If you’ve been in a truck accident in Manchester, you’re likely facing a whirlwind of challenges—hospital bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of an unexpected injury. At a time like this, you need to understand your rights and options for compensation.
This article aims to guide you through the process of seeking legal recourse and securing the compensation you need to recover both physically and financially.
Want to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Manchester, NH about your case? Call us today at (205) 957-4995 for your free consultation.
Why Choose Us
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, our reputation for aggressive legal representation and compassionate client care speaks for itself. With over $1.5 billion recovered nationwide, we have demonstrated time and again that we are committed to securing justice and compensation for accident victims.
Proven Experience and Client Success
Our legal team has handled thousands of personal injury cases, including some of the most complex truck accidents in New Hampshire and beyond. This experience proves invaluable when dealing with trucking companies and their insurers, who employ teams of attorneys to protect their interests.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our clients. Our approach is client-focused, meaning we are with you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final resolution of your case.
With 24/7 availability, we ensure that when you need us, we're there. Our firm prides itself on clear, consistent communication—keeping you informed and empowered as your case progresses.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
In New Hampshire, victims of truck accidents are entitled to seek compensation for various economic and non-economic losses under state and federal laws.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses you’ve incurred from your accident. These are the hard numbers—expenses you can prove through bills, receipts, and pay stubs. Some examples include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical care you may require due to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, or if you have to take a lower-paying job, you can seek compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Property Damage: This typically refers to the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
In New Hampshire, the state follows RSA 507:7-d, which allows victims to seek compensation for economic losses without a cap. This ensures that you can recover the full value of your actual expenses, regardless of how high those costs may be.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the intangible effects of an accident—those that don't come with a bill but deeply impact your quality of life. Some of the non-economic damages you may be entitled to include:
- Pain and Suffering: Truck accidents often result in severe, long-lasting injuries that cause significant physical pain and emotional distress.
- Emotional Distress: The psychological impact of a traumatic accident can affect your mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you can seek compensation for this loss of enjoyment.
Punitive Damages
Unlike compensatory damages, which are designed to reimburse you for losses, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
In New Hampshire, punitive damages are rare, and the courts typically award them only in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. For example, if a trucking company knowingly violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), such as falsifying driver logs or failing to maintain vehicles properly, this could serve as grounds for punitive damages.
Where Do Accidents Occur in Manchester?
Truck accidents in Manchester are a significant concern, particularly on major routes such as Interstate 93 (I-93), Interstate 89 (I-89), and Interstate 95 (I-95). These highways present substantial risks due to the sheer volume of large trucks sharing the road with smaller passenger vehicles. This risk is particularly high in areas with frequent congestion or during inclement weather, where long stopping distances for trucks and blind spots can lead to severe collisions.
In addition to highways, intersections like those along Elm Street and Queen City Avenue are known for being accident-prone. Truck drivers navigating these urban roads face challenges such as sharp turns, narrow lanes, and high pedestrian traffic, all of which can contribute to accidents involving smaller vehicles. Trucks making wide turns or failing to yield at busy intersections frequently cause serious crashes.
Local and Statewide Accident Trends
While specific truck accident data for Manchester isn’t readily available, broader traffic statistics for New Hampshire provide insight into the dangers on the road:
- Traffic Fatality Trends: In 2022, New Hampshire experienced 146 traffic fatalities, a 25% increase from 118 in 2021. The fatality rate also rose, with 1.12 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2022, up from 0.91 in 2021.
- Contributing Factors: Alcohol and drug use were responsible for nearly 66% of fatal crashes in 2022. The lack of seatbelt use also remained an issue—of the 98 vehicle occupant fatalities in 2022, 56 were unrestrained.
Truck Accident 101
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents come in various forms, each with its own risks and legal implications. Here are the most common types of truck accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: Trucks take longer to stop, especially when fully loaded. If a truck fails to brake in time, the impact on a smaller vehicle can cause severe injuries or fatalities.
