Collecting Damages After a New Hampshire Car Accident
August 10, 2021
New Hampshire accident victims may incur sizeable financial losses related to the incident. In these situations, the victim may pursue compensation against the at-fault party for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and similar losses. While many cases settle, a significant number of cases proceed to litigation. Even if the plaintiff is successful at trial, the challenges do not necessarily end. In many cases, defendants do not have the means to pay the judgment. It is vital that accident victims consult with an attorney to determine a viable way to recover compensation.
After a favorable judgment, the defendant should voluntarily and promptly pay the judgment. However, if the defendant fails to do so, the plaintiff has various methods for collecting the judgment or settlement amount. Recovering compensation is a complex process, and each form of recovery depends on the defendant’s unique circumstances. However, generally, New Hampshire plaintiffs can garnish the defendant’s wages. In some cases, the court will garnish a portion of the defendant’s wage towards the judgment amount. However, if the defendant is low income and surviving on government assistance, the court will not garnish those payments.
Next, a court may place a levy on the defendant’s property, such as their bank accounts, real estate investments, and vehicles. The plaintiff needs to record their judgment with the appropriate government entity to ensure that all or part of the proceeds will go to the judgment if the property is sold. Further, this applies to certain businesses the defendants own. The income from the business or proceeds from a sale may go to the plaintiff’s judgment. Finally, the defendant’s future or income may go towards the judgments. Moreover, New Hampshire’s uninsured and underinsured motorist laws may work in the plaintiff’s favor.
An attorney can look at the totality of the circumstances and provide helpful insight into how to maximize a victim’s damage award. New Hampshire accidents can cause catastrophic damages, and it is essential that injury victims contact an attorney to determine the best path to recovery. For instance, a local news report described a harrowing accident scene involving a New Hampshire driver who was under the influence. The impaired driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into several vehicles before finally stopping at an intersection. However, he then drove across the street when the car rolled onto its roof and slammed into additional stopped vehicles.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a New Hampshire Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries or died in a New Hampshire car accident, contact the injury lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates. The attorneys at our law firm have extensive experience handling all stages of New Hampshire personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. We provide clients with realistic advice regarding the viability of their claims and how best to achieve their desired outcomes. Our firm handles New Hampshire motor vehicle lawsuits, premises liability claims, defective products lawsuits, and nursing home abuse and negligence cases. Contact our office at 800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our law firm.