How to Handle New Hampshire Car Accidents When the Other Party Is an Uninsured Motorist

October 21, 2019

When a New Hampshire driver suffers injuries or property damage in a car accident, they are entitled to seek damages from the party or parties they believe to be responsible for their injuries. One of the first steps to recovering losses is to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This process may raise some challenges, especially when the other party is underinsured or uninsured. Under state law, New Hampshire drivers must obtain the appropriate amount of car insurance coverage. Having sufficient insurance coverage is particularly important in instances where the other party is either unknown or unable to compensate the injured driver fully.

There are generally nine types of coverage that are available to New Hampshire drivers. The types of coverage are, auto liability, bodily injury, property damage, uninsured or underinsured bodily injury, medical payments, collision, comprehensive, towing and labor, and rental reimbursement expenses. Motorists often do not realize that many New Hampshire drivers lack adequate insurance, and this can result in a financial burden to the injured driver and their passengers, even if they are not at fault for causing a collision.

New Hampshire does not require that motorists obtain liability auto car insurance. However, New Hampshire’s car insurance law mandates uninsured drivers to have adequate assets to pay damages if they cause an accident. Uninsured New Hampshire drivers may risk license suspension if they cause an accident with more than $1000 of damages and cannot pay compensation to the injured party.

Although it is difficult for motorists to predict how much coverage is necessary, it is essential to have coverage high enough to cover potential medical and property damage. New Hampshire law requires that car insurance policies must include uninsured motorist protection. This coverage must equal at least the minimum amount of bodily injury coverage in the policy. If a driver makes a claim with their insurance company under the uninsured motorist clause, the amount they receive will be offset by the other party’s payment.

Uninsured motorist’s claims are made against the injured party’s insurance company, unlike bodily injury claims which are against the other driver or their insurance company. Contract law governs uninsured motorist claims, and disputes will typically go through arbitration. In contrast, bodily injury claims disputes will generally go through civil court. If the other party’s insurance company does not sufficiently compensate an accident victim for damages, New Hampshire drivers can file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a New Hampshire car accident, contact the experienced attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. The attorneys at our New Hampshire personal injury law firm have vast experience advocating on behalf of injured drivers against other drivers and their insurance companies. The attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates have been recognized for their zealous and high-quality representation on behalf of New Hampshire car accident victims. Injury victims may be entitled to receive compensation for their property damage, medical bills, as well as pain and suffering. Contact the law firm today at 800-804-2004 to schedule your free initial consultation.