- Jackknifing: This occurs when a truck's trailer swings out from behind the cab, forming a 90-degree angle. This dangerous situation often leads to multi-vehicle pile-ups.
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks, particularly those with high centers of gravity, are prone to tipping over, especially if they are carrying uneven loads or taking sharp turns at high speeds.
- Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles can become trapped underneath a truck's trailer during a collision, causing serious injury or death.
Each of these accidents can involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of the truck’s components. Understanding the specific type of accident helps determine liability and can significantly affect the outcome of a legal claim.
Types of Injuries
Truck accidents tend to cause serious, long-lasting injuries due to the size and force of the vehicles. Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can result from blunt force trauma to the head during a collision, leading to lasting cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s life.
- Broken Bones and Amputations: The immense force of a truck crash often causes fractures, crush injuries, and, in extreme cases, amputations.
- Internal Injuries: Many truck accident victims suffer internal bleeding or damage to vital organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
Relevant Laws and Statutes
In New Hampshire, several statutes and regulations come into play:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR): These laws set out guidelines for truck maintenance, driver working hours, and safety protocols. Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence in a truck accident case.
- Negligence Laws in New Hampshire: Under New Hampshire’s comparative negligence rule (RSA 507:7-d), your ability to recover damages may decrease by your percentage of fault in the accident. However, as long as you're not more than 50% at fault, you can still pursue compensation from the trucking company or other responsible parties.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be one of the most frustrating and challenging parts of seeking compensation.
The Tactics of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies employ various tactics to reduce their liability and avoid paying fair compensation:
- Quick Settlement Offers: Shortly after the accident, the insurance company might present a settlement offer that seems appealing when you're facing mounting medical bills. However, this offer is often far less than what your claim is worth.
- Blame Shifting: The insurance adjuster might argue that you were partially or fully responsible for the accident. If they can prove you were more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages.
- Delaying Tactics: Insurers may deliberately slow down the claims process, hoping that you’ll accept a lower offer out of desperation or frustration with the process.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Fight Back
Having a skilled attorney on your side levels the playing field. Our legal team is well-versed in the strategies insurance companies and trucking firms use to avoid liability. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating the Accident: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as truck driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements to build a strong case that clearly establishes fault.
- Negotiating with Insurers: We’ll handle all communication with the insurance company to ensure that you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement. Our goal is to secure compensation that fully reflects your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Litigating if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our firm has a proven track record of success in court, and we’re not afraid to fight for the compensation you deserve.
By engaging a lawyer early in the process, you increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement without falling victim to the tactics of big insurance companies.
What to Do After an Accident
1. Keep a Record of Everything
Keep a detailed record of everything related to your injuries and the accident itself:
- Medical Records: Hold on to all medical documentation, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and any rehabilitation or physical therapy you undergo.
- Receipts and Bills: Keep copies of all receipts for medical expenses, prescriptions, and any other costs related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments.
- Lost Wages: If you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries, collect proof of lost income, such as pay stubs and a statement from your employer.
- Police Reports: Make sure you have a copy of the official accident report, as it is a crucial piece of evidence when proving fault.
2. Avoid Social Media
Insurance companies may monitor your online activity and attempt to use posts, photos, or comments to downplay the severity of your injuries. For example, if you post pictures of yourself engaging in physical activities, the insurer could argue that you aren’t as injured as you claim to be. It’s best to avoid posting about anything altogether.
3. Follow Your Treatment Plan
This not only helps with your recovery but also demonstrates to the insurance company or court that you are doing everything possible to heal. Missing medical appointments or failing to take prescribed treatments can be used against you, with insurers arguing that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
4. Bring Your Case to Us
By providing all relevant documentation and following your treatment plan, you’re helping us build a case that ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.
Get the Compensation You Deserve with Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on you and your loved ones. Our experienced team will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Don’t settle for less than what you deserve—call Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers today at (205) 957-4995 for your free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.