Exeter, NH Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

When a Motorcycle Ride Turns Tragic, We’re Here to Help

A simple ride through Exeter can change in the blink of an eye. You're cruising along Portsmouth Avenue or merging onto Route 101—and the next, you're waking up in pain, sirens blaring, not even sure what happened. 

Motorcycle crashes are life-altering. You might be dealing with broken bones, painful surgeries, or even long-term injuries that make everyday life harder. On top of that, there’s the emotional weight. Fear. Confusion. Bills piling up faster than you can process. It can feel like your life has been flipped upside down.

Our Exeter motorcycle accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, serve riders throughout Exeter with dedication and compassion. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take and we’re here to fight for you. 

We provide legal representation that's aggressive when it needs to be and empathetic every step of the way. Our New Hampshire law firm guides you through the chaos, makes sure your story is heard, and fights for every dollar you deserve.

Why Motorcycle Accidents in Exeter Are Dangerous and What Makes Them Different

Motorcycle crashes come with a unique set of dangers, and riders in Exeter face challenges that go beyond the typical. Without the protection of a vehicle’s frame, motorcyclists bear the full impact of a crash. This means injuries are usually far more serious than those in passenger vehicles.

But it’s not just about the injuries. It’s about where and how they happen.

Many of the most dangerous situations for riders in Exeter include:

• Tight, high-traffic spots like the Exeter Traffic Circle. These areas demand constant attention. One wrong move by a nearby driver can lead to disaster.
• Speeding cars on Epping Road and Route 101. Drivers often go too fast, making it harder to see motorcycles. Quick stops become nearly impossible.
• Sudden lane shifts and blind spots that conceal motorcycles. A slight turn of the wheel by a distracted driver can send a rider into a guardrail. It happens in a split second.

Exeter’s roads weren’t built with motorcycles in mind. Add in rough pavement, limited visibility in some areas, and frequent stops, and the town quickly becomes a minefield for anyone on two wheels. 

Motorcyclists need to be constantly alert, but even the most skilled rider can’t control what a distracted driver does next.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Exeter: Knowing What Went Wrong

Understanding what caused a crash helps clarify what comes next - legally, financially, and emotionally. And while every accident has its own story, certain patterns show up over and over again here in Exeter.

Some causes are rooted in driver behavior. Others lie in the roads themselves. Let’s break them down:

Driver Negligence and Distraction

A phone rings, a text comes in, someone glances down for just a second. That’s all it takes.

• Drift between lanes. These sudden swerves often catch riders completely off guard, leading to dangerous side-swipe collisions. Even in slow-moving traffic, a lane drift can push a motorcycle into a curb or another vehicle.
• Fail to yield at turns or intersections. This happens most at places like Portsmouth Avenue and Alumni Drive where cars often assume they have the right-of-way. Yielding mistakes usually lead to direct-impact crashes.
• Simply don’t see the motorcycle until it’s too late. Smaller profiles make bikes easy to miss, especially at night or in poor weather. Drivers often claim “I didn’t see them” as a defense. Unfortunately, that excuse doesn’t reverse the damage.

Speed and Recklessness

New Hampshire roads see its fair share of speeding, too. Drivers on Route 101 often treat it like a racetrack. The faster they go, the harder it is to notice a motorcycle. By the time they do, there’s no time to stop. 

Hazardous Local Conditions

High Street and Brentwood Road are examples of places where uneven pavement or poorly maintained road surfaces can send a motorcycle off balance instantly. Loose gravel, puddles that hide potholes. These aren’t just annoying. They’re dangerous.

No matter the cause, if the crash wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t be left picking up the pieces alone.

What You Need to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash in Exeter

Those first few minutes and hours after a crash are chaotic. You’re hurt. You’re confused. But the actions you take right then can make a big difference.

Let’s lay it out clearly:

1. Prioritize Safety

Get out of the road if you can. Turn on hazard lights, move to a safe spot, and call 911. Make yourself visible so no one else gets hurt while help is on the way. If you’re injured and can’t move, signal to others to assist instead of pushing through pain.

1. Get Checked at Exeter Hospital

Even if you feel okay, internal injuries are sneaky. Let the emergency room professionals examine you thoroughly. Sometimes adrenaline masks pain, and symptoms might not show for hours. Getting checked creates a medical record that can support your case later.

1. File a Police Report

Head to the Exeter Police Department on Court Street or have officers come to the scene. This report matters. It documents details you may forget later and often includes sketches or witness names. Without it, proving what happened gets much harder.

1. Take Photos If You're Able

Your injuries, the bike, the other vehicle, the road. Capture it all. If you can’t do it, ask a bystander. These images help show the extent of the damage and can highlight road hazards or weather conditions. Time-stamped photos can serve as strong evidence.

1. Don’t Go It Alone With Insurance

An adjuster might call quickly. Be polite, but cautious. It’s okay to say, “I’m not ready to give a statement.” Never assume they’re on your side. Their job is to limit payouts. Let personal injury lawyers handle communications so your words aren't used against you.

Every move you make from here on helps protect your recovery, physically and financially.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in Exeter

So much gets thrown at you after a crash. Medical bills. Insurance forms. Missed paychecks. It’s overwhelming. But you do have rights and knowing them puts power back in your hands.

Let’s keep this simple:

If someone else caused your crash, even partially, they may be responsible for compensating you. That includes more than just covering your hospital bills.

You Might Be Entitled To:

• Payment for your medical care, including surgeries and rehab. That includes future treatments if your recovery isn’t straightforward. Ongoing pain management and therapy also fall under this.
• Reimbursement for income lost while recovering. Missed workdays add up fast. If your job duties are affected long-term, you may also claim diminished earning potential.
• Money for the pain you’re in and the changes to your life. Emotional suffering counts, too. From disrupted sleep to anxiety, your daily life changes deserve recognition.
• Repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and gear. Helmets, jackets, and boots aren’t cheap. If they were damaged in the crash, you have a right to recover those costs.

Under New Hampshire’s legal system, fault matters, but so does evidence. That’s why documentation, medical records, and expert guidance are essential.

Dealing with Insurance Companies: How Exeter Riders Can Protect Themselves

Insurance companies aren’t looking out for your best interest. Their goal is simple: pay you as little as possible. And they’re good at it.

You may hear from an adjuster within 24 hours. They’ll sound kind. Helpful, even. But their questions? They’re designed to minimize your payout.

Avoid These Mistakes:

• Giving a recorded statement too soon. These recordings are often mined for contradictions. A small misstep in your words can seriously impact your claim later.
• Admitting any fault, no matter how small. Even saying “I’m sorry” might be twisted into an admission of guilt. Let your legal team handle questions about blame.
• Accepting the first settlement they offer. Early offers are usually low. Once you accept, you can’t go back and ask for more, even if new medical bills roll in.

Instead, write down everything. Keep a crash diary. Save every receipt and bill. Talk to someone who understands these tactics and can push back.

It’s not about being confrontational. It’s about being smart.

FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents in Exeter, NH

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet? Can I still recover damages?

Yes, you can. While wearing a helmet is always safer, New Hampshire doesn’t require it for adult riders. Not wearing one could reduce damages for head injuries, but it won’t stop you from filing a claim.

How soon do I need to file a motorcycle accident claim in New Hampshire?

You have three years from the date of the accident. But sooner is better. Building a strong case takes time.

What if the at-fault driver fled the scene?

Hit-and-runs are devastating. If the other driver can’t be found, your uninsured motorist coverage may kick in. Make sure to report the crash and work with someone who can help track down evidence.

Motorcycle Accident Prevention: How Exeter Riders Can Stay Safe

You can’t control the weather. Or distracted drivers. But you can take charge of your own safety.

Here’s how riders in Exeter can lower their risk:

• Gear up, every time. Helmet, jacket, gloves. They matter. Don’t skip gear just because it’s a short ride. Protective clothing can be the barrier between bruises and broken bones.
• Stay visible. Use reflective tape, bright colors, and daytime running lights. Visibility is your best defense. Make yourself stand out in traffic so other drivers can’t claim they “didn’t see you.”
• Ride defensively, especially on roads like Water Street or Epping Road. Assume other drivers won’t yield. Stay alert at intersections and avoid lingering in blind spots.
• Avoid riding too close. Give other drivers room to act unpredictably. Tailgating limits your reaction time. Backing off slightly can save you in sudden braking situations.

A few extra precautions can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophe. Ride smart, ride safe.

Don’t Face the Aftermath of an Exeter Motorcycle Crash Alone: Horn Wright, LLP, Can Help

A motorcycle crash leaves more than just physical scars. You might be out of work, in pain, and unsure where to turn next. 

Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, understand the road ahead isn’t easy. That’s why we’re committed to helping riders in Exeter recover—not just financially, but emotionally. We’ll fight for your rights, handle the details, and give you space to heal. Let one of the most trusted firms in the country stand with you when it matters most.

Call (603) 716-9415 today to arrange your free consultation.