What to Do After a Car Accident in New Hampshire: Legal Steps Every Driver Should Take

Getting into a car accident is never something you plan for. One moment you’re going about your day, and the next you’re dealing with shock, confusion, and a dozen decisions you suddenly need to make. In New Hampshire, where drivers face unique rules, including the option to drive without mandatory auto insurance, knowing what to do right after a crash becomes even more important. This guide walks you through the important steps every driver should take, from checking for injuries to understanding how fault is determined. Whether the accident is minor or serious, these actions can protect your health, your finances, and your ability to recover fair compensation later.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Check for Injuries

The first moments after a crash can feel overwhelming, but your safety comes before anything else. Take a breath and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel “okay,” remember that some issues, like shock, whiplash, or a concussion, don’t show symptoms right away. If it’s safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further harm. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. Call 911 as soon as possible, even for what looks like a minor accident. Emergency responders can assess injuries properly, and having an official medical record from the scene can be important later if symptoms appear. Your only job in this first step is simple: make sure everyone is safe and get help on the way.

Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement

Once everyone is out of immediate danger, call the police. In New Hampshire, it’s important to have an official report, especially if there are injuries, significant vehicle damage, or any disagreement about what happened. A police officer will document the scene, speak with both drivers, and create a report that can later help settle insurance questions or disputes about fault. Even if the other driver suggests “handling it privately,” it’s safer to involve law enforcement. Without a report, you may end up dealing with conflicting stories or unexpected issues with insurance. When the officer arrives, stick to the facts and avoid guessing about details you aren’t sure of. The report will serve as a neutral record, which can make a huge difference if the claim becomes complicated later. Calling the police might feel like an extra step, but it protects both your safety and your rights.

Step 3: Exchange Information the Right Way

After the police are on the way, take a moment to exchange information with the other driver. Keep it simple and focused on the essentials:

Full name and contact details
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Vehicle make, model, and color
Insurance company and policy number (if they have coverage)

New Hampshire doesn’t require every driver to carry auto insurance, so you may come across someone who isn’t insured. If that happens, don’t argue or make assumptions; just gather the information you can and let the police handle the rest when they arrive. It’s also helpful to stay calm and polite. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing, even casually. Those comments can be misunderstood later. Your goal here is just to collect accurate details so the next steps go smoothly.

Step 4: Document the Scene

Once you’ve exchanged information, take a few minutes to capture what happened while everything is still fresh. The details you collect now can make a big difference later, especially if there’s any disagreement about fault. Start with clear photos and short videos of:

Vehicle damage from multiple angles
The position of the cars before they’re moved
Skid marks, debris, or broken glass
Traffic signs, stoplights, or road markings nearby
Weather conditions and visibility
Any visible injuries

If there are people who saw the accident, kindly ask for their names and phone numbers. Witnesses often provide helpful, unbiased statements that support your version of events. You don’t need to overthink this step; simply capture what you see. Good documentation strengthens your claim and protects you from misunderstandings later on.

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company

As soon as things calm down, reach out to your insurance provider and let them know what happened. Most companies require timely reporting, and waiting too long can complicate your claim, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. When you make the call, stick to the basic facts:

When and where the accident happened
The other driver’s information
A simple description of the event

Avoid guessing about details or making statements like “I think it was my fault.” At this stage, you may not have all the information, and fault is something insurance adjusters determine later using reports, evidence, and state laws. Your insurer will guide you through the next steps, such as scheduling repairs or opening a claim. Keeping communication honest and straightforward helps the process move more smoothly.

Step 6: Track Medical Treatment and Keep All Records

Even if you walked away from the accident feeling fine, it’s important to pay close attention to your health in the days and weeks that follow. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, back pain, or soft tissue damage, don’t always show up immediately. Make sure you:

Get a full medical evaluation
Follow your doctor’s instructions
Attend every follow-up appointment
Keep copies of test results, prescriptions, and medical bills

Your medical records become one of the strongest pieces of evidence in any injury claim. They show what you experienced, the care you needed, and how the accident impacted your daily life. If you skip appointments or delay treatment, insurers may argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash. Staying consistent protects both your health and your ability to recover fair compensation later on.

Step 7: Understand When to Seek Legal Help

Most minor accidents can be handled through insurance, but some situations are simply too complicated to manage on your own. If you’re facing serious injuries, disputed fault, or an uncooperative insurance company, getting legal guidance can make the process far less overwhelming. You may want to speak with an attorney if:

Your injuries are significant or getting worse
The other driver is uninsured or underinsured
There’s any debate about who caused the crash
Your medical bills are growing quickly
The insurance company is delaying, denying, or offering an unfair settlement
A hit-and-run is involved

A professional can help you understand your rights, gather the right evidence, and protect you from common insurance tactics that reduce payouts. If you’re unsure where to start, consulting a trusted New Hampshire Car Accident Attorney can give you a clearer picture of your options and next steps.

Step 8: Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

After a car accident, even small missteps can have big consequences for your claim. Being aware of these pitfalls helps you stay protected while everything is still unfolding. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

Admitting fault at the scene: Even casual comments like “I didn’t see you” can be misunderstood and used against you later.
Skipping medical care or follow-ups: Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you don’t seek consistent treatment.
Posting about the accident online: Photos, status updates, or comments can be taken out of context and impact your claim.
Accepting the first settlement offer: Early offers are often lower than what you may actually need for medical bills, repairs, and long-term care.
Not collecting enough evidence: Missing photos, limited details, or no witness information can weaken your version of events.

Avoiding these mistakes doesn’t require perfection, just a bit of caution. Taking your time and making thoughtful decisions can make a big difference in how smoothly your claim moves forward.

What Compensation Can Accident Victims Claim in New Hampshire?

If you were hurt in a car accident, you may be able to recover more than just repair costs. New Hampshire allows victims to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses, depending on the severity of the crash and how the injuries impact daily life. Here are the most common types of compensation:

Medical expenses: Hospital visits, follow-up care, physical therapy, medications, imaging tests, and any future treatment you may need.
Lost wages: Income you missed if you couldn’t work due to your injuries.
Reduced earning capacity: Compensation for long-term injuries that affect your ability to work or return to your previous job.
Vehicle repair or replacement: Costs to fix your car or replace it if it was totaled.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has on your daily comfort and well-being.
Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries affect your ability to do activities you previously enjoyed.

Every case is different, and the value of a claim varies based on the evidence you have, the seriousness of your injuries, and how clearly fault is established. Knowing what you may be entitled to helps you avoid settling for less than you deserve.

How Long Do Settlements Usually Take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, but most New Hampshire car accident claims fall into three general ranges:

A few weeks: when injuries are minor and fault is clear.
A few months: the most common timeline, especially when medical treatment is still ongoing.
Longer than six months: if injuries are serious, fault is disputed, or the insurance company slows the process.

Your case moves at the pace of the evidence. The more severe the injuries, and the more disagreement between parties, the longer it usually takes to reach a fair outcome.

Conclusion

A car accident can turn an ordinary day upside down, but knowing what to do afterward makes the whole situation easier to manage. By focusing on safety, gathering the right information, understanding state laws, and keeping track of your medical care, you give yourself the strongest chance of recovering both physically and financially. Every step plays a role in protecting your rights. And if the situation becomes complicated or you’re unsure how to move forward, reaching out for professional guidance can make all the difference. Taking the right actions early on helps you stay in control, reduce stress, and move toward a fair and steady resolution.