Exeter, NH Personal Injury Attorneys

Your Roadmap to Recovery When Life Throws a Curveball

An accident wasn’t part of the plan. You might’ve been crossing Water Street or heading home from a quick stop at Stillwells. 

Out of nowhere, something happens. And suddenly, you’re hurting. It’s not just the injury. It’s the chaos that comes after. Doctor visits. Calls from insurance. Missed work. A million questions, and no idea where to start.

It’s frustrating, confusing, and honestly exhausting—not knowing who to rely on or what steps to take. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. 

Our Exeter personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, help people across Exeter pick up the pieces after serious injuries. From the neighborhoods near Swasey Parkway to the quiet streets around Phillips Exeter Academy, our attorneys know how to dig in, get answers, and fight for what’s fair. 

You worry about getting through the day. We’ll deal with the legal mess behind the scenes.

Exeter Accidents—When Bad Luck Turns Worse

Exeter might look picture-perfect, but accidents don’t care about charm. 

Winters here bring black ice and slick sidewalks. Route 101 gets backed up fast. Even a quiet trip through Portsmouth Avenue can take a turn. And inside local shops or restaurants? Spills, faulty steps, or loose mats can turn into serious hazards.

Here are a few types of accidents we see most often in Exeter:

• Car wrecks on Route 101 or intersections like Epping Road and Holland Way. These areas see regular backups, especially during commuting hours. One distracted driver is all it takes to cause a chain reaction.
• Falls on icy sidewalks near Swasey Parkway or around Lincoln Street. These spots don’t always get cleared quickly, especially after storms. A patch of black ice can be nearly invisible until it’s too late.
• Job-related injuries inside retail stores, restaurants, or warehouses. Wet floors, faulty equipment, and fast-paced environments can lead to serious accidents. Even a small mistake in a tight workspace can cause major harm.

These accidents leave more than bumps and bruises. We’ve worked with people in Exeter dealing with:

• Broken bones and joint injuries. Healing takes time, and mobility issues can linger for weeks or months. Something as basic as climbing stairs can suddenly feel like a major challenge.
• Neck, back, and spinal damage that affects movement and sleep. Pain doesn’t always show up right away but can worsen over time. Some people end up needing long-term therapy just to return to daily routines.
• Traumatic brain injuries that impact memory, mood, and concentration. Even mild TBIs can disrupt work, relationships, and your ability to focus. Recovery often involves both medical and emotional support.

But pain doesn’t stop at the physical. Many folks carry emotional weight, too—fear, stress, and financial pressure that make it hard to rest or think straight. Managing your health while juggling doctor visits, paperwork, and bills isn’t just hard. It wears you down.

What Exeter Accident Victims Need to Do Immediately

When you're hurt, everything feels rushed. But a few key steps right after the accident can make a huge difference down the road. We’re not talking about legal jargon or endless forms. Just smart moves that protect your health and your future.

Here’s what you should do:

• Get checked out. Visit Exeter Hospital or a nearby urgent care. Even small injuries can escalate if ignored. Getting medical attention right away also creates a clear record that supports your claim.
• Take photos. Document the scene, your injuries, damage, weather—anything that tells the story. Visual evidence can speak volumes when words fall short.
• Talk to witnesses. Get names and contact info if anyone saw what happened. Their statements might help back you up later if things get complicated.
• Report it. If it happened on the road, call the Exeter Police. If it was in a store or workplace, let a manager know right away. The sooner it’s documented, the stronger your position will be.

These steps aren’t just about evidence. They show insurers that you took the situation seriously. That can help if you file a claim or end up in court later on.

How Injury Claims Actually Work in Exeter, NH

New Hampshire has its own approach to personal injury cases, and knowing the basics helps you stay in control.

Here’s how it works:

• Fault rules. New Hampshire follows a modified comparative fault system. You can still get money even if you were partly at fault, as long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible.
• Deadlines. You usually have three years from the date of injury to file a claim. Miss that, and your chance may disappear.

