Bicycle Accident Claims in New Hampshire: A Rider's Guide

Cyclists' Rights on New Hampshire Roads

In New Hampshire, bicycles are vehicles, and cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Motorists must pass at a safe distance and yield where required, and a driver who turns into a cyclist, opens a door into the bike lane, or fails to yield is typically responsible for the resulting crash.

New Hampshire's mix of rural roads, college towns, and tourist routes puts cyclists and drivers together in conditions that are not always designed for both. When a driver's carelessness causes a crash, the injured cyclist has the right to pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, and the lasting effects of the injury.

Insurance Questions Unique to Cyclists

A cyclist hit by a car looks first to the driver's liability coverage. But because New Hampshire does not require all drivers to carry insurance, cyclists are frequently struck by uninsured or underinsured motorists. In those situations, the cyclist's own auto insurance — including UM/UIM coverage — may apply even though they were on a bike, a point many injured riders do not realize.

Sorting out which policies respond, and in what order, is one of the more technical parts of a bicycle claim, and getting it right can substantially change the compensation available.

Documenting a Bicycle Crash

Because cyclists are vulnerable to the same recklessness-bias that motorcyclists face, documentation matters. The driver's conduct, the point of impact, the cyclist's lawful position on the road, and prompt medical treatment all build a claim that withstands the predictable attempt to blame the rider. Preserving the bicycle, the helmet, and any damaged gear can also support the case.