New Hampshire Statute of Limitations

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in New Hampshire?

A statute of limitations is the legal terminology for when a civil lawsuit can be filed in a given state.

New Hampshire, like every other state, has many statutes of limitation. Think of an hourglass, a shot clock, or a play clock—a statute of limitations is much like each of these time-minded objects. The statute of limitations in New Hampshire for car accident claims is three years.

Statutes of limitation are one reason why time is essential in filing a lawsuit in New Hampshire. If you wait too long, you may forfeit the right to sue. For a precise understanding of the statute of limitations applicable to your unique circumstances, contact an experienced New Hampshire attorney as soon as possible.

Worried you might miss your window to file? Learn more about the statute of limitations in NH today. Protect your rights before time runs out!

The Statute of Limitations Begins to Run on the Date a Claim Arises

Understanding when the statute of limitations specific to your legal situation begins to run is essential. It does not run as soon as you contact an attorney or as soon as you identify the person you know or suspect has committed a wrongful act against you.

Rather, the statute of limitations begins on the date your claim existed. In the civil context, it is useful to think of the example of a car accident.

If you have been the victim of another person’s negligent or reckless driving, the statute of limitations for bringing a lawsuit against the other driver begins to run from when the accident occurred. The statute of limitations is the same in the criminal context. If someone burglarized your home, the statute of limitations would begin to run from the date of the burglary. As you can see, “run” is synonymous with “begin.”

Don’t Let the Statute of Limitations Extinguish Your Legal Claim

In New Hampshire, if you have been the victim of a car accident or suffered personal injuries due to another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentionally wrongful conduct, you have 3 years to file a lawsuit against the party or parties at fault. As such, you must contact a skilled and experienced New Hampshire attorney as soon as possible. 

You may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, property repairs or replacement, lost income due to missed work, pain and suffering, and other legal damages. Statutes of limitation for other civil and criminal wrongs vary in accordance with the nature and severity of the wrongful act.

To ensure that you bring your legal claim promptly, consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Time is ticking—don’t wait any longer. Contact a legal professional now to ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations!