Riding in the Granite State: When Drivers Don’t See Motorcycles~3 min read

New Hampshire is famously one of only three U.S. states without a universal motorcycle helmet law for adults. However, while helmet use may not be required, attentiveness certainly should be—especially when it comes to spotting smaller road users like motorcyclists. Tragically, despite visible and legal safety gaps, driver inattention remains a top cause of devastating motorcycle crashes here in the granite state

The Scope of the Problem

Motorcycles are inherently less visible than passenger cars. According to the landmark Hurt Report, two‑thirds of collisions between motorcycles and vehicles happen because the driver failed to detect the rider and violated their right-of-way en.wikipedia.org. New Hampshire attorneys, accident reconstructionists, and rider training specialists consistently confirm the same: drivers pulling left across a lane without spotting an oncoming bike cause far too many crashes.

Statistics show New Hampshire leads the nation in motorcycle fatalities—24% of national fatal bike crashes happen here, compared to only 14% of all crash fatalities. And although MDOT doesn’t track national rates by state, local records show 41 fatalities in 2023, 31 in 2022, and 31 by early 2024—a surge attributed to inattentive driving and speeding.

Common Crash Scenarios

Most of these crashes share a predictable pattern:

• Left turns into motorcycles: many drivers simply don’t scan far enough to notice approaching bikes.
• Stopping or rear‑end collisions: inattentive drivers’ strike bikes at stoplights or behind them.
• Intersection violations: cars run red lights or stop signs, T‑bone a motorcyclist, and leave riders with catastrophic injuries.

What Happens After a Crash?

When a distracted driver collides with a motorcyclist, the physical and financial toll can be staggering:

1. Severe personal injuries: Riders are often thrown bodily onto pavement, suffering traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, road rash, and more.
2. Life-changing medical needs: Lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, and sometimes lifelong care become essential elements of injury lawsuits.
3. Emotional and lifestyle impact: Victims frequently seek compensation not just for medical costs and vehicle damage, but also lost wages, diminished future earning ability, chronic pain, and loss of enjoyment in life.
4. Property damage and legal fees: Replacing or repairing motorcycles and paying for legal representation all become part of the compensation picture.

New Hampshire’s Fault System & How Lawsuits Work

New Hampshire operates under a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver must compensate the victim—either through insurance or a lawsuit. However, it’s not simple: NH follows modified comparative negligence, in which a plaintiff can recover damages even if partially at fault—provided their fault is under 51%. Yet, compensation is reduced proportionally by their percentage of responsibility.

Notably:

• Riders must file within three years from the crash (with exceptions for minors.
• Missing this deadline generally bars any lawsuit.

A Final Word: Protecting Yourself and Changing Mindsets

Motorcycle accidents in New Hampshire, especially those caused by inattentive drivers, often result in grievous injuries and complex legal battles. With its fault-based and comparative negligence legal framework, NH enables injured riders to seek meaningful compensation—medical, financial, and emotional—from at-fault drivers. Yet successful lawsuits hinge on timely action, careful documentation, strong legal representation, and clear proof of driver negligence.

By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit after a bike‑involved crash, victims not only receive justice, they also spotlight the critical importance of mindful driving. Ultimately, every attentive motorist helps make New Hampshire’s roads safer—for riders and drivers alike. If you need help with a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced lawyers at PMM Law.