Accidents & Injuries in New Hampshire
Key New Hampshire Law
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Section 508:4
New Hampshire imposes a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. An injured party generally must file their lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident or when the injury was or should have been discovered.
View official statuteProcedural Details in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Agencies & Resources
New Hampshire Insurance Department
Regulates insurance in New Hampshire and handles consumer complaints about auto and accident insurance.
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Manages New Hampshire driver licensing, vehicle registration, and accident report access.
New Hampshire Bar Association — Lawyer Referral Service
Connects New Hampshire residents with licensed personal injury attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Section 508:4 provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The discovery rule may extend this in cases where the injury was not immediately apparent. Government entity claims may require a 180-day notice of claim under RSA 507-B:7 for political subdivision cases. Always consult a New Hampshire attorney promptly after an accident.
What is New Hampshire's 51% modified comparative fault rule?
Under RSA 507:7-d, New Hampshire uses modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. If you are 50% or less at fault, you may recover damages reduced proportionally. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other party.
Is New Hampshire a no-fault auto insurance state?
No. New Hampshire is unique — it does not actually require auto insurance at all for most drivers (though financial responsibility must be demonstrated if in an accident). For those with liability insurance, New Hampshire operates as a traditional tort (fault-based) state. There is no mandatory PIP coverage requirement.
Are there damage caps in New Hampshire accident cases?
New Hampshire does not impose a general statutory cap on compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. Government claims may be subject to limitations under RSA 507-B. Punitive damages are generally not available in New Hampshire for standard negligence claims.
Related Accidents & Injuries Scenarios
Can I sue for a rear-end car crash?
Understanding your options after being rear-ended in a car accident.
Can I sue for a slip and fall in a store?
Understanding premises liability when injured in a slip and fall accident at a business.
Can I sue for injuries from a motorcycle accident?
Legal options for motorcyclists injured in accidents caused by other drivers or road conditions.
Can I sue for injuries from a bicycle-vehicle collision?
Legal options for cyclists injured in collisions with motor vehicles or due to dangerous road conditions.
Have a Specific Situation in New Hampshire?
Every situation is unique. Try our educational assessment tool for guidance based on your specific circumstances.