Exeter, NH Car Accident Lawyers

When Doing Everything Right Still Doesn’t Feel Like Enough

You followed the rules. You stayed under the speed limit. You wore your seatbelt. Maybe you even let someone merge in front of you near Epping Road. And yet, here you are. Hurt, rattled, and facing a mess you didn’t cause.

The crash itself was bad enough. But now you’re chasing paperwork, answering nonstop insurance calls, and trying to figure out how to pay for care you didn’t plan on needing.

Our Exeter car accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, know that even when you play by the rules, the system can feel stacked against you. That’s where our trusted New Hampshire law firm comes in. 

We deal with the insurance companies. We gather evidence that speaks louder than words. And we work hard to make sure your story doesn’t get buried in red tape. You’ve been through enough already. Let’s make sure you’re treated fairly from here on out.

Life After an Accident: What You Need to Know

First Things First: Stay Safe and Stay Smart

If you’re ever in a crash near busy spots like the traffic circle downtown or close to Exeter Hospital, your safety comes first.

• Pull over to a safe spot, if you can. Avoid standing in the road or near active traffic lanes where additional accidents could occur.
• Turn on your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers and helps emergency responders locate you faster.
• Call 911 and wait for help. Even minor crashes deserve professional attention to ensure everyone involved is safe.

Police will arrive, usually the Exeter Police Department, and they’ll create an official report. Don’t skip this step. That report becomes the foundation of your case. It documents the scene, which can back you up if the other driver changes their story.

When officers ask questions, stick to what you know. Don’t guess. And don’t say you’re “fine” or that it was “your fault”—even casually. Keep it simple. Let the facts speak for themselves.

Get Checked Out, Even If You Feel “Okay”

Adrenaline is tricky. You might feel fine right after the crash, but hours or days later, pain sets in. That’s why it’s so important to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Exeter Hospital, ConvenientMD, or Core Physicians are great local options. They know how to spot injuries that aren’t obvious right away—things like whiplash, internal bruising, or even concussions.

Your medical records become key evidence. They prove that your injuries came from the accident and that you took them seriously from the start. That kind of documentation can make or break your claim.

Reporting a Car Accident in Exeter

If a report wasn’t filed at the scene, make it a priority. Head to the Exeter Police Department on Bow Street and complete an official report. 

Don’t assume it’s “not a big deal.” Even low-speed crashes can cause hidden injuries or lead to costly repairs.

Once that’s done, let your insurance company know. But be careful. Keep your comments short and factual. And never agree to a recorded statement unless you've gotten legal advice. 

Some adjusters ask questions designed to trip you up and anything you say can be used to lower your payout later.

Exeter's Road Risks: What Makes Driving Here So Tricky

Roads That See the Most Crashes

Exeter may look quiet, but certain spots are crash magnets:

• Portsmouth Avenue & Holland Way. Congested traffic and poor visibility. Rear-end collisions and side-swipes are common in this area.
• Epping Road. Often jammed during rush hours. Many drivers grow impatient here, leading to sudden stops and frequent fender-benders.
• Route 101 & Route 108. High-speed traffic and unpredictable merging patterns. These highways can be especially dangerous during snowstorms or low visibility.

When bad weather hits—and in Exeter, you know it does—these areas get even more dangerous. Rain, winter season, sleet, black ice. You name it. Conditions change fast, and crashes follow close behind.

Why Accidents Happen Around Here

Most wrecks in the Exeter area aren’t random. They’re preventable.

• Distracted driving tops the list. People glance at their phones, mess with GPS, or eat while driving, especially around places like Exeter Commons, where there’s constant activity. Quick glances away from the road often turn into tragic mistakes.
• Winter weather makes things worse. Roads like Front Street or rural routes near Brentwood turn slick fast. Even experienced drivers can lose control in icy or slushy conditions.

All it takes is a second of inattention, or a slippery turn, to change everything.

How to Handle Insurance Companies (Without Losing It)

They Might Seem Nice, But...

Once you report the crash, expect a call from an insurance adjuster. They’ll sound friendly. They’ll act like they’re just trying to “move things along.” But don’t let your guard down.

Their real goal? Save their company money. That means asking leading questions, recording your calls, and pushing lowball offers before you understand your full medical needs.

• Document everything. Keep notes from every phone call and save all emails or messages in one place. You’ll thank yourself later when things get complicated.
• Be polite, but firm. You’re allowed to set boundaries when conversations start feeling manipulative. Don’t hesitate to pause the conversation.
• Know that you don’t have to go through this alone. Legal representation from experienced personal injury attorneys can level the playing field and protect your best interests. Your rights matter just as much as theirs.

Why Early Settlements Usually Backfire

When bills are due and your paycheck’s gone, that first offer might feel like a lifeline. But it’s usually far too low.

Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to ask for more, even if new symptoms show up or your recovery takes longer than expected. And with Exeter’s cost of care, that can hit your wallet hard.

• More doctor visits. Many injuries require follow-ups long after the ER visit ends. These appointments add up fast. Staying consistent with care helps both your recovery and your case.
• Prescription medications. Chronic pain or inflammation may call for ongoing prescriptions. These aren’t always covered. You could end up paying out of pocket if you settle too soon.
• Time off work. Lost income can stretch weeks or months, depending on your role and injury. For many, that’s the hardest financial blow. Missed hours aren’t just inconvenient—they’re financially stressful.
• Physical therapy – Recovery is rarely quick, and therapy can become a long-term part of your routine. It’s an essential part of healing, but not cheap. Consistency makes a difference.

