Damages Available in a New Hampshire Head-On Collision

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Negligent drivers cause a significant number of car accidents in New Hampshire each year. Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents. At the end of August 2019, a New Hampshire driver crashed into another vehicle in a head-on collision. The driver crossed over the centerline of the road and struck another driver. The at-fault driver’s passenger and the woman in the other car suffered serious injuries.

If you have suffered an injury in a head-on collision, it is important to speak with a skilled New Hampshire car accident injury attorney. If another driver negligently caused the head-on collision, he or she may be liable to compensate you for your injuries. Contact our law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Head-On Collisions are Extremely Dangerous

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young adults, teens, and children. In 2013, approximately 140 people died in motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2016, head-on collisions caused 3,511 deaths in the United States, accounting for 10.2% of the total number of fatal crashes.

Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in New Hampshire

If you have suffered an injury from a head-on collision, you may be entitled to compensation. The law allows those injured in car accidents to bring a civil lawsuit for damages when another person’s negligence caused their injuries. The plaintiffs must file a civil lawsuit within three years of the car accident to meet the statute of limitations requirements. To succeed in a New Hampshire personal injury lawsuit, a plaintiff must prove the following elements:

  • The defendant owed the injured person a duty
  • The defendant breached the duty of care by driving negligently or recklessly
  • The defendant’s negligent or reckless conduct caused the plaintiff’s injuries
  • The plaintiff suffered injuries

Damages Available in a New Hampshire Car Accident

If you have suffered an injury resulting from a Manchester car accident, you may be facing medical bills. The stress of not being able to return to work while attempting to recover from your injuries can be significant. Successful New Hampshire car accident plaintiffs are entitled to the following damages:

  • The value of your damaged property
  • Any income lost due to the head-on collision
  • Reasonable medical expenses caused by your injury
  • Compensation for any pain and suffering caused by the injuries

When the defendant’s intentional malice caused the head-on collision, the plaintiff may be entitled to additional punitive damages. To recover punitive damages, the plaintiff must prove that the driver acted with intentional malice or gross negligence. New Hampshire tort law considers punitive damages to be enhanced compensatory damages.