If you’ve been involved in a crash, proving who caused it can determine how quickly you recover damages. Many drivers ask, “Is NH a no-fault state?” The answer shapes your legal options and your financial future. New Hampshire follows a fault-based system, so the burden often falls on you to prove what happened.
The Shillen Mackall Seldon and Spicer team helps accident victims protect their rights and build strong, evidence-backed claims from day one.
New Hampshire’s Fault System
New Hampshire is not a no-fault state. The driver who causes the accident must cover the costs of medical care, lost income, and property damage. Insurance companies and courts look closely at evidence to decide who is responsible.
Knowing how to prove you are not at fault in a car accident protects your ability to recover compensation and avoid being held financially responsible for damages you didn’t cause. In a fault-based system like New Hampshire’s, your financial outcome depends on how you establish what happened and who was responsible.
Steps to Prove You Are Not at Fault in a Car Accident
After a crash, the burden of proof often falls on you. You must take deliberate steps to establish the other driver’s fault and support your version of events to protect yourself financially and legally.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Accurate documentation starts at the crash site. The more detail you capture, the harder it becomes for insurers to dispute your claim.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs
- Get contact information from all drivers and eyewitnesses
- Ask for a copy of the police report or obtain the report number
- Write down your account of the event while the details are fresh
Document Injuries and Damages
Medical and repair records show the scope of your losses and connect them directly to the accident.
- Visit a doctor or urgent care immediately, even if you feel fine
- Request written diagnoses, treatment plans, and invoices
- Keep all repair estimates and receipts
- Track time missed from work due to injury or recovery
Work With Experts
Some crashes require deeper investigation. Accident reconstruction experts use data like vehicle speed, angles of impact, and debris patterns to clarify how the collision occurred. Medical professionals can also testify to the severity and cause of your injuries. Expert analysis provides weight that subjective opinions or memory gaps cannot.
Communicate With Insurance Companies
Your statements to insurers shape how they assign fault. Be strategic and consistent.
- Stick to the facts and avoid admitting blame
- Don’t speculate about what caused the accident
- Keep records of every call, email, and document
- Let your attorney handle complex or contested conversations
Legal Support in Proving Fault
Even with clear evidence, proving fault isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies often push back to protect their bottom line. Having an attorney on your side levels the playing field and protects your right to full compensation.
At Shillen Mackall Seldon and Spicer, we investigate collisions, gather supporting evidence, and communicate directly with insurers on your behalf. Our team builds strong legal claims that reflect the full impact of your injuries, losses, and long-term needs. When the other driver denies responsibility, we present clear, evidence-backed arguments that hold them accountable.
Take the Right Steps After a New Hampshire Car Accident
Proving fault directly affects your ability to recover damages and avoid liability. In New Hampshire, where drivers must establish who caused the crash, evidence and legal strategy make all the difference. The sooner you act, the stronger your case becomes. Contact us at Shillen Mackall Seldon and Spicer if you need help building a claim. Our team stands ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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