driver
One of the most threatening presences on the road is a driver under the influence of alcohol. Their reaction times are slow, decisions are made hastily and without consideration for repercussions, and their motor skills are compromised. Without the ability to even drive in a straight line, a drunk driver may swerve, speed, drive excessively slow, come to sudden stops and ignore road signs. If you were hit by a drunk driver, chances are that the damage is more than just a scrape. You need an attorney to represent you for the compensation you deserve. You need our law firm fighting for your rights in your drunk driving accident case.
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Defective Vehicle
Our cars should be safe to drive. We should not have to worry about parts coming loose, failing to function properly, or emergency recalls. In these cases, unknowingly driving a defective vehicle can be incredibly dangerous and cause a variety of accidents. The manufacturer should be held responsible for any injuries or damage caused by their defects. You should not have to pay for someone else's mistakes. Get an experienced attorney on your side as soon as possible. Talk to us. We're lawyers who listen and take strong legal action.
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Weather-Related Accident
Most drivers know that adverse weather conditions require modifying their driving in order to accommodate for potential accidents and occurrences such as hydroplaning, being pushed by the wind or skidding on ice. However, not all drivers pay close attention, or curb reckless driving behaviors in order to make safe travel possible for everyone on the road. If you were hit due to the negligence of another driver in adverse weather conditions, you need compensation for the damages you have incurred. Contact us today. Your needs are our top priority.
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Fatigued/Asleep at the Wheel
Common in truck accidents, a fatigued driver has the responsibility to pull into a designated rest stop and take care of themselves, not continue to drive on the road. This puts others at risk. A fatigued driver cannot properly function at the wheel. Their motor skills are slower. Their reaction times are reduced. Their eyes might even be closed or they could even be sound asleep. An accident can happen at any moment given their lack of ability to see or react in time to avoid a collision. If you were hit by a fatigued driver or someone asleep at the wheel, let us know. We can represent you to get the justice you are entitled to under the law.
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