At Sabbeth Law, our Claremont car accident lawyers are passionate, results-driven advocates for injury victims. Recognized by U.S. News Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers of New England, and rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, we are a personal injury law firm solely focused on fighting for those harmed by negligence.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash in Sullivan County, we’re here to help — with experience, urgency, and compassion.

Schedule your free consultation with a trusted New Hampshire car accident attorney today.

What You Need to Know About Car Accident Claims in New Hampshire

If you’ve been in a crash in Claremont or elsewhere in Sullivan County, your rights are shaped by New Hampshire personal injury law. Here are three key things to understand right away:

1. You Have a Limited Time to File a Claim

Under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4, the statute of limitations for car accident injury claims is three years from the date of the crash. That might sound like a long time, but waiting can hurt your case.

Insurance companies start building their defense immediately. You should speak with a Claremont personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

2. New Hampshire Uses a Fault-Based System

Like most states, New Hampshire follows a fault-based standard for car accidents. This means the driver (or another party) responsible for the accident can be held legally and financially liable.

At the same time, New Hampshire also requires no-fault insurance coverage for most motorists. This policy can help cover medical expenses quickly, regardless of who caused the crash.

3. Fault Can Be Shared

New Hampshire applies a comparative fault rule under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 507:7-d.

Here’s what that means:

  • If multiple people share blame for the accident, the court assigns each person a percentage of fault.
  • You can still recover compensation if you’re 50% or less at fault — but your damages will be reduced accordingly.
  • If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you won’t be eligible to recover anything.

Understanding how these laws apply to your case is important. Our team can walk you through how fault is determined and what it means for your recovery.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Claremont

In the minutes and hours after a car accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Knowing what to do (and what not to do) can make a big difference in your health, safety, and claim.

1. Check for injuries and call 911

Safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if the crash seems minor, call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if needed.

2. Move to a safe location

If it’s safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

3. Exchange information

Collect the following from all other drivers involved:

  • Full name
  • Driver’s license number
  • License plate number
  • Insurance provider and policy number
  • Contact information

4. Document everything

Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
Also, make note of any nearby surveillance or traffic cameras.

5. Seek medical care

Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. Get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Insurance representatives may try to get you to say something that hurts your case. Keep conversations brief and don’t accept any settlement offers before talking to a lawyer.

7. Contact a Claremont car accident lawyer

An experienced attorney can help you protect your rights, build your case, and deal with the insurance companies.

Need more guidance? Here’s what to expect after a car accident.

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Common Causes of Car Accidents in Claremont

Understanding what caused your crash is the first step toward building a strong legal case. Most accidents happen because someone was careless behind the wheel. Here are some of the most common causes we see in Claremont and across New Hampshire:

Distracted Driving

Texting, adjusting a GPS, eating, or even talking with passengers can take a driver’s attention off the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction time, and significantly increase the risk of a crash. If another driver was under the influence, they may face both civil and criminal consequences.

Speeding

Driving too fast makes accidents more likely and more severe. Speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time and increases the force of impact.

Following Too Closely (Tailgating)

When drivers don’t leave enough space, they can’t react in time to sudden stops — leading to rear-end collisions.

Fatigued Driving

Drowsy drivers can be just as dangerous as impaired ones. Fatigue slows reaction time and increases the chance of drifting into other lanes.

Failure to Yield

Crashes often happen when drivers ignore right-of-way rules at intersections or while turning left across traffic.

Poor Road Conditions and Weather

Snow, ice, rain, and poorly maintained roads all contribute to crashes, especially in rural areas around Sullivan County.

Want to know more about how accident types affect your case? Visit our guide on types of car accidents.

How Fault Is Determined in New Hampshire Car Accidents

If you’ve been in a car crash, one of the first questions you might have is: Who’s at fault? The answer matters — a lot. New Hampshire uses a comparative fault system, which directly impacts how much compensation you can receive.

New Hampshire’s Comparative Fault Rule

Under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 507:7-d, each party involved in an accident is assigned a percentage of fault. Here’s what you need to know:

  • You can recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault.
  • Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • If you’re more than 50% at fault, you’re not eligible to recover damages.

How Is Fault Proven?

Insurance companies and courts look at many forms of evidence to determine fault, including:

  • Police reports
  • Photos of the scene and vehicle damage
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Traffic and security camera footage
  • Crash reconstruction expert analysis

Fault is often disputed, and insurers may try to push blame onto you to limit what they have to pay. That’s why early legal representation is so important.

Want to better understand how fault is documented? See our guide on how to read a car accident report.

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Why You Shouldn’t Deal With the Insurance Company Alone

After a car accident, it’s normal to feel pressure — especially if the other driver’s insurance company contacts you right away. They may seem helpful, but their job is to save money, not protect you.

