The Do's and Don't After a Motorcycle Accident

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) reported that nearly 4,800 people died and 87,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents in 2006. While we hope you are never involved in a motorcycle collision, knowing what to do, and what not to do, after an accident occurs is important to every motorcyclist...

Why Motorcycle Accidents Differ from Auto Accidents

Motorcycle riders and their passengers are exposed to the possibility of great bodily harm when an accident occurs; more so than people traveling in an automobile. Motorcycle accidents are frequently caused by automobile drivers who simply do not see the motorcycles. According to national studies, automobile drivers sometimes cut motorcycle riders off, turn into their path, or violate their right of way...

National Traffic Safety Board Recommends National Helmet Law

The National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB") has recommended legislation that would require all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear safety helmets. The NTSB recommends that motorcyclists should be required to not only wear a helmet, but a specific kind of helmet – namely a FMVSS 218 compliant helmet. These specific helmets are designed with a hard outer shell, an impact-attenuating liner, and a retention system to protect the head.

New Hampshire Motorcycle Laws

Safety Helmet: Required by law under age 18
Eye Protection: Required by law unless you have windshield
Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Age Restriction: None
Helmet Speakers: No Restrictions
Yearly Safety Inspection: Inspections are Required
Side Mirrors: One side mirror is required by law
Radar Detector: No Restriction On Radar Detectors
Turn Signals: Required unless manufactured prior to January 1, 1973.
Muffler: Muffler is required
Maximum Sound Level: 106DBA at 20 inches from the exhaust pipe at a 45 degree angle
State Insurance Requirements: Over 18 – no insurance required, but you are still responsible for financial responsibility. Persons under 18 must show proof of insurance when applying for motorcycle license.
Handlebar Height: No higher than the shoulder level of the driver when in the seat or saddle.
Out Of State License Accepted: Yes
Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane: Yes. Two motorcycles can share a Lane in New Hampshire
Lane Splitting: No Passing in same lane.

Off Road Motorcycle Laws

Eye Protection: Required under age 18
Minimum Operator Age: Under age 14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult over 18
Certification: Required if over 12 year of age and not licensed
Operator License: Over 12 must have safety certificate or drivers license
Headlight: Required after sunset
Taillight: Required after sunset
Muffler: Required by law
Maximum Sound Level: 96dba at 20 inches
Spark Arrestor: Required by law
Registration Required by law
Vehicle Title: Not Required

* This web site is for information only. This site does not provide legal advice and your use of this site does not establish an attorney/client relationship. The material herein may be regarded as advertising under appropriate judicial rules.

Featured Motorcycle Accident Client

Motorcycle Accidents, Severe Road Rash

Our client, a 20 year old college student was a passenger on a Suzuki motorcycle being driven by her boyfriend. Both driver and passenger were wearing shorts and flip flops and neither was wearing any safety gear, including long pants, leather jackets or helmets. The driver decided to attempt a wheelie and in so doing, ejected our client from the back of his motorcycle. She sustained significant road rash to her lower extremities including her right leg. After approximately one year, her road rash resolved, but she did require minor plastic surgery to minimize the discoloration. She settled for the full limit of her boyfriend's $25,000 insurance policy. Our client did not have any underinsured motorist coverage of her own.

Motorcycle Accident Resources