Motor vehicle collisions may result in serious injuries that require expensive medical treatment. Fortunately, victims may be able to pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages from the negligent driver who caused the accident. At Normandin, Cheney & O'Neil, our New Hampshire motor vehicle accident attorneys have provided knowledgeable legal representation to people in Belknap, Grafton, Carroll, and Merrimack Counties for over 100 years. We have the experience and the dedication necessary to bring a strong claim, and we maintain a high standard of client service. Enlisting an injury attorney at our firm may be a vital step in asserting your rights.
Personal Injury Claims Arising Out of Motor Vehicle AccidentsIn New Hampshire, negligent drivers may be held responsible for the harm caused by a failure to use reasonable care while driving. To succeed in a negligence claim, the plaintiff has the burden to establish the elements of duty, breach, causation, and damages.
As a matter of law, the defendant must owe a duty of care to the injured person. In car accident cases, this duty applies to every person behind the wheel, and it requires exercising reasonable care in avoiding harm to others while operating a vehicle on the road. The plaintiff may show that the defendant breached that duty by failing to exercise reasonable care while driving. Typical examples of careless driving include violating the rules of the road, such as by speeding or disobeying traffic signs, distracted driving while using a cell phone or other device, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The element of causation requires proof that the defendant’s negligence caused an injury to the plaintiff. Causation consists of actual causation, under which the injury would not have occurred “but for” the defendant’s negligence, and proximate causation, meaning that the injury was a reasonably foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions. In New Hampshire, plaintiffs who partially caused a car accident may still receive some damages in an injury claim as long as they are less at fault for the accident than the defendant, although their damages may be reduced proportionately.
Plaintiffs in a motor vehicle accident case may be able to recover compensatory damages, such as past and future medical expenses, lost earnings and wages, property damage, and other economic costs. They may also be awarded general damages for non-economic losses, including pain and suffering, disfigurement, and disability, among others. Generally, a personal injury claim must be brought within three years from the date of the accident, although there are certain exceptions that may extend this deadline and certain situations where it may be reduced and have an accelerated deadline for some action or filing by the plaintiff. Consequently, it is wise to consult an experienced legal professional after a motor vehicle accident as soon as reasonably possible.
Consult a Skilled Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney in New HampshireIf you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, seeking advice from an experienced legal professional can help you decide whether to pursue compensation from a negligent party. The New Hampshire motor vehicle accident lawyers at Normandin, Cheney & O'Neil have provided legal guidance to victims in a wide range of personal injury cases. Our diligence, detail-oriented approach, and trial experience have led to many successful results for people who have been injured in car and truck collisions, suffered a fall on the premises of another party, or been hurt in other situations. From our office in Laconia, we can assist individuals in Belknap, Grafton, Carroll, and Merrimack Counties, and beyond. To schedule a consultation with a personal injury or wrongful death attorney, contact Normandin, Cheney & O'Neil online or by phone at (603) 524-4380.