Insurance Adjusters Work Against You

Even when they sound polite, insurance adjusters are trained to:

  • Get you to give a recorded statement they can use against you
  • Offer a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
  • Minimize or deny your pain, especially with soft-tissue or delayed-onset injuries
  • Push paperwork that limits your ability to seek more compensation later

If you sign or accept anything too soon, you may lose the chance to recover what your case is truly worth.

How Sabbeth Law Protects Your Case

You don’t have to face this alone. Our team takes over communication with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. We know their tactics, and we know how to fight back.

When you hire Sabbeth Law, we:

  • Investigate your accident and gather key evidence
  • Document medical treatment and lost income
  • Handle all paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations
  • Prepare your case for trial if needed — and never settle for less than you deserve

We also evaluate whether a third-party liability claim may apply, such as in cases involving defective parts or commercial vehicles. These claims can increase the total compensation available to you.

Our goal is to get you everything the law allows — and we don’t get paid unless we win.

How Semi-truck Accidents Are Different From Car Accidents severity of injuries

What You Can Recover After a Claremont Car Accident

After a serious crash, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. The good news: if someone else caused your injuries, New Hampshire law gives you the right to seek compensation — often through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

Here’s what that compensation can cover:

Medical Expenses

You may be entitled to compensation for all medical treatment related to the accident, including:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Surgery and hospitalization
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Long-term or future care needs

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your injuries forced you to miss work — or you can no longer return to your previous job — you can seek damages for:

  • Lost income
  • Reduced ability to earn a living
  • Missed job opportunities due to recovery time

Pain and Suffering

These are non-economic damages that account for the physical and emotional impact of the crash. Examples include:

  • Chronic pain
  • Emotional distress
  • Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Learn more about the long-term effects of car accidents and how they can impact your compensation.

Property Damage

Compensation typically includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one was killed in a car accident, your family may be eligible for wrongful death compensation, including funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future income support. Learn more about legal help for fatal car accidents.

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What’s the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in New Hampshire?

If you were injured in a car accident in Claremont, you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims — including car accidents — is three years from the date of the crash.

This is set out in N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4.

Why This Deadline Matters

Three years might seem like plenty of time, but waiting can seriously weaken your case. Here’s why:

  • Evidence disappears: Skid marks fade, surveillance footage gets erased, and witnesses’ memories become less reliable.
  • Insurers act fast: They begin investigating and building a defense right away.
  • Medical documentation takes time: Delays in treatment or diagnosis can cast doubt on the severity or cause of your injuries.

It’s important to act early so your attorney can investigate thoroughly, build a strong case, and protect your right to compensation.

If you’re unsure how the deadline applies in your situation, or what exceptions might exist, we explain the details in our guide to New Hampshire’s statute of limitations for car accident claims.

Why Claremont Injury Victims Trust Sabbeth Law — And Where We Serve

When your life is disrupted by a car accident, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. At Sabbeth Law, we’re known for our results-driven, client-focused approach — and our deep experience handling serious injury cases across New Hampshire and Vermont.

We proudly serve Claremont and surrounding areas, including:

  • Charlestown
  • Newport
  • Sunapee
  • Grantham
  • And communities throughout Sullivan County

Our goal is simple: to help injured clients recover the compensation they deserve, without adding more stress to an already difficult time. That’s why we offer:

  • Free consultations
  • Contingency-based representation — you don’t pay unless we win
  • A track record of success, including recognition from Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell

If you’re not sure what steps to take after a crash, or where most collisions tend to happen, we recommend reviewing our resource on where most car accidents happen.

Reach out today to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced Claremont car accident attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my car accident case worth?

Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, long-term effects, and how clearly fault can be proven. We’ll evaluate your case during your free consultation and help estimate what fair compensation could look like.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?

Bring any documents related to your crash: police reports, medical records, photos, contact information from witnesses, and any communication from the insurance company. These materials help us understand your case and hit the ground running. For guidance on reviewing police reports, check out how to read a car accident report.

Will my case settle, or will it go to court?

Most car accident claims settle out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our team has extensive litigation experience and is ready to advocate for you at every stage.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New Hampshire follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation if you’re 50% or less at fault — but your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages.

What if my injuries seem minor at first?

Even minor accidents can lead to serious long-term effects like whiplash, concussions, or chronic pain. Don’t assume everything is fine — get checked by a doctor and learn more in our guide to minor car accidents.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In New Hampshire, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. But it’s important to act quickly, as delays can weaken your case. For more details, see our page on the statute of limitations in car accident claims.

How do attorney fees work in car accident cases?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. Everything will be explained clearly during your free consultation.

What if I lost a loved one in a crash?

If you’re facing the unthinkable — the loss of a family member in a car accident — you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. This can cover funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional impact of the loss. Visit our page on fatal car accidents and legal help for more information.