CAR ACCIDENTS
New Hampshire and Massachusetts Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck Accidents in New Hampshire and Massachusetts
At any given time there are more than eleven million trucks operating in the United States. There is a stereotype that truck drivers are overworked and tired, and that stereotype is unfortunately backed up by data. Just in 2016, NHTSA reported over 475,000 truck accidents involving large trucks; human error accounted for just over 90 percent of the accidents in the study. A Harvard study once claimed that 25 percent of all drivers reported having dozed off at the wheel, while 50 percent of truck drivers reported having dozed off in the same study, meaning truck drivers doze off twice as often as regular drivers while they drive down endless roads trying to make ends meet.
Truck drivers and the companies they work for have an obligation to keep the road as safe as they found it. Trucks can weigh anywhere between 20-30 times more than the average car. On the open highway, there aren’t a lot of things that can do more damage than a negligent truck driver, even when you consider car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bus accidents.
If you have been hurt or injured in a truck accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer working on your truck accident lawsuit. Negligent drivers, the companies they work for, and the insurance companies they hire will fight to keep their money where it is, utilizing legal representation, so make sure a well-practiced New Hampshire or Massachusetts truck accident lawyer is on your side.
Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be catastrophic. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions often result in severe injuries, long-term disability, or even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in New Hampshire, immediate legal guidance is essential to preserve evidence, establish liability, and secure fair compensation.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel uninjured, some injuries, like internal bleeding, whiplash, or traumatic brain injury, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical evaluation protects your health and creates documentation necessary for your claim.
Document the Accident Scene
Gather as much evidence as possible:
- Photos of vehicles, skid marks, and road conditions
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- Police reports and citations
- Truck company and insurance details
Thorough documentation is critical for proving liability in truck accident cases.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident claims are legally complex due to:
- Federal trucking regulations
- Multiple parties potentially at fault (driver, trucking company, manufacturer, cargo loader)
- High-stakes insurance negotiations
An experienced New Hampshire truck accident lawyer will preserve evidence, navigate federal and state law, and advocate for your compensation.
Why Specialized Truck Accident Lawyers Are Essential
Truck collisions differ from standard car accidents. They often involve:
- Multiple defendants: Truck driver, company, insurer, or manufacturer
- Regulatory compliance issues: Hours-of-service rules, cargo limits, and maintenance regulations
- High-impact injuries: Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, or fatalities
A lawyer with truck accident experience understands how to investigate black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records to prove negligence.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New Hampshire
Truck accidents frequently result from:
Driver Fatigue:
Exhausted drivers face slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
Distracted Driving:
Mobile phones, GPS devices, and in-cab distractions contribute to collisions.
Improper Maintenance:
Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause catastrophic accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving:
Pressure to meet deadlines leads to unsafe driving behaviors.
DUI/DWI:
Intoxicated drivers pose extreme hazards on the highway.
Inadequate Training:
Poorly trained drivers may mishandle complex road situations.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can take many forms:
- Rear-End Collisions (Fender Benders): Often cause whiplash and spinal injuries.
- Side-Impact (“T-Bone”) Accidents: Common at intersections, can result in severe trauma.
- Head-On Collisions: Typically the most dangerous, often resulting in fatalities.
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks losing balance can crush vehicles or spill hazardous materials.
- Highway Construction Accidents: Require careful legal scrutiny due to shared liability between drivers and contractors.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in New Hampshire
- Prioritize your health – Seek medical care immediately.
- Preserve evidence – Photos, witness statements, and police reports are vital.
- Do not admit fault – Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts.
- Contact a qualified truck accident attorney – Let a lawyer handle communications with insurers.
Track your recovery – Keep records of medical treatments, lost wages, and ongoing care.
Pursuing Compensation After a Truck Accident
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, future care, lost income, property damage
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence
Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity, liability, and financial impact. Experienced attorneys help ensure you receive a reasonable and fair settlement.
Answers to Common Questions About Truck Accident Claims in New Hampshire
- How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Most work on a contingency fee basis—you pay only if your case succeeds. - How long do truck accident lawsuits take?
Simple cases may settle in months; complex cases with serious injuries can take a year or more.
- What is a reasonable settlement for a truck accident?
Settlement depends on medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts. A skilled lawyer ensures your claim reflects the true value of your damages. - Do I need a lawyer after a truck accident?
Yes. Truck accident cases involve multiple parties, federal regulations, and high-stakes insurance negotiations. Legal representation is essential to protect your rights. - Can I still file a claim if partially at fault?
New Hampshire follows modified comparative negligence rules. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault but is not automatically barred unless you are over 50% at fault.
Trust Buckley Law Offices to Protect Your Rights
With over 30 years of experience, Buckley Law Offices has helped New Hampshire truck accident victims recover compensation. From investigation to settlement or trial, our team manages the complex details while you focus on recovery.
Contact Dave Buckley, a trusted New Hampshire truck accident lawyer, today for a free consultation.
We take pride in our success