A strong claim takes all of that into account. Don’t settle for less than what your recovery really requires.

What Compensation Can Look Like in New Hampshire

Every accident is different, but if someone else caused your crash, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills, both current and future. This includes emergency room visits, specialist care, rehab, and any long-term treatment you may need. Getting fair value means considering every part of your treatment journey.
• Lost wages or future income. If your injury limits your ability to work, this helps cover what you’ve lost and what you’ll miss. These calculations can be more complex than they first appear.
• Pain and emotional suffering. Physical injuries come with emotional burdens, including anxiety, sleepless nights, or depression. These effects are real and they deserve to be recognized.
• Property damage (vehicle and belongings). Repair costs can be steep and totaled cars don’t always fetch fair payouts without negotiation. You shouldn’t have to settle for less than full value.

Your case’s value depends on how badly you were hurt and how it’s affected your life. Missing a few days of work is one thing. Living with chronic pain? That’s something else entirely.

How to Build a Winning Case in Exeter

Your Story Needs Evidence

You might know exactly what happened, but proving it takes documentation. That’s where these come in:

• Police report. Details from the Exeter Police help set the record straight. Officers document everything from road conditions to suspected violations.
• Medical records. These tie your injuries directly to the crash. Having this timeline makes it much harder for insurance companies to dispute your claim.
• Receipts and bills. Every expense related to the accident counts. From prescriptions to parking at a specialist's office, track it all. Those details help show the full impact.
• Witness statements. Locals who saw or heard the crash, especially near familiar areas like the downtown bandstand or Court Street, can help verify your account. Their testimony strengthens your version of events and supports your claim.

Together, these pieces show the bigger picture: how the crash happened, what it’s cost you, and why you deserve fair compensation.

Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim

Waiting Too Long to See a Doctor

We get it—you’ve got other things on your mind. But delaying medical care makes insurers question your injuries. They may claim your pain came from something else entirely. The longer you wait, the harder your case becomes to prove.

Posting on Social Media

It’s tempting to post a photo or share what happened. But insurance companies watch your accounts. A smiling selfie at a family cookout could be twisted to say, “See? They’re not really injured.”

• Avoid posting about your accident. Even vague status updates or shared news stories can be misinterpreted. A harmless post can cost you.
• Adjust your privacy settings. But remember, screenshots can still be taken by others, so caution is your best bet. Don’t assume anything is truly private.

Missing the Deadline

In New Hampshire, you’ve got three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss that deadline? You lose your right to seek compensation. No exceptions.

• Keep track of important dates. Mark your calendar and set reminders early. Missing deadlines is more common than you’d think.
• Don’t wait until the last minute. The longer you delay, the harder it is to gather strong evidence and witness accounts. A rushed case can cost you compensation.

Finding Help in Exeter While You Heal

Medical and Mental Health Resources

Your physical recovery might take months or more. Facilities like Exeter Hospital offer comprehensive rehab services, including:

• Physical therapy. Rebuild strength and movement over time through guided exercises. Many patients find it’s not just about healing—it’s about gaining confidence again.
• Occupational therapy. Learn new ways to perform tasks affected by injury. Whether it's lifting your kids or getting through a workday, these practical tools make daily life easier.
• Pain management. Personalized care plans to treat chronic pain without relying entirely on medication. You don’t have to tough it out alone. Rrelief is possible with the right support.

And let’s not ignore your mental health. After a crash, it’s completely normal to feel anxious, sad, or even angry. Exeter has therapists and counselors who specialize in trauma. 

Talking to someone doesn’t make you weak. It makes you proactive about healing.

Community Support

Exeter’s a tight-knit town. There are people and organizations ready to lend a hand.

• Community Action Partnership of Strafford County. Provides short-term financial assistance and connects you with helpful resources. They can even help you apply for benefits or navigate temporary hardship relief programs.
• Local churches and nonprofits. Many offer transportation services, meals, and aid for those struggling after a sudden crisis. If you're unsure where to turn, these groups can also connect you with other trusted local organizations.

You’re not without options, even if things feel hard right now.

Quick Answers: Exeter Car Accident FAQs

Do I need to file a report even for a small fender-bender?

Yes. A police report can protect you down the line, especially if injuries surface later or the other driver changes their story.

What if I’m partly to blame?

You can still recover damages—as long as you’re less than 51% at fault. But your payout will be reduced based on your share of the blame.

How long will it take to settle my case?

That depends. Some wrap up in a few months. Others take longer, especially if your injuries are severe. It’s better to wait and get full compensation than rush into a weak deal.

Horn Wright, LLP: We’ll Help You Reclaim Control

We’re not just legal professionals. We’re real people who care about what you’re going through. 

Our car accident attorneys understand the roads, the laws, and the local challenges that Exeter drivers face every day. From our first meeting to your final settlement, we’ll stand by you, fight for you, and keep your best interests front and center. 

You’ve got enough to deal with. Let one of America’s leading law firms take care of the legal side so you can move forward. 

Call (603) 716-9415 today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.