What can you actually recover?

• Medical bills, past and future. That includes emergency room visits, follow-ups, prescriptions, and long-term treatments. Even things like physical therapy and mobility aids can be factored into your claim.
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity. If your injury kept you from work, or forced you into a lower-paying job, you can seek reimbursement. That includes missed promotions, overtime, and even lost freelance gigs.
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional. This covers things like anxiety, sleep problems, and changes in your daily life. It's about recognizing how the injury affects your peace of mind, not just your body.

Insurance companies know how to make payouts look fair when they’re anything but. They might sound helpful, but they’re trained to protect their company’s bottom line. One quick comment from you could be used to shrink your settlement.

Knowing your rights, and having someone to stand up for them, can make a huge difference.

Avoiding Mistakes After Your Exeter Injury

It’s easy to slip up after an accident. Not because you’re careless, but because you're trying to get through the day. Even small decisions can cause big problems for your case.

Some common mistakes we see:

• Taking the first offer. Quick settlements often don’t come close to covering long-term costs. It might feel like a relief in the moment, but it rarely reflects the true impact of your injury.
• Skipping appointments. If you stop treatment early or miss follow-ups, it can look like you weren’t really hurt. Insurers use those gaps to question your credibility and downplay your case.
• Posting online. Even a happy photo or comment about "feeling better" can be twisted and used against you. Social media gives insurers a window into your life they can manipulate to their advantage.

Every misstep creates an opportunity for the insurance company to reduce what they owe you. Staying cautious and informed protects your case and your future.

Exeter-Specific Considerations: Local Factors That Influence Your Case

Not all injury cases are the same. Exeter’s layout, weather, and traffic can shape how your case plays out. 

Snow and freezing rain turn sidewalks and parking lots on Front Street and Portsmouth Avenue into danger zones, especially in the colder months. These slick surfaces often lead to dangerous falls and unexpected injuries. 

Intersections near Exeter High and along Route 27 are known for backups, and when drivers rush or look away for just a second, accidents happen fast.

Even the court that hears your case matters. Most serious claims from Exeter go through Rockingham County Superior Court. 

Local experience counts. Attorneys who know the area, the roads, and the court system can better predict what to expect—and how to prepare.

The Truth About Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Exeter

If you’re thinking, "Do I really need a lawyer for this?" You're not the only one. Plenty of folks ask the same thing. But here’s what you should know:

• No upfront cost. Most personal injury law firms in Exeter work on contingency. That means they only get paid if you win.
• They handle the hard stuff. Paperwork, insurance calls, deadlines, court filings—that’s on them, not you.
• More support. Local attorneys often bring in doctors, financial experts, or accident investigators to back up your case.

Hiring a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re being dramatic. It means you want to get it right. And research shows that injury victims with legal help typically walk away with better results.

Real Stories, Real Results: How Exeter Victims Found Justice

We’ve seen what a strong case can do. 

Like Melissa, a teacher who slipped on untreated ice outside her apartment building. She couldn’t work for months. The landlord denied fault, but she fought back with help and won a six-figure settlement that covered her recovery.

Or Tom, a mechanic hurt in a three-car collision near Portsmouth Avenue. His back injury made it impossible to return to work. The first offer from insurance wouldn’t have lasted six months. With legal support, he stood his ground and walked away with compensation that helped him start over.

These aren’t lucky breaks. They’re outcomes that happen when people have the right support behind them.

Take Control of Your Recovery: Horn Wright, LLP, is Ready to Fight for You

You shouldn’t have to fight every battle on your own. At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys know what it takes to win cases in Exeter. 

As an experienced and trusted law firm, we understand the local courts, the weather, the roadways, and the tactics insurers use to avoid paying fair claims. If you’ve been injured, let us stand by your side and push for what’s right. We’re ready when you are.

Call (603) 716-9415 or reach out online to schedule your complimentary case review.