If a sideswipe accident has left you with damages in New Hampshire, you might be wondering who is responsible for the damages that resulted. New Hampshire has a comparative fault system, so that means if the other driver is considered to be at least 49% at fault for the crash, you can pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages.
You will need to keep a copy of the accident report, get contact details for any witnesses, and maintain all evidence and documentation that can be used to help support your claim. Most accidents are a result of negligence, and when you prove a driver was negligent then you are much more likely to have a successful claim.
How Negligence Impacts a New Hampshire Personal Injury Claim
If a driver acted negligently, then he or she contributed to the crash that could have been prevented. Negligence means that the driver's actions or inactions caused the accident that led to the damages you suffered. When the responding officer completes the accident report, he or she will determine what caused the accident and indicate who was at fault for the crash.
The actions that caused the crash will be noted in the report and it will be noted which driver was at fault. In New Hampshire, which is a comparative fault state, a driver who is no more than 51% at fault for an accident can recover damages from the other driver.
To determine fault in a sideswipe accident, several things are considered including point of impact, the location of the vehicles, the resulting damages, and if a vehicle crossed the line to strike another.
Damages That Result From a New Hampshire Sideswipe Crash
A sideswipe accident can lead to a variety of damages. You will suffer property damages because your vehicle will be damaged in the accident. Other economic damages in addition to the property damages can result, such as medical bills, lost wages, future loss of earnings, and future medical expenses.
Maintain documentation to support your personal injury claim, such as medical bills, proof of lost wages, medical reports, photos of damage to your vehicle, photos of any injuries, and any witness statements.
Some non-economic damages that you might experience are mental anguish, pain and suffering, and embarrassment resulting from the crash.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a New Hampshire sideswipe accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can determine which damages you suffered and what would be a fair monetary settlement amount for your claim. An auto accident injury lawyer would investigate the crash and help gather the supporting evidence for a successful claim.
A statute of limitations applies, so if you wait too long you cannot pursue a claim to recoup compensation for your losses. Working on a contingency basis, your attorney will not be paid until you get a judgment or a settlement. Schedule a free case evaluation with a New Hampshire personal injury lawyer today.
