Recovering Damages After a New Hampshire DUI Accident
March 31, 2023
Driving under the influence, commonly abbreviated as DUI, is notoriously dangerous. When drivers operate their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, everyone else on the road suffers the consequence of their reckless decision. In the event of a serious DUI accident, victims may be left with severe injuries or property damage. To recover compensation for their injuries, victims of a New Hampshire DUI accident may wish to bring a negligence lawsuit against the intoxicated driver.
For example, two people suffered serious injuries after a DUI accident in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. The accident occurred when an intoxicated driver crossed the yellow dividing line and struck a Prius traveling in the opposite direction. The driver and passenger of the Prius were transported to the hospital after suffering serious injuries. Police arrested the driver and charged him with aggravated driving under the influence.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in New Hampshire?
Intoxicated drivers who cause a serious accident may face criminal charges and a civil lawsuit for damages. If an intoxicated driver’s behavior results in serious bodily harm, they can face both hefty fines and prison time. At minimum, a driver convicted of aggravated driving under the influence must pay $750 in fines and spend 17 days in prison, but a judge can impose a tougher sentence. In addition to criminal penalties, an intoxicated driver may face a civil damages lawsuit from an injured victim. In addition to physical injuries, victims of a serious accident may have suffered emotional harm, along with significant expenses. A civil negligence lawsuit allows victims to recover damages regardless of the outcome of a criminal case.
What Damages Can You Recover from a New Hampshire DUI Accident?
Following a DUI accident, New Hampshire allows injured victims to recover three main types of damages. First, a victim can recover economic damages. These include expenses that resulted from the accident that are easy to quantify. Examples of economic damages can include medical bills, lost wages, or damage to the victim’s vehicle or other property. Second, a victim can seek non-economic damages. This type of damages award is often harder to quantify. Non-economic damages often center around emotional pain and suffering. Finally, in serious cases like DUI accidents, New Hampshire allows a victim to recover enhanced compensatory damages. This type of damages award is rare: a judge or jury often awards enhanced compensatory damages only in cases of egregious negligence, wanton or malicious conduct, and/or intentional harm. However, some cases are so severe that a judge or jury must impose enhanced compensatory damages to hold the wrongdoer accountable for their actions.
Have You Been Injured in a New Hampshire DUI Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a New Hampshire DUI accident, the personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates want to help. Our attorneys possess the skills and experience to persuade judges and juries that you deserve compensation for your injuries. We provide dedicated representation in a variety of negligence cases in the New England area, including New Hampshire DUI accidents. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team, call us at 1-800-804-2004 or reach out to our website.