Recent Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes in New Hampshire

Understanding the Surge in Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes in New Hampshire

In recent months, the state of New Hampshire has experienced a troubling uptick in fatal motor vehicle crashes. Families, communities and legal professionals alike are witnessing the tragic human cost of these losses and the legal responsibilities that follow. At Granite Law Group, PLLC, we are committed to helping families seek accountability when lives are lost on New Hampshire’s roads.

The Current Landscape & Statistics

According to official reporting, as of early October 2025, there were approximately 101 traffic-fatalities in New Hampshire, representing roughly a 7 % increase compared with the same period last year. (WMUR)
A data-analysis piece further identifies counties with the highest fatality rates per 100,000 residents, with some areas exceeding 15 fatalities per 100,000. (Stacker)
These statistics underscore a sobering reality: motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of preventable death in our state.

Recent Notable Fatal Crashes

Single-vehicle crash with fire on I-93

In October 2025, a vehicle going south on Interstate 93 in Ashland crashed off the road, caught fire and resulted in a death. (WMUR)

Multi-fatal teen crash in Francestown

A late-night crash on Route 47 in Francestown killed three teenagers when the car left the road and struck a utility pole. (NBC Boston)

Multiple fatal crashes in one weekend

On a single Friday, New Hampshire authorities reported four serious crashes that resulted in two deaths, one from a vehicle hitting a utility pole, another from a dump truck colliding with an SUV. (WMUR)
These incidents reflect patterns of high-speed loss of control, crashes with fixed objects, single-vehicle rollover or ejection, and multi-vehicle crashes.

Common Contributory Factors

Based on law‐enforcement statements and crash-data trends, several recurring factors emerge:

• Impaired driving: Authorities have flagged a rise in drunk-and/or drug-impaired drivers contributing to fatal outcomes. (WMUR)
• Speed and loss of control: Many deadly crashes involve vehicles leaving the roadway, striking fixed objects, or rolling over.
• Distracted driving: Though not always explicitly recorded, in-depth crash investigations often find phone use, inattention or drowsy driving as precursors.
• Single-vehicle crashes: Especially in rural areas, loss of control and ejection account for many fatalities.
• High-risk roads/county disparities: Rural roads and certain counties show disproportionate fatality rates. (Stacker)

At Granite Law Group, we track these patterns to evaluate liability—whether that lies with a negligent driver, vehicle manufacturer, road-maintenance authority, or municipality.

Legal Implications for Families

When a fatal crash occurs, a variety of legal issues may arise:

• Wrongful death claims: In New Hampshire, civil claims may be brought by personal representatives of deceased persons.
• Negligence investigations: Establishing liability involves gathering evidence such as police reports, toxicology results, vehicle-event data, surveillance footage, and expert reconstruction.
• Insurance and subrogation: Fatal incidents often trigger multiple coverages: auto liability, UM/UIM, and life insurance, and may also involve subrogation if PIP/MEDPAY benefits were advanced.
• Settlement and preservation of rights: It is critical to protect evidence and preserve claims early, including timely notices, lien‐resolution (e.g., for medical or Medicare liens), and statute-of-limitation deadlines (generally three years for personal injuries in NH)

At Granite Law Group, we combine technical crash-investigation insight with legal strategy to guide families through this complex terrain.

Steps Families Should Consider Immediately

• Secure the police/crash report from New Hampshire State Police or local county troopers.
• Preserve photos/videos of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, lighting, signage, and weather.
• If any, retain the vehicle’s electronic data-recorder (EDR) and obtain chain-of-custody documentation.
• Identify any independent witnesses and collect their contact information.
• Contact a law firm experienced in fatal motor vehicle crashes—like Granite Law Group—for a consultation.

Why Choose Granite Law Group

At Granite Law Group, our focus is exclusively on personal injury matters in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, including fatal motor vehicle crashes. We bring to each case:

• A deep understanding of NH statutes and case law relating to wrongful death, negligence, and comparative fault.
• Experience working with crash-reconstruction experts to analyze causation and liability.
• Sensitivity to the emotional challenges grieving families face, paired with professional rigor and tenacity.
• A commitment to transparency, communication, and tailored strategy so you know your rights and options.

For more information, see our page on motor vehicle accident claims and our wrongful death services page (internal links).

Key Takeaways

• Fatal motor vehicle crashes in New Hampshire are increasing; early 2025 data show a ~7 % rise over prior year.
• Contributory factors commonly include impairment, speed-loss of control, and single-vehicle rollovers.
• Legal claims arising from these tragedies involve wrongful death law, negligence investigation, and managing comparative fault and insurance complexities.
• Families should act quickly to preserve evidence, engage experienced counsel, and understand their rights.
• Granite Law Group stands ready to guide clients through investigation, claim construction, settlement negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation.
• Contact us here for a free consultation and case evaluation!

Important Note: This blog post is general informational content only and does not constitute legal advice. Each situation is unique. Please consult qualified counsel regarding your specific circumstances.

• WMUR
• WMUR
• Stacker