Motorcycle Accidents
Nashua Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Helping Injured Motorcycle Riders Pursue Justice in Nashua, NH
Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately all too common. As any motorcycle rider knows, no matter how safe you are, accidents can still happen. If they do, and especially if they result in severe or life-changing injuries, it’s important to take the right steps to make sure that you receive adequate compensation and hold the at-fault party responsible.
At Gottesman & Hollis, we understand how serious motorcycle accidents can be. Motorcycle accidents are often devastating, life-altering events, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys have years of experience with the different scenarios and issues that come up in motorcycle-related personal injury cases. We can help you obtain the compensation you deserve and get your life back on track.
For a free and confidential consultation about your motorcycle accident, call us anytime at (603) 889-5959 or shoot us an email using our online form.
Essential Information About Motorcycle Accidents
If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident, it may be difficult to know what to do next. Below you will find information on the steps on what you should do after the accident, as well as common questions about the process in motorcycle-related personal injury cases.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim: Important Deadlines
In New Hampshire, victims of personal injuries have up to two years from the date of their accident to file a claim. While three years can feel like a long time, it’s important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. In the days following your accident there may be documents or evidence that can be helpful in your case. Working with an attorney has many benefits and can allow you the time to focus on recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.
Why Is Hiring a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident Important?
Negotiating a settlement or proving your case to a jury can be a long and difficult process. In addition to filing deadlines, handling evidence, and other procedural challenges, it’s crucial to have a motorcycle injury lawyer by your side to get the most compensation possible.
An experienced New Hampshire motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to negotiate a favorable settlement for you and know what your case is really worth. In addition, there may be avenues for recovery you were not aware of. An attorney can make sure that you know about all the available options to maximize your recovery.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Hampshire
Understanding the cause of your crash is essential for establishing fault. Our attorneys investigate every detail to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Left-Turn Collisions
The most common fatal crash — cars turning left fail to see an oncoming motorcycle.
Blind-Spot Failures
Drivers change lanes or merge without checking for motorcycles.
Distracted Driving
Phone use, eating, or other distractions cause drivers to miss riders.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
DUI collisions are among the most serious and legally actionable crashes.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and dramatically worsens injuries.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, gravel, uneven pavement, and wet leaves are especially hazardous to riders.
Dooring Accidents
A car door opening in a rider’s path causes sudden, serious crashes.
Tailgating
Following too closely gives a rider no time to react to sudden stops.
Mechanical Defects
Faulty brakes, tires, or components may create a product liability claim against a manufacturer.
Common Damages in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accidents can result in a variety of injuries. Some of the most common include head injuries, broken bones, lacerations, torn muscles, burns, organ damage, and spinal injuries. The kind of injury suffered in the accident determines the kinds of damages available.
In general, however, there are several common types of damages you can seek in a motorcycle accident:
- Lost wages: If you missed work after a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover the amount of money you would have been paid in that time.
- Past and future medical expenses: These include surgery, physical therapy, prescription medication, and hospital bills.
- Compensation for pain and suffering.
- Compensation for emotional distress: This includes psychological conditions caused by the accident.
- Loss of consortium: Family members of the injured or deceased can file a claim for non-economic damages like emotional distress, loss of companionship, loss of care, and more.
- Property damage: If your motorcycle or other property was damaged in your accident, the other driver might be required to pay to replace it.
- Wrongful death: If you lost your loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for loss of future income, medical expenses, and various non-monetary damages.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will fight for your right to be justly compensated for your injuries and other losses.
New Hampshire Helmet Law and Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
New Hampshire is one of only three U.S. states with no mandatory helmet law for adults. Riders 18 and older are legally permitted to ride without a helmet. However, not wearing a helmet can affect your compensation.
Comparative Fault and Helmet Use
Under New Hampshire’s modified comparative fault rule (RSA 507:7-d), the defense or insurer may argue your head injuries were worsened by riding without a helmet, and ask a jury to assign you a percentage of fault. Our attorneys know how to counter these arguments and fight for full compensation even when you weren’t wearing a helmet.
