February 21, 2023
Car accidents can sometimes result from unusual circumstances. Some accidents are more straightforward: they involve two drivers, and the cause may be clear-cut and easy to determine. On the other hand, bizarre accidents may result from the actions of multiple drivers, or one driver might cause a chain-reaction accident. When these unusual events arise, it may be difficult to determine who was at fault. As a result, when bringing a lawsuit after a bizarre accident, it is crucial to have the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney.
A recent news article reported on a bizarre New Hampshire accident that left ten cars with flat tires. The accident took place on I-93 when a vehicle knocked down a light pole, which blocked the highway and an exit ramp. The crash caused metal and debris to be strewn across the highway. As a result of the debris, ten cars were left with one or more flat tires. Then, less than ten minutes after police responded to the scene, they received calls about another I-93 crash. Eyewitnesses reported that a driver struck the left guardrail, veered into the left lane, and fled the scene. When police arrived, they found alcohol inside the abandoned vehicle. After conducting a search, police were still unable to locate the driver. Though no one suffered injuries, both accidents caused extensive property damage on the highway and to other vehicles.
How Does New Hampshire Apportion Fault Among Multiple Defendants?In a negligence lawsuit, bizarre accidents can involve multiple defendants. Each defendant may have caused different injuries, or multiple defendants may be responsible for the same injury. To apportion fault among defendants in a lawsuit, New Hampshire follows a system of joint and several liability. Under this system, a plaintiff can seek the full damages award from each defendant. In other words, even if a defendant is only responsible for a portion of the accident, a plaintiff can seek the entire damages amount against the defendant. However, when a defendant is less than 50% at fault, the plaintiff can only collect a damages amount proportionate to the defendant’s level of fault. For example, if a defendant is only 20% at fault, the plaintiff can only collect 20% of their total damages claim from that defendant. New Hampshire’s laws around fault demonstrate the importance of proving causation to prevail on a negligence claim.
How Do You Show Causation in Bizarre New Hampshire Accidents?
When a random, bizarre accident occurs, determining who caused what injury can be a complicated question. In a negligence lawsuit, one of the key elements a plaintiff must prove is that the defendant caused the accident. However, two or more people may have jointly caused one injury. Alternatively, one person may have set off a chain reaction accident, leading to multiple subsequent injuries. As a result, defendants in a negligence lawsuit may argue that another person caused the accident instead, whether directly or indirectly. When faced with these complicated situations, an experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorney can help you sort through the evidence and develop a case theory to help prove a defendant caused your injuries.
Have You Been Injured in a Bizarre New Hampshire Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a New Hampshire car accident, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates to discuss your case. Our attorneys possess years of experience handling all types of New Hampshire personal injury cases. We have the dedication and skill to represent you no matter what unique circumstances led to your injuries. You can be sure that we will gather evidence and develop a case strategy to help secure the compensation you need and deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our office at 1-800-804-2004.