November 30, 2022
Car accidents can be especially difficult to process when the victim is a passenger. When the driver is involved in a car accident, injured passengers suffer the same consequences despite lacking control of the vehicle. Whether passengers suffer injuries from a single-vehicle accident or a multi-vehicle collision, they may bring a negligence claim to recover damages. In the tragic event that a passenger accident becomes fatal, a victim’s family may decide to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
As a recent news article reported, a Portsmouth, New Hampshire car accident left one passenger dead. The deceased was riding as a passenger in a car when it suddenly rolled over. As the driver was approaching a traffic circle, he veered off the roadway and into a lane divider, causing the vehicle to crash into the median. The vehicle then rolled over several times, throwing multiple passengers as a result. The deceased, the driver, and the other four passengers were hospitalized for their injuries. Although local authorities are still investigating the crash, they cite excessive speed and impairment as potential factors.
How Can Victims Recover Compensation in a New Hampshire Passenger Accident?A victim of a New Hampshire passenger accident can bring a negligence claim for monetary damages. To bring a successful negligence action, plaintiffs must show the defendants owed them a duty of care, breached that duty, that the breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries, and that the plaintiff suffered harm as a result. In New Hampshire, accident victims can typically seek damages for their physical injuries, property damage to their vehicle, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
In other cases, the injured passenger may have tragically died from their injuries. Bringing a wrongful death lawsuit may be the last thing on a surviving loved one’s mind. However, it may be an avenue to recover for the victim’s medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages, along with non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. New Hampshire law allows anyone with an interest in the deceased victim’s estate to bring a wrongful death claim. However, only surviving spouses can claim the loss of the deceased’s companionship.
In a single-vehicle accident, a negligence suit may put injured passengers or their loved ones in the position of directly suing the driver, whose insurance may cover a portion of the damages amount. According to the New Hampshire Insurance Department, auto liability coverage can include bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. However, drivers involved in single-vehicle pedestrian accidents may see a reduction in the damages amount their insurance covers. In these situations, an experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorney can help injured plaintiffs talk through their options and develop a legal strategy to recover damages.
Have You Been Injured in a New Hampshire Pedestrian Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or died in a New Hampshire pedestrian accident, call an experienced personal injury attorney today. The attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates have handled many challenging cases on behalf of New Hampshire accident victims and their families. Through our dedicated representation, we have secured the compensation our clients need and deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation and discuss your case, contact our office at 800-804-2004.