Suspected Drunk Driver Causes Two New Hampshire Car Accidents

A drunk driver caused two different car accidents in Reading and Wakefield, New Hampshire over the Thanksgiving weekend. Police responded to a call about a motor vehicle accident involving three vehicles on November 29. The suspect crashed into multiple cars in two different cities. The suspect and five other people received treatment for their injuries at local hospitals. Authorities have charged the suspect with driving while under the influence of alcohol and operating a motor vehicle to endanger.

How to Bring a Lawsuit for Negligent or Reckless Driving in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire criminal code makes negligent or reckless driving a crime. Driving a motor vehicle negligently or in a manner that endangers someone’s life or is likely to endanger another person or property is considered criminal. In addition to paying a fine between $250 and $500 for a first offense, reckless drivers may also face a civil lawsuit when their driving causes injuries to other people.

Most New Hampshire personal injury lawsuits involve the defendant’s negligent actions. Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care when driving. The injured person bringing the lawsuit must establish that the person who caused their injury breached their duty of care. Every driver owes all other drivers and passengers on the road a duty to use reasonable care while driving. Driving while intoxicated usually breaches this duty of care. Drivers who drive drunk fail to meet their duty to drive in a way that does not cause personal injury or property damage to other drivers.

The Plaintiff Must Prove that the Car Accident Caused a Foreseeable Harm

In addition to proving that the drunk or reckless driver breached his or her duty of care, the plaintiff must also prove that the defendant’s actions caused foreseeable harm. This element is usually easy to prove in car accident scenarios. It is foreseeable that drunk and reckless driving will cause a car accident. It is also foreseeable that car accidents will cause passengers and drivers physical harm.

Lastly, plaintiffs must prove that drunk or reckless driving caused their injuries. If you are in a car accident, it is important that you do not tell the other driver or the insurance companies that you have not been injured. Instead, say that you do not know the extent of your injuries. A medical doctor can evaluate you and provide a comprehensive examination that documents the extent of your injuries.

If You Have Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident, We can Help

Drunk and reckless driving accidents can cause severe injuries and even death. Just like the people injured by the drunk driver recently, we never expect to be in a car accident. When a car accident causes an injury, it is essential that you hire an experienced attorney. At Ward Law, our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing people injured in car accidents. Contact our Manchester law firm today to learn how we can help you fight for your right to compensation.