If you were walking when you were struck by a vehicle in New Hampshire, you might be eligible to recover compensation for your damages by filing a personal injury claim. The state has several cities that are very walkable, such as Portsmouth and Dover.
State law has pedestrians and drivers sharing the responsibility to prevent pedestrian accidents, but based on the comparative fault that is used in the state, you can pursue a personal injury claim as long as the driver of the vehicle is considered 49% to blame for the accident.
As an injured pedestrian, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages but you must prove that the driver was at fault for the injuries you suffered.
Negligence In New Hampshire Pedestrian Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 4,280 pedestrian fatalities during 2010 all across the country. Usually, these accidents are because drivers fail to notice the pedestrian. In some cases, the driver is distracted. Drivers are sometimes under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Speeding is another cause of such accidents. Pedestrian accidents are usually very serious and result in injuries that can impact the pedestrian for weeks, months, or even years to come. Without safety features to protect a pedestrian, being hit by a vehicle can lead to life-altering injuries or even death.
Usually, pedestrian accidents are the result of the driver being negligent. If there are any witnesses to your accident, get their names and contact details so that you can contact them later for their testimonies.
Damages After Being Hit While Walking
Various injuries can result from being hit as a pedestrian. Some more common pedestrian injuries include broken bones, brain damage, traumatic brain injury, neck injuries, paralysis, back injuries, scrapes, lacerations, bruises, and soft tissue injuries.
As a result, you will have medical expenses and may have additional medical expenses in the future. You will suffer lost wages and possibly future loss of earnings while you recover. Permanent scarring or disfigurement might result. You will also have pain and suffering. All of these damages add up and will impact you and your family financially.
You should consult with a personal injury attorney about seeking compensation for your damages.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
Consult with a New Hampshire personal injury attorney if you have been hit as a pedestrian. Your attorney will be able to determine why the accident took place and the damages that you suffered as a result. A personal injury lawyer will investigate the crash, gather up all the evidence and then aggressively pursue your claim.
Without a lawyer, your odds of a fair settlement decrease significantly. There is a statute of limitations for filing a claim, so you should consult with a personal injury attorney right away.
Your lawyer will not be paid until you get money through a judgment or settlement. Schedule a free consultation today because you have nothing to lose.