As long as you were less than 51% at fault for the accident itself, you are still entitled to recover compensation in New Hampshire — reduced proportionally by your assigned fault percentage. Do not assume that riding without a helmet disqualifies you from a claim. Contact us to discuss the specifics of your case.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New Hampshire
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Handling a motorcycle claim alone — especially with serious injuries — puts you at a significant disadvantage.
| Situation | Without an Attorney | With Gottesman & Hollis |
| Settlement value | Often undervalued — insurers offer quick, low settlements | ✓ Full evaluation of all present and future damages |
| Evidence gathering | Surveillance footage, phone records, and expert reports are often missed | ✓ Immediate investigation before evidence disappears |
| Fault disputes | Insurers may unfairly blame the rider (helmet, lane position, speed) | ✓ We fight to minimize your assigned fault percentage |
| Insurance negotiations | Adjusters use your statements against you | ✓ We handle all communications on your behalf |
| Trial readiness | Insurers offer less if they think you won’t sue | ✓ We prepare every case for trial, strengthening your leverage |
| Cost | No attorney fee, but far less recovery | ✓ Contingency — no fee unless we win your case |
For a free and confidential consultation about your motorcycle accident, call us anytime at (603) 889-5959 or send us an email using our online form.
The Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims in New Hampshire
Each state has laws setting a time limit on when you can bring a personal injury lawsuit for an injury. These time limits, called the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is 3 years from the date of the injury.
The exact time you have to file a lawsuit may be more or less depending on a few factors, so it’s a good idea to consult a motorcycle injury lawyer who can analyze the facts of your case.
Steps Family Members Should Take After an Accident
Following the trauma of a motorcycle accident, it’s important to make sure you take the following steps.
1. Collect Information and Document the Accident
The more information you can provide to both your insurance provider and your lawyer, the smoother the process will be. As soon as possible, it’s important to get the contact information of the other party (or parties) involved. This includes writing down other details, like the license plate number and make, model, and color of the other vehicle.
In addition to the parties involved, make sure to get the names and information of any officers that responded as well as any witnesses that saw the accident. If possible, try to get pictures of the scene where the accident occurred.
3. Make Sure the Victim Receives Medical Attention
Injuries can occur even in relatively minor accidents, and in some cases may not be apparent right away. To make sure they stay healthy, and as good preparation for any potential lawsuit, it’s important to make sure your loved one receives medical care as soon as possible after the motorcycle accident.
Serious and permanent injuries to the victim’s spinal cord can occur, along with head injuries, that may not be initially apparent. If left untreated, these kinds of injuries can have serious consequences.
4. Keep a File
Manage the information you collected in Step 1, along with all other documents related to the accident, in a safe place. This file can also contain updated notes on the status of your loved one’s injury, including whether it has improved, gotten worse, or caused other complications.
5. Contact a New Hampshire Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The last step is to contact a New Hampshire personal injury attorney for a case evaluation. The legal experts at Gottesman & Hollis have helped clients obtain compensation for past and future medical bills, emotional trauma, lost wages, and other damages that accumulated during recovery.
Were You or a Loved One Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
The motorcycle accident injury attorneys at Gottesman & Hollis are proud to provide effective representation to victims of motorcycle accidents. We offer years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and are dedicated to providing zealous legal representation that yields results.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, please don’t hesitate to call us at (603) 889-5959 or send us an online message to schedule your free personal injury consultation. Get started on your case today.
Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions our clients ask most often. If your question isn’t here, call us anytime at (603) 889-5959 for a free consultation.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in New Hampshire?
Immediately after a motorcycle accident in New Hampshire: Call 911 and request emergency services. Move to safety if you can do so without worsening injuries. Seek medical attention immediately — traumatic brain injuries and spinal damage often have delayed symptoms. Document the scene with photos. Collect the other driver’s contact and insurance information. Get witness names. Do not admit fault. Contact a New Hampshire motorcycle accident attorney before giving any statement to an insurance company.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims — including motorcycle accidents — is 3 years from the date of the accident (RSA 508:4). However, certain circumstances can shorten this deadline, such as claims against government entities. Do not wait. Evidence deteriorates, witnesses forget, and insurers become less cooperative over time. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case.
How much is a motorcycle accident settlement worth in New Hampshire?
Settlement values vary based on the severity of injuries, total medical costs, lost income, and the degree of the defendant’s fault. Minor injury cases may settle in the low thousands. Cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, permanent disability, or wrongful death can result in six- or seven-figure settlements. An attorney will assess medical expert opinions, economic projections, and comparable verdicts to determine the true value of your claim — not just the insurer’s opening offer.
Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Helmet use is not legally required for adults in New Hampshire, and failing to wear one does not automatically disqualify you from compensation. However, the defense may argue your injuries were worsened by not wearing a helmet and attempt to assign you a percentage of comparative fault. As long as your share of fault is below 51%, you can still recover damages. Our attorneys know how to defend against unfair fault assignments in these situations.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, under New Hampshire’s modified comparative fault rule. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $200,000, you would receive $160,000. An attorney helps minimize the fault percentage assigned to you.
What if my health insurance paid my medical bills — do I have to pay them back?
In most cases, yes — your health insurer has a right of subrogation, meaning they can seek reimbursement from your personal injury settlement for bills they paid. However, an experienced attorney can often negotiate the subrogation amount down significantly, maximizing what you actually keep from your recovery. This is one of the important financial benefits of having legal representation.
How does a New Hampshire motorcycle accident attorney get paid?
Gottesman & Hollis represents clients injured in motorcycle accidents and offers a free consultation to discuss your case. Our attorneys will evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and guide you through the next steps. There is no obligation to contact us and learn how we may be able to help with your motorcycle accident case.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or fled the scene?
You still have options. If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy, you can file a claim through your own insurer for injuries caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. New Hampshire does not require all drivers to carry insurance, but UM/UIM coverage is a critical protection for motorcycle riders. An attorney can review all available sources of recovery, including third-party liability (e.g., a bar that served an impaired driver).
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Our Services
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. While many cases settle, our trial preparation puts you in a stronger negotiating position and ensures that you’re ready to fight for your rights if necessary.
How We Help with Personal Injury in Nashua
Experienced Attorneys in Nashua, New Hampshire
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to another person’s negligence, you need a personal injury lawyer. Gottesman & Hollis, P.A. in Nashua, New Hampshire, proudly represents injured people in our community and throughout the state.
Our personal injury attorneys will work diligently on your behalf to fight for the money you need to recover and rebuild your life. We will gather the necessary information about your medical treatment, lost wages, and your pain and suffering to assess the true value of your claim. Our investigation is essential in helping you fight for the maximum compensation to which you are legally entitled.
Navigating the legal system alone often leads to missed opportunities for rightful compensation. At Gottesman & Hollis, P.A., we guide clients through the intricate legal processes efficiently. From filing initial paperwork to representing clients in court when necessary, our team ensures transparent communication at each stage. By leveraging years of legal practice, we tailor strategies that best suit each individual case, aiming for favorable outcomes while minimizing stress for you and your family.
Why Choose Our Nashua Personal Injury Law Firm?
Due to the complexities of personal injuries, the State of New Hampshire has statutes of limitations set for varying accident types. Each accident type is unique, and the statute of limitations can vary depending on the nature of your injury. It’s important to consult an attorney who can advise you of the best next steps to ensure you don’t lose your right to file a claim by waiting too long to begin the process.
Do personal injury cases go to trial? Sometimes they do. When they do, we are prepared to present your case to a jury. We always try to resolve your case without going to court, but when a fair settlement cannot be reached with an insurance company, we are prepared to go to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you need a strong, dedicated, and determined advocate on your side, please call one of our experienced Nashua personal injury lawyers at (603) 889-5959 or contact us online. We fight for you!