I-93 Truck Accident in Southern NH: How Strategic Case Building Led to a Successful Settlement
- Keith Diaz
- Feb 9
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 10
A case study from Attorney Keith Diaz serving Goffstown, Manchester, Bedford, and Southern New Hampshire. CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION 603-785-1013
When a commercial truck accident involving personal injury happens on Interstate 93 in Southern New Hampshire, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often look for any reason to minimize your claim, and workers' compensation liens can consume a large portion of your settlement. This case study demonstrates how early legal guidance can make the difference between a denied claim and substantial compensation.
The Accident: A Dangerous Lane Change on I-93 Near Manchester
On a routine delivery day in June 2022, a delivery truck driver was heading southbound on Route 93 in the greater Manchester area when a commercial Sterling truck made an unsafe lane change, cutting directly into his lane. The collision was severe, the box truck's passenger window shattered, the rear storage unit was crushed and split open, and the driver's cabin was filled with broken glass.
The impact sent the driver to Elliot Hospital with severe injuries to his right wrist and forearm. What initially appeared to be bruising and swelling turned out to be significant tears to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and extensor carpi ulnaris, injuries that would eventually require surgery and keep him out of work for ten months.
The Challenge: Establishing Clear Liability
Early in the case, there was speculation that an unidentified third vehicle may have contributed to the accident. This type of uncertainty is exactly what insurance companies exploit to deny or drastically reduce settlements. Through thorough investigation and documentation, we established clear liability against the at-fault driver who made the unsafe lane change.
Lesson for accident victims: Don't let insurance companies create doubt about who caused your accident. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to gather the evidence needed to prove liability conclusively.
Building a Strong Medical Case: No Gaps in Treatment
One of the most critical aspects of this case was maintaining consistent medical treatment without gaps. Here's why this mattered:
The driver followed medical advice meticulously, attending every appointment and adhering to treatment recommendations. From the emergency room visit at Elliot Hospital, to follow-ups at Family Practice in Bedford, to specialized care at Dartmouth Hitchcock Orthopaedics in Manchester, to physical therapy at Bedford Physical Therapy and Catholic Medical Center, every step was documented.
Insurance companies actively look for gaps in treatment to argue that injuries weren't serious or weren't caused by the accident. In this case, the unbroken chain of medical care demonstrated the severity and persistence of the injury, ultimately supporting the need for surgical intervention.
Critical timeline:
Immediate ER treatment at Elliot Hospital
Follow-up within 3 days at primary care in Bedford
Referral to orthopedics within 2 weeks
MRI confirmation of TFCC tear
Conservative treatment attempts (injections, physical therapy)
Surgery only after conservative measures failed
Documented full recovery with medical clearance
The Workers' Compensation Lien: A Major Obstacle Overcome
Because this was a work-related injury during a delivery route, workers' compensation paid for medical treatment and lost wages. However, this created a significant lien against any settlement recovered from the at-fault driver's insurance company.
Workers' comp liens can be devastating to injury victims, sometimes consuming 40-50% or more of a settlement. Through strategic negotiation, we substantially reduced the lien, ensuring our client kept significantly more of his settlement.
Why this matters: Many accident victims don't realize that even after winning a settlement, they may owe most of it back to workers' compensation. An attorney experienced in lien negotiation can often reduce these liens by demonstrating factors like legal fees, procurement costs, and disputed liability.
The Human Impact: More Than Just Numbers
Behind the medical records and legal documents was a real person whose life was turned upside down:
Lost his job with a company where he was working toward obtaining his commercial driver's license
Faced a $500/month rent increase while unable to work
Attempted to return to work under severe pain due to financial pressure
Faced the prospect of permanent 10% impairment of his dominant arm
Suffered anxiety and despair about his employment future
Lives with permanent scarring and occasional weather-related aches
The settlement we secured accounted not just for medical bills and lost wages, but for the complete disruption to his life, career prospects, and ongoing physical reminders of the accident.
Key Takeaways for I-93 Accident Victims in Goffstown, Manchester, and Bedford
1. Don't Let Insurance Companies Control the Narrative
When there's any question about liability, whether it's a phantom third vehicle or shared fault, insurance companies will exploit that uncertainty. Early involvement of an experienced attorney ensures evidence is preserved and liability is properly established.
2. Follow Your Doctor's Orders Religiously
Missing appointments or delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim. Every gap in treatment is an opportunity for them to argue your injuries weren't serious. Document everything and attend every appointment.
3. Understand the Workers' Comp Lien Issue
If you're injured on the job and also have a third-party claim (like an auto accident), you're dealing with two separate systems. The workers' comp lien can devastate your settlement if not properly negotiated. This isn't something to handle on your own.
4. Don't Rush Back to Work
Financial pressure is real, but attempting to work before you're medically ready can worsen your injury and weaken your legal case. Insurance companies will point to your return to work as evidence that you weren't seriously injured.
5. Conservative Treatment Before Surgery Strengthens Your Case
Attempting physical therapy, injections, and other conservative measures before resorting to surgery demonstrates that surgery was truly necessary, not elective. This pattern of treatment shows judges, juries, and insurance adjusters that you and your doctors exhausted all reasonable options first.
Why I-93 Accidents in Southern NH Require Local Expertise
Interstate 93 through Goffstown, Manchester, Bedford, and the surrounding Southern New Hampshire area sees frequent commercial truck traffic, construction zones, and challenging weather conditions. Local attorneys understand:
Common accident locations and contributing factors on I-93
Which local medical facilities and specialists handle serious injuries
How New Hampshire's comparative negligence laws apply
Local insurance company tactics and adjusters
Workers' compensation coordination in New Hampshire
What This Case Demonstrates About Our Approach
This successful settlement wasn't the result of luck; it was the product of strategic case building from day one:
Early intervention: Guidance on treatment consistency from the start
Thorough investigation: Eliminating liability questions before they become problems
Documentation: Building an unassailable medical record
Strategic negotiation: Substantially reducing the workers' comp lien
Patient advocacy: Fighting for full compensation that reflected the complete impact on our client's life
Were You Injured in an Accident on I-93 or Elsewhere
in Southern NH?
If you've been injured in a truck accident, car collision, or any personal injury accident in Goffstown, Manchester, Bedford, or anywhere in Southern New Hampshire, the decisions you make in the first days and weeks after your accident can determine the outcome of your case.
Don't let insurance companies minimize your claim. Don't let treatment gaps weaken your case. And don't let workers' compensation liens consume your settlement without a fight.
Contact Apis Law today for a free consultation. Let's discuss your case and develop a strategy to secure the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About I-93 Truck Accidents in New Hampshire
What should I do immediately after a truck accident on I-93?
First, prioritize safety and medical attention. Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Move to safety if possible, but don't leave the scene. Document everything: take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and the other driver(s). Seek medical attention right away—injuries like TFCC tears or internal injuries may not be immediately apparent. Finally, contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance companies. What you say in those first conversations can dramatically affect your settlement.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, don't wait that long. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies become more aggressive over time. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be. Early legal intervention is critical to establishing clear liability and building a comprehensive medical record.
Will workers' compensation cover my accident if it happened during work?
Yes, if you were injured while performing job duties (such as making a delivery), workers' compensation should cover your medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages. However, workers' comp has limitations—it doesn't cover pain and suffering or full lost wages. That's why a third-party claim against the at-fault driver is so important. You can receive both workers' comp benefits AND pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver. An experienced attorney can coordinate both claims to maximize your total recovery.
What is a workers' compensation lien, and how does it affect my settlement?
A workers' compensation lien means that if you recover money from a third-party claim (like suing the at-fault driver), the workers' comp carrier has a right to be reimbursed for what they paid out. These liens can consume 40-50% or more of your settlement. However, an experienced attorney can often negotiate substantial reductions in these liens by demonstrating procurement costs, attorney fees, and disputed liability. Never attempt to negotiate these liens on your own—you need an attorney who understands both workers' comp law and personal injury law.
Why are treatment gaps bad for my personal injury case?
Insurance companies actively look for gaps in medical treatment to argue that your injuries weren't serious or weren't caused by the accident. If you miss appointments or delay seeking care, they'll claim you must not have been in much pain. An unbroken chain of treatment—from emergency care to primary care to specialists to physical therapy to surgery—is critical to demonstrating the severity of injury and securing a substantial settlement. Follow every doctor's recommendation and attend every appointment, even if you're feeling better.
How much is my I-93 truck accident case worth?
Every case is unique, and the value depends on multiple factors: the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical bills, lost wages (past and future), the degree of permanent impairment, the impact on your quality of life, and the strength of liability evidence. In the case above, we secured a substantial settlement totaling $47,883.94 for medical expenses, $28,946.63 in lost wages, permanent scarring, and the complete disruption to our client's life and career. The total settlement was significantly higher after accounting for pain and suffering. During a free consultation, we can evaluate your specific circumstances and provide a realistic estimate of your case value.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered me a settlement?
Yes—and especially if they've already made an offer. Early settlement offers are almost always far below what your case is worth. Insurance companies hope you'll accept quickly before you understand the full extent of your injuries or consult with an attorney. In cases involving serious injuries that require surgery, initial injuries may seem minor but develop into life-altering conditions. Never accept a settlement offer without first consulting a personal injury attorney. Most attorneys offer free consultations to review settlement offers and can tell you if the offer is fair or if you're being shortchanged.
What if I were partially at fault for the accident in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire follows a 'modified comparative negligence' rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you could recover $80,000. Insurance companies will try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce their payout. An experienced attorney knows how to counter these tactics and prove the other party's greater responsibility.
Attorney Keith Diaz has successfully represented injured clients throughout Southern New Hampshire, including Goffstown, Manchester, Bedford, and surrounding communities. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This case study has been anonymized to protect client confidentiality.
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