New Hampshire’s statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally three years. This means most personal injury actions in New Hampshire must be filed within three years of the incident that caused your injury. The three-year deadline usually begins on the day of the accident. If you did not discover your injury right away, the law allows three years from the date you knew, or reasonably should have known, that you were hurt and that another party’s conduct caused your injuries.
Figuring out which deadline applies to your situation can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with pain, paperwork, and unexpected demands on your time. At DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, our New Hampshire personal injury attorneys help you understand your filing window, submit your claim on time, and protect your right to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Deadlines Matter in a New Hampshire Personal Injury Claim
Filing your claim on time is essential because New Hampshire’s statute of limitations directly affects the strength of your case. These deadlines help protect the quality of evidence and the accuracy of witness memory, both of which can fade as time passes. When evidence disappears or details become unclear, proving what happened becomes much harder.
Taking action early also strengthens your claim. It allows your attorney to collect medical records, photos, reports, and other documentation while everything is still fresh and accurate.
Insurance companies are aware of these deadlines, too. If they see the filing window closing, they may delay responses or deny your claim, hoping time runs out. Acting promptly protects your rights and keeps your case on solid ground.
Legal Exceptions That Can Affect Your New Hampshire Personal Injury Deadline
While most New Hampshire personal injury claims must be filed within three years, certain circumstances may pause or extend this deadline. This is known as “tolling.” These exceptions are limited, and they apply only in specific situations.
Minors and Mentally Incapacitated Individuals
If the injured person is a minor or is mentally unable to make legal decisions, the filing deadline does not begin immediately. Instead, the clock starts when the person turns eighteen or when their mental incapacity ends. From that point, they generally have two years to file a claim.
Injuries Discovered Later
Some injuries are not immediately apparent. New Hampshire’s discovery rule allows the filing window to begin when you discover the injury and understand that someone else’s conduct caused it. This often applies in cases involving medical complications, delayed symptoms after a collision, or exposure to harmful substances.
When the At-Fault Party Leaves the State
If the person responsible for your injury leaves or resides outside New Hampshire, the time they are gone may not count toward your filing deadline. In effect, the clock may pause during their absence, preventing them from avoiding accountability simply by being out of state.
Even when an exception appears to apply, tolling rules are narrow, and the specific timing and circumstances can change how the law applies. Our legal team can review the details of your situation, explain how the rules apply, and help you understand your options so you can move forward with confidence.
What Happens If You Miss the Filing Deadline?
Missing the statute of limitations for a New Hampshire personal injury claim can place your entire case at risk. In many situations, courts will dismiss claims filed after the deadline, even when the injuries are serious or the evidence is strong. When this happens, you may lose the ability to seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Insurance companies understand how these deadlines work. If they believe the statute of limitations has passed, they typically have little incentive to negotiate or offer a settlement, since the threat of a lawsuit is no longer present. Without that leverage, recovering compensation becomes significantly more difficult.
This is why it is important to understand your timeline and take action well before the deadline approaches.
How Our New Hampshire Injury Attorneys Help Protect Your Right to File
Protecting your filing deadline starts with taking the right steps early. Our legal team focuses on the details that keep your New Hampshire personal injury claim on track while you focus on your recovery.
Here’s how we support your claim:
- Early investigation: We gather photos, reports, medical records, and witness information as soon as possible while the details are still clear.
- Complete paperwork management: We prepare and organize the documents needed for your claim so nothing is overlooked.
- Deadline tracking: We monitor every filing requirement and timeline to help ensure your claim is submitted on time.
- Knowledge of New Hampshire rules: Our experience with local procedures and personal injury laws helps prevent delays and avoidable mistakes.
- Communication with insurers: We handle calls, letters, and negotiations with the insurance company so you do not have to manage those conversations on your own.
- Preparation of legal filings: When filings or formal documentation are required, we take care of those steps for you.
Get Support With Your New Hampshire Personal Injury Deadline
If you have a New Hampshire personal injury claim, acting before the statute of limitations expires is one of the most important steps you can take. Once the deadline passes, recovering compensation becomes significantly more difficult. Founding Partner Christopher DiBella and our entire legal team are here to help you understand your timeline, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your right to pursue compensation.
We offer free consultations and no upfront fees, making it easy to learn your legal options and get clarity about your filing timeline.
Contact DiBella Law today at 855-342-3552 (855-DiBella) or contact us online to get the support you need before your deadline expires.