Not a Bot!™ When you call, Attorney Joseph Kelly Levasseur answers his own phone. Calls to the office ring through to his cell. No call center, no chatbot. If he is in court, leave a message and he will call you back himself. Tap to call 603-622-7575.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee: the attorney fee is a percentage of what is recovered, and if there is no recovery there is no attorney fee. The fee agreement is in writing and explains how case costs and expenses are handled.
New Hampshire is the one state that does not require drivers to buy auto insurance. Instead, it uses a financial responsibility system: drivers who cause a crash, or are convicted of certain offenses, can be required to show proof of insurance going forward (RSA chapter 264). The result is that many drivers on New Hampshire roads carry no insurance at all, or only the minimum. Attorney Levasseur has practiced law in New Hampshire for 24 years. His office is at 396 S Willow St in Manchester, and he represents people from Manchester, Bedford, Goffstown, Hooksett, Londonderry, Merrimack, Auburn and the surrounding towns.
What UM and UIM Coverage Do
Even though buying insurance is optional, any New Hampshire auto policy that is issued must include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at least equal to the state's minimum liability limits, and it also covers hit-and-run vehicles (RSA 264:15, I). If you bought liability limits higher than the minimum, your UM coverage automatically matches those higher limits.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough to cover your losses. How much your own policy pays on top of the other driver's coverage depends on your policy terms, including whether you have "enhanced" coverage.
Your Own Insurer Is Not on Your Side
A UM claim is a claim against your own insurance company, but in that claim it steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver and can dispute fault and the value of your losses. Many policies have notice requirements, consent-to-settle clauses and arbitration provisions. A mistake, like settling with the at-fault driver without your insurer's consent, can put UIM coverage at risk.
Stacking and Other Policies
Coverage may be available through more than one policy, such as a household member's policy or an employer's vehicle. Attorney Levasseur reviews every available policy to find the coverage that applies. Call 603-622-7575.
Deadlines Matter
In New Hampshire, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the crash (RSA 508:4, I). There are limited exceptions, and claims against a city, town or the State can involve shorter notice requirements. Evidence such as video footage, vehicle data and witness memories fades quickly, so it pays to call early.
If You Were Partly at Fault
New Hampshire uses modified comparative fault (RSA 507:7-d). You can still recover as long as your share of fault is not greater than the fault of the party you are making a claim against, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame, so do not give a recorded statement before getting advice.
Talk to Attorney Levasseur
Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a particular result. What you can count on is a straight answer from the attorney himself. Call 603-622-7575 for a free consultation, or tap here to call now.