I-95, the Spaulding Turnpike, and the Route 1 Bypass move fast-moving highway traffic through Portsmouth, and speed is what turns an ordinary crash into a catastrophic one. A fender-bender at 25 mph and a collision at 70 mph involve the same basic mistake following too closely, a missed lane change, a moment of distraction but the physics of a high-speed impact produce a completely different scale of injury, and a completely different scale of claim. 

Why High-Speed Crashes Produce Catastrophic Injuries

At highway speed, crash forces multiply rapidly rather than scaling in a straight line. Injuries common to I-95 and Spaulding Turnpike collisions include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal organ injuries, the kind of harm that often means permanent disability, ongoing care, and a lifetime of reduced earning capacity rather than a few weeks of recovery.

 

Who Is Liable

The speeding driver is generally liable for a crash caused by excessive speed, and New Hampshire treats a driver going well over the limit or too fast for the specific conditions as negligent. But liability is really only the first half of the problem in a catastrophic injury case. The bigger question is often whether there is enough insurance to actually cover what happened.

 

When Basic Policy Limits Aren't Enough

New Hampshire's minimum required liability coverage is modest compared to the real cost of a catastrophic injury; a single hospitalization for a serious brain or spinal injury can exceed a driver's policy limit before accounting for surgery, rehabilitation, or lost future income. When damages exceed the at-fault driver's basic policy, an attorney typically looks for additional, or "stacked," sources of recovery, which can include:

  • The at-fault driver's own underinsured assets, pursued directly if the policy alone won't cover the loss.
  • Your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which can fill the gap between the at-fault driver's limit and your actual damages.
  • Umbrella policies, which some drivers carry on top of standard auto coverage and which can provide substantial additional limits.
  • Commercial policies, if the at-fault vehicle was being used for work purposes at the time of the crash, which often carry far higher limits than a personal auto policy.

 

Why Identifying Every Policy Matters Early

A driver's insurance information rarely comes with a disclosure of every policy that might apply umbrella and commercial coverage in particular are easy to miss without a formal investigation. In a catastrophic injury case, identifying every available policy before settling with the obvious one can be the difference between a settlement that covers a lifetime of care and one that runs out in a few years.

If you or a family member suffered a serious injury in a high-speed crash on I-95, the Spaulding Turnpike, or the Route 1 Bypass, talk to a Portsmouth car accident attorney before accepting an early settlement offer; the first number an insurer offers is rarely based on every policy that could apply.

 

Attorney David E. Buckley has handled New Hampshire injury claims for 30+ years, with a 4.9★ rating from over 250 clients. Call (603) 595-8801 for a free case review. Buckley Law Offices serves clients across Portsmouth and the Seacoast.

 

ARTICLE FAQ

Q: Who pays for catastrophic injuries caused by a high-speed crash on I-95 in Portsmouth?

A: The speeding driver is generally liable. When damages exceed that driver's basic policy limits, an attorney can look for additional sources of recovery, including underinsured motorist coverage, umbrella policies, or commercial insurance if the vehicle was being used for work.

 

Q: What if the at-fault driver only has New Hampshire's minimum insurance?

A: Minimum coverage is often far less than the cost of treating a catastrophic injury. Your own underinsured motorist coverage can help fill that gap, and an attorney can investigate whether the driver has an umbrella policy or was driving for work, which could open up additional coverage.

 

Q: How is fault determined in a high-speed highway crash?

A: Investigators typically rely on state police crash reports, vehicle damage patterns, black box data showing speed at impact, and any available traffic camera footage to establish how fast the at-fault vehicle was traveling and whether that speed was unsafe for conditions.