Not a Bot!™ Call and you get Attorney Joseph Kelly Levasseur himself. Riders deserve a lawyer who picks up the phone. Office calls ring straight to his cell, so there is no answering service or automated menu between you and your lawyer. Tap to call 603-622-7575.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
New Hampshire roads draw riders from all over New England, from the Route 3 corridor to the back roads around Lake Massabesic and the run up to Laconia. When a driver fails to see a motorcycle, the rider usually takes the worst of it. Attorney Levasseur has spent 24 years practicing law in New Hampshire, and from his Manchester office at 396 S Willow St he helps injured riders and passengers from Manchester, Auburn, Candia, Hooksett, Bedford, and surrounding towns.
Why Motorcycle Claims Are Different
Riders often face assumptions that they were speeding or riding recklessly, even when a car driver turned left in front of them or changed lanes without looking. Injuries also tend to be more serious, which means larger medical bills and longer recovery. A lawyer can help push back on unfair blame and make sure the full picture of your losses is documented.
- Direct access. Attorney Levasseur answers his own phone and works on your case personally.
- Local roads, local courts. He knows Manchester-area traffic patterns and Hillsborough County practice.
- Honest guidance. He tells you what he sees in your case, good or bad.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes We See
- Drivers turning left across a rider's path at intersections
- Unsafe lane changes and blind-spot collisions on I-93, I-293, and Route 101
- Rear-end impacts in stop-and-go traffic
- Doors opened into a rider's path on downtown streets
- Distracted or impaired drivers
- Potholes, gravel, and poorly maintained road surfaces
Learn more on our motorcycle accidents page and our personal injury practice page.
New Hampshire Motorcycle Laws That Affect Your Claim
Helmet Law
New Hampshire is one of the few states without a universal helmet law. Under RSA 265:122, only riders and passengers under 18 must wear approved protective headgear. An adult who rides without a helmet is not breaking the law, though insurers sometimes raise it when arguing about the extent of injuries.
Comparative Fault
Under RSA 507:7-d, an injured rider can recover as long as his or her fault is not greater than the other party's, with damages reduced by the rider's share. For a closer look at even splits, see what happens when both drivers are found 50/50 at fault.
Time Limits
Most injury lawsuits must be filed within three years under RSA 508:4.
Insurance Coverage
Because New Hampshire does not require most motorists to buy liability insurance, your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can matter a great deal. Read why underinsured motorist coverage is crucial in New Hampshire.
Protecting Your Claim After a Motorcycle Crash
- Get medical care right away and follow up on every recommended treatment.
- Keep your helmet, riding gear, and damaged parts. Do not repair or discard them yet.
- Photograph the bike, the vehicle that hit you, skid marks, and the roadway.
- Ask nearby businesses about security cameras before footage is erased.
- Be careful what you post on social media about the crash or your recovery.
- Talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to the driver's insurer.
What a Motorcycle Injury Claim Can Include
Depending on the facts, a rider may seek compensation for medical treatment and rehabilitation, lost income and future earning ability, pain and suffering, scarring, and damage to the motorcycle and gear. If a crash is fatal, the family may have a wrongful death claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Hampshire require motorcycle helmets?
Only for riders and passengers under 18. RSA 265:122 requires anyone under 18 to wear approved protective headgear on a motorcycle or autocycle. Adults may legally ride without one.
Can the insurance company blame me for not wearing a helmet?
An insurer may try to argue that a helmet would have reduced your injuries. Because adults are not required to wear one in New Hampshire, how that argument applies depends on the facts. Attorney Levasseur can explain how it may affect your claim.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
In most cases, three years from the injury under RSA 508:4. Some exceptions apply, so it is best to get advice early.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
You may still recover if your share of fault is not greater than the fault of the party you are claiming against. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault under RSA 507:7-d.
Who pays if the driver who hit me has little or no insurance?
Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help. Review your motorcycle policy and talk with a lawyer about every coverage that may apply.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. Injury cases are handled on a contingency fee, which means no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. You may still be responsible for case costs and expenses, as explained in the written fee agreement you will review before deciding anything.
Will I actually talk to the lawyer?
Yes. Not a Bot!™ means Attorney Levasseur answers his own phone, and office calls ring to his cell. If he is in court, leave a message and he will call you back himself.
Call a Manchester Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love was hurt on a motorcycle in Manchester or anywhere in southern New Hampshire, call Attorney Joseph Kelly Levasseur at 603-622-7575 or reach out through our contact page. Office: 396 S Willow St, Manchester, NH.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
This page is attorney advertising and provides general information, not legal advice. Reading it or contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past outcomes do not predict future results.