What To Do After a Car Accident in New Hampshire

Best practice guide for what you need to do in case you are in an auto accident in NH

If you are involved in an accident or collision in New Hampshire, you must be prepared to act responsibly and in accordance with State law. Following are some general guidelines and more specific requirements to follow in case of an accident.


FIRST AND FOREMOST

As a responsible driver, you must never leave the scene of an accident. Not only is it essential that you provide any necessary help immediately following an accident, but leaving an accident scene can result in having your driving privileges revoked or your license suspended.

After stopping your vehicle, you should pull up as close to the accident as safely possible, without obstructing traffic. Take a moment to assess the situation, and do not panic. Be aware of the traffic situation, and any other potential dangers, such as fire.

You should do your best to provide immediate assistance to other motorists, passengers or pedestrians that may have been injured in the accident.

Take extra care when attempting to move an injured person; if possible, wait for an ambulance to arrive. Notify 911 to report any injuries and call for medical assistance. Also inform the local New Hampshire police, sheriff or highway patrol.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to stay calm. If possible, ensure that you are out of danger and not blocking any oncoming traffic. Call or wait for help, and do not attempt to move if you are unable to do so. See Auto Accident Injuries for more information.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION

If you are involved in an accident in New Hampshire, you are required to provide certain information to the other parties involved.

Likewise, fellow motorists, passengers or pedestrians involved in the accident must share similar information with you. Also, it is often wise to ask for the information of witnesses to the accident just in case you need to have them testify at a later date. The key information to exchange in the aftermath of an accident includes:

  1. Name, address and contact details.
  2. Driver license number.
  3. License plate number of the vehicles involved.
  4. Auto insurance information for the motorists involved, if available.

It may also be useful to take photographs at the scene of the accident.
If you hit an unattended vehicle, you must make an effort to find the owner or driver, and follow these same procedures.

If you are unable to locate the owner of an unattended vehicle, you are required to leave a note indicating your name and contact information, and a brief description of the accident.

REPORTING AN ACCIDENT TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE DMV

  1. If a police report has not been filed, you must report an accident to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles under certain circumstances. You are required to complete and submit a Motor vehicle Accident Report Motor vehicle Accident Report within 15 days of an accident, if any of the following apply:
  2. The accident caused injury or death.
  3. The accident resulted in property damage exceeding $1,000.
  4. Failure to report an accident to the New Hampshire DMV under the circumstances described above is deemed to be a felony or misdemeanor, depending on whether there was injury or only property loss.
  5. Your report must include detailed and current information regarding your insurance coverage. However, auto insurance is not mandatory in the state of New Hampshire. If you did not have liability insurance and were unable to provide restitution for injuries or damages sustained due to your negligence, your driving privileges may be suspended. You will then be required to file proof of future financial responsibility (SR-22) in order to have your driving privileges reinstated.
  6. Make a copy of the accident report form for your personal records. You can mail the original directly to: 
    Department of Safety
Accident Section
10 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Last updated on Thursday, October 15 2020.