The streets of Manchester, the biggest city in New Hampshire, are no strangers to traffic problems. Busy intersections, tailgating, and poor weather all contribute to car accidents. These situations can potentially complicate claims and make it harder to get the compensation you deserve.
Despite its reputation as one of the best places to live in the entire country, New Hampshire’s roads can be very dangerous. In 2022 alone, 146 people died on New Hampshire roads. Increased awareness of local traffic patterns could keep you safe on the roads of Manchester, NH.
In this post, we will examine how Manchester traffic patterns impact car accident claims. We will also explore how a Manchester car accident attorney can help you seek justice after a car accident, even if the cause of the collision is unclear.
Manchester, NH, Traffic Patterns
Unsurprisingly, as the biggest city in New Hampshire, Manchester has the highest number of crashes and fatalities in the state. When we take a closer look at where these accidents happen, we can identify accident hotspots around the city.
Most dangerous highways
The I-293 loops around the south and west of Manchester. It is a major interstate linking Manchester with Massachusetts and Concord, NH. Currently, it holds the unenviable title of Manchester’s most deadly road. The latest Manchester fatal crash data, covering 2007-2017, reveals there were 9 fatal accidents on the I-293 during this period.
Some drivers complain that confusing traffic lanes and congestion can make the area dangerous. Construction and heavy traffic during rush hour further add to the risks. In August 2024, a logging truck crash injured 2 people and closed the interstate for several hours during rush hour.
The I-93 is the next-most dangerous highway in the city. Between 2007 and 2017, it saw 6 fatal accidents.
Icy conditions can make the I-93 hazardous. In January 2024, 4 people were taken to the hospital after multiple crashes occurred on the Manchester stretch of the I-93.
Most dangerous intersections
Data on fatal accidents in Manchester reveals that no intersection had more than one fatal accident between 2007 and 2017. However, local residents are all too aware of the dangers of the intersection of Sheffield Road, South Willow Street/NH Route 28.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) held a meeting with concerned locals in March 2024 to obtain feedback on this dangerous intersection. Around 9,000 vehicles pass along South Willow Street each day, while about 3,300 vehicles travel along Sheffield Road. Between 2008 and 2017, 62 accidents occurred at this intersection, including mainly rear-end and right-angle collisions.
Other Factors Affecting Manchester Car Accident Claims
Manchester car accident claims can be affected by several factors. Some are unique to New Hampshire, and others apply more generally. A car accident attorney can dig deep into your case to understand all the potential factors that could impact your compensation.
Congestion
Downtown Manchester and the two interstates that surround the city can get congested at peak travel times.
Accidents are more likely to happen in congestion due to:
- Changing lanes: People may change lanes rashly to get into a faster-moving lane. If they do not check their blind spots, this can lead to collisions and injuries.
- Distractions: It is easier to lose focus when stuck in slow-moving traffic. As stopping distances are reduced, accidents are more likely to happen.
- Anger: It can be frustrating to be stuck in gridlocked traffic for a long time. This can lead to aggressive driving, mistakes, and misjudgments that cause road accidents.
- Driving on the shoulder: Taking a shortcut may seem like a good way to get moving. However, shoulders are there for emergencies only. You could collide with emergency vehicles, motorcycles, or other motorists who have the same idea.
Manchester’s climate
Manchester enjoys four true seasons, meaning that weather conditions vary widely depending on the time of year. Summers are warm and pleasant, but winters are frigid and snowy.
The cold period lasts from November 30 to March 11. During this time, the average daily high is 43°F, and snow is expected from December to February. Snow can reduce visibility and make the roads treacherous.
Ice can also increase the likelihood of losing control due to skidding. Stopping distances also increase exponentially, making it harder to react to emerging dangers on the road. Whether you and other drivers took precautions to avoid an accident in these dangerous conditions could form part of your personal injury claim.
Jessica’s Law
Since 2002, Jessica’s Law has required all New Hampshire drivers to clear snow and ice from their cars before taking to the road. Jessica’s Law was brought in after the death of Jessica Smith, a young woman whose fatal accident was caused by ice falling from a tractor-trailer.
Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. More seriously, falling ice and snow can also contribute to serious car accidents. In 2020, a 22-year-old man was seriously injured in nearby Londonderry, NH, after ice falling from a box truck crashed through his windshield and filled his car with ice and snow.
If you believe that ice or snow falling from another vehicle contributed to your car accident, you could claim compensation for your losses. An experienced Manchester car accident lawyer can explain your legal options and the best way to proceed with your claim.
Vulnerable road user accidents
A vulnerable road user (VRU) includes:
- People on personal conveyances (including wheelchairs)
While the number of accidents involving VRUs is declining in New Hampshire, there has been an increase in fatalities and serious injuries. VRUs are particularly vulnerable to other road users who are speeding, drowsy, or distracted. As they do not have the protection of a vehicle, the severity of injuries to VRUs may be greater than those sustained in other types of road traffic accidents.
If you were struck by a vehicle as a vulnerable road user, it is very important to seek qualified legal advice from an experienced Manchester car accident attorney. The driver’s insurance company may state that the accident was your fault, making it difficult to claim compensation. However, a car accident lawyer may be able to investigate your accident and prove that other parties were responsible, allowing you to pursue the compensation you need.
Distracted driving
Manchester drivers are not immune to the many potential distractions for drivers today.
Potential distractions include:
- Talking
- Talking on the phone
- Talking to passengers
- Fiddling with in-car entertainment systems
Nationally, 3,308 people were killed due to distracted driving in 2022 alone. No doubt many more sustained life-changing injuries.
If another driver was distracted and caused your accident, you have the right to hold that person responsible and seek compensation for your losses. A car accident attorney may be able to use police reports, witness statements, and video evidence to prove the other driver was not paying attention.
Staying Safe on Manchester’s Roads
We cannot control other drivers or the weather, but we can use our knowledge of Manchester traffic patterns to reduce our chances of getting into an accident.
You can try to:
- Stay alert: Ignore distractions and remain focused on the road. Be wary around on- and off-ramps on the interstates. Pay particular attention to vulnerable road users and motorcycles.
- Plan your route: Knowing where you are going or using a GPS can help you avoid last-minute lane changes that could put yourself and others in danger.
- Avoid peak times: Traffic will be more congested at these times, increasing the chances of getting in an accident.
If you do get involved in an accident, first seek medical attention. Cooperate with the police – their report could be useful if you claim compensation later on.
If you can, start gathering information, including:
- Details of the drivers of the other vehicles involved
- Insurance company details
- Photos and videos of the scene
It is also ideal to note the weather conditions and other details about the accident as soon as possible. As soon as you are able, talk to a car accident attorney.
Why You Should Hire a Kiley Law Group Car Accident Attorney
A Manchester, NH, car accident can leave you with more questions than answers. You may be confused about how it happened and whether you are entitled to compensation. You may even face being held responsible for the accident by the other driver’s insurance company.
It is crucial to entrust your car accident claim to a local law firm with a track record of obtaining outstanding results for their clients. At Kiley Law Group, LLC, we have already recovered over $1 billion for our clients, and there is no fee to pay until we win. The car accident lawyers at our office in Manchester, NH, have the local knowledge, legal expertise, and experience to give your case the best chance of success.
The road to justice starts with a free case evaluation with a dedicated Manchester car accident attorney. Call (888)516-3740 or complete our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today.
