What to Do After a Car Accident in New Hampshire: A Step-by-Step Guide

At the Scene

First, check for injuries and call 911. New Hampshire law requires reporting crashes that involve injury, death, or significant property damage, and a police report creates an objective record that becomes valuable later. If it is safe, move vehicles out of traffic and turn on hazard lights.

Document everything you can: photograph the vehicles, their positions, the road and weather conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect the other driver's name, license, insurance, and plate, and get contact information for every witness. In a state where many drivers are uninsured, noting whether the other driver has coverage is especially important.

Be Careful What You Say

Do not apologize or speculate about fault at the scene. New Hampshire's 51% comparative negligence rule means even a casual 'I'm sorry' can be used to shift blame onto you. Stick to facts when speaking with police, and decline to give recorded statements to the other driver's insurer until you have spoken with an attorney.

Get Medical Care — Even If You Feel Fine

Adrenaline can mask serious injuries for hours or days. Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries often appear later. Seeing a doctor promptly protects your health and creates a medical record linking your injuries to the crash. Gaps in treatment are a favorite argument insurers use to minimize claims.

In the Following Days

Notify your own insurer, but be cautious about giving detailed statements. Keep every bill, record, and piece of correspondence. Track your symptoms and how the injury affects your work and daily life. Then consider a free case review — an attorney can identify available coverage, handle the insurers, and preserve the three-year filing window.