Helping Those Injured In Car Accidents
Some people who are injured in car accidents attempt to resolve their personal injury claims on their own. However, doing so can be to your detriment. Whenever you give a statement to your insurance company about your injuries, that statement can and will be used against you.
At Elmore Law Office in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, we represent people who have been injured in car accidents, and we offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and explain your rights.
Types of car accidents we handle include:
Why You Shouldn’t Talk To An Insurance Company
Insurance company adjusters will often try to get you to make a recorded statement about your injuries. However, you should never give a statement to an insurance company — even your own insurance company — without a lawyer’s advice.
You might not feel injured immediately following an accident. However, a few days later you may need medical attention because you are in pain. If the insurance company has recorded you saying that you are “OK,” it can be difficult for you to collect compensation.
Time Limits For Auto Accident Claims
The statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. However, that doesn’t mean you have three years to contact an attorney about your case. There are specific notice requirements for specific types of personal injury claims. In some cases, you may only have a few days after a crash to file a claim notice, or you will lose important rights.
Auto Accident Claims Frequently Asked Questions
A car accident is undoubtedly traumatizing. No matter the severity of your accident, you probably have many questions about your next steps and what a car accident claim would look like. Please read some answers to questions we receive about car accident claims.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, car accidents are most commonly caused by impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, problems with the car itself and weather conditions.
When Should I Contact An Attorney After A Car Accident?
Following an accident, it is often the case that an investigation that is performed right away will reveal more than one started weeks later. Accordingly, it is important to reach out to an attorney to start your claim as soon as you are able. If you wait too long, evidence may disappear, and achieving a successful outcome in your case could be more challenging. An experienced attorney can also take over discussions with insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
What Compensation May I Be Eligible To Receive?
Depending on your case, you may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages in a car accident claim. Economic damages include monetary compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and potential future income. Non-economic damages include intangible damages such as pain and suffering, physical impairment, loss of consortium and mental anguish.
What If The Other Driver Was Uninsured Or Underinsured?
You can still recover damages even if the other driver involved in your car accident is uninsured or underinsured. When this happens, you must file an accident claim with your insurance company. Although New Hampshire does not require motorists to purchase insurance, you must also buy uninsured motorist coverage when you do have insurance. If you have this coverage, you can pursue an uninsured motorist claim. These claims are often more complicated and usually require the help of an experienced attorney to avoid paying out-of-pocket costs related to the accident.
What Are The Do’s And Don’ts Of Communicating With My Insurance Company?
After an accident, you likely will receive a phone call from an insurance company, whether that is yours or the other party’s insurer. You should first confirm and note down the company and the name of the person you are speaking to. Remember to remain calm and polite to make that interaction and future conversations easier. You don’t have to talk to them if you are not up to it. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to handle insurance companies and can take over those communications on your behalf.
Whether you are speaking to your insurer or the other party’s company, some things can hurt your case if you say them. First, never admit fault or say anything that suggests you did anything wrong or would have done anything differently. Do not provide possible reasons for the accident, as this could be the agent trying to trick you into admitting fault. Don’t talk about your injuries or offer any additional information. Do not agree to sign anything or to be recorded. If they ask, have them contact your attorney.
Talk To A Car Crash Attorney
To schedule a free initial consultation, call 800-926-7677 or contact us by email. If you are not able to come to our Portsmouth law office, we can come to you.