Auto accidents are among the leading causes of personal injury and death in the United States.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by another driver, you may be able to receive compensation for the damages you incurred by filing a legal claim.

At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we provide legal assistance for a wide variety of auto accident cases, such as:

• Rear-end collisions
• Vehicle rollovers
• Head-on collisions
• T-bone accidents
• Uber and Lyft accidents
• Single-vehicle crashes
• Drunk driving crashes
• Defective auto part accidents

Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle all types of claims stemming from motor vehicle accidents. This means that no matter what type of accident led to your injury, our firm has the ability to assist you.

We also have a solid grasp of the ways in which insurance companies compensate victims and attempt to pay as little as possible. By working with our firm, you can greatly reduce your chances of being unfairly compensated.

Filing a Car Accident Injury Claim

As mentioned, any person who has been injured by another person’s actions is likely eligible to file a legal claim to recover compensation from the responsible party or their insurance company. It is important, however, to start off with a strong foundation to give your claim a good chance of reaching a favorable resolution.

To not compromise your claim, it is recommended that you do not talk to the liable party’s insurance agent without retaining the help of an attorney first.

Often, insurance agents will do their best to deny your claim or tack on numerous deductions to justify paying you less. In addition, they typically have techniques on how to take advantage of the everyday claimant, such as by appealing to their better nature — remember, it is their job to pay as little as they can.

Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer for My Auto Accident Claim?

While you can negotiate with an insurance agent and represent yourself in court, a legal professional will likely be able to greatly expedite the process and provide you with a better chance of reaching a favorable resolution. In fact, with the help of a legal professional, many claims can be settled quickly and without having to file suit.

What Counts as Driver Negligence?

If the other driver engaged in any of the following actions leading up to the accident, they will be considered negligent:

• Speeding
• Driving recklessly
• Ignoring traffic laws
• Driving while distracted
• Driving while fatigued
• Driving under the influence

You will be required to prove that the other driver was negligent to win your claim. Traditionally, this is done by proving that (a) the driver owed you a standard of care, (b) the driver failed to give you that standard of care, and (c) you were injured because of this failure on their part.

This may sound easy to do if you know that they engaged in one or more of the above acts of negligence, but they are likely to argue the opposite.

Fortunately, our attorneys know how to fight back against the liable party’s false claims of innocence. We will help you highlight the strong points of your claim, minimize any weaknesses it may have, and even uncover evidence by reconstructing the accident. If needed, we will take your case to trial and advocate for you before a judge.

Statute of Limitations for Auto Accident Claims

Every state has a certain filing deadline for injury claims. In the state of New Hampshire, auto accident victims have three years from the date of the accident to formally file a claim through the civil justice system. If you miss this deadline, your case will not be considered eligible for review. Therefore, it is important to waste no time in pursuing a legal claim.

Damages Available to Car Accident Victims

For any injury claim, you can only be compensated for damages that you have suffered and that you can prove you have suffered. This is part of the reason why it is so crucial to work with a lawyer.

A few examples of damages for which you could be compensated include:

• Property/vehicle damage
• Medical expenses
• Disability accommodations
• Lost earnings due to time off work
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced quality of life
• Mental anguish/emotional distress

Can I Claim Damages for Psychological Injuries?

Beyond the numerous repercussions caused by physical injuries, victims often experience emotional and psychological injuries.

When your physical injuries already significantly impact or limit the way you live your life, the psychological effects can prove to be severe and overwhelming. Fortunately, courts will take these types of injuries into consideration when awarding damages to victims.

For example, they will look at a person’s pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of quality or enjoyment of life, and the emotional effects that injuries can have on a victim’s family, such as a loss of companionship or support.

Put Experienced Legal Advisers in Your Corner

Our attorneys bring a diverse set of experiences, legal backgrounds, and case histories into every case that our firm accepts. For injured victims throughout New Hampshire, this means that their unique needs can be met in the most competent and timely manner. Victims and families can then focus on recovery while not having to deal with insurance adjusters. We also offer free case evaluations during which you can learn more about your claim and how we can be of assistance.

Having successfully obtained hundreds of accident recoveries through both verdicts and settlements, you can be confident that Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. knows how to obtain favorable case resolutions.