Multi-Vehicle Accidents in New Hampshire
July 31, 2021
While most New Hampshire car accidents are between two cars, some accidents involve many vehicles. These multi-vehicle collisions are sometimes unavoidable for motorists who are suddenly confronted with a hazard, such as another vehicle that spins out of control or an unexpected pile-up occurring right in front of them. Often, multi-vehicle accidents are considered “chain reaction” car accidents.
A chain-reaction car accident is one in which an accident between two or more vehicles creates an unavoidable hazard for other motorists, who then end up getting into subsequent collisions. These accidents often occur on busy roads and highways. For example, in a recent New Hampshire chain-reaction car accident, four people were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
According to a local news report, the accident occurred on Interstate 93 near the Hooksett tolls. While details surrounding the accident are sparse, authorities noted that the collision involved three passenger vehicles and a semi-truck.
Often, when a large truck is involved in a collision, other drivers have an almost impossible time avoiding an accident. Semi-trucks can reach 80 feet in length, meaning they can effectively block an entire four-lane highway if they spin out of control.
Determining Liability in a Chain Reaction Car Accident
After a motor vehicle collision, anyone injured in the accident can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. However, for several reasons, it is not always easy to determine who was at fault in chain-reaction car accidents. These accidents inherently involve many vehicles and it can be challenging to determine the root cause of an accident. Further, a negligent motorist or an insurance company may point to an accident victim’s failure to avoid an accident as evidence of their own negligence.
Under New Hampshire law, courts use the “modified comparative negligence” rule to determine which accidents are entitled to recover for their injuries. Under this rule, an accident victim can pursue a claim against any at-fault party provided the accident victim is not more at fault than the other negligent parties. Simply put, this means that if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can recover for your injuries. However, your damages award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $200,000 in damages and were found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your total recovery amount would be $200,000 less 20%, or $160,000.
Contact a New Hampshire Car Accident Lawyer for Immediate Assistance
If you’ve been injured in a New Hampshire car accident involving several other drivers, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to help you cover your accident-related expenses. However, you should not assume that the road to recovery will be an easy one. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we aggressively represent accident victims and their families in personal injury claims against negligent motorists and their insurance companies. We have extensive experience handling some of the most complex cases against many of the largest insurance companies in the country, and know what it takes to secure fair compensation for our clients. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, call Peter Thompson & Associates today at 800-804-2004.