Personal Injuries Caused by a Friend or Family Member in Manchester?

Here’s the Cold, Hard Truth About Getting Compensation

Accidents happen, even between friends. One minute, you're cruising down Elm Street, laughing about old times. The next? You're in pain, facing a pile of medical bills, and wondering how to get help without ruining a friendship. It’s a tough spot. But here’s the truth—you shouldn’t have to suffer just because someone close to you made a mistake. That’s why personal injury attorneys can help you figure out your options and take the stress off your shoulders.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we get it. As one of the best law firms in America, we know how to handle tough personal injury cases. You don’t want drama. You just want to get your medical bills covered, recover, and move on. That’s where we come in. 

Why Personal Injury Claims Against Loved Ones Are Different

Suing a stranger? That’s easy. But filing a claim against someone you care about? That’s messy. You might feel guilty. Maybe you’re worried about making things awkward. But let’s be real—if the situation were reversed, wouldn’t you want your friend to get the help they need?

Here’s the key: most of the time, it’s insurance that pays, not your friend. That means you’re not draining their bank account or forcing them to sell their car. You’re just using the system that’s already in place to cover your losses. And that’s exactly what it’s there for. Personal injury attorneys can help you understand how to file a claim and get the compensation you need without unnecessary conflict.

Car Accidents With Friends: How to Get Paid Without Feeling Guilty

Picture this: you’re riding shotgun, your friend’s driving, and bam—crash. Now you’re injured. You know their insurance should cover your medical bills, but you hate the thought of making them “pay.” The good news? They won’t. Their insurance company will.

Who’s Responsible for Your Medical Bills?

In New Hampshire, car insurance follows an at-fault system. That means the driver who caused the crash (even if they’re your friend) is responsible for covering the damages. Here’s how it works:

• Medical Payments Coverage ("MedPay") – Some New Hampshire drivers have this. It pays for medical bills no matter who’s at fault, usually covering between $1,000 and $10,000.
• Liability Coverage – If your friend caused the crash, their insurance must pay for your medical bills. The state minimum coverage, if there person carries insurance, is $25,000 per person for injuries and $50,000 per accident—but policies often go much higher.

Your friend’s insurance exists for situations just like this. Using it doesn’t make you a bad friend. It just makes sense.

When Suing Might Be Your Only Option

Sometimes, insurance doesn’t cut it. Maybe your medical bills are sky-high. Maybe their insurer is playing hardball. If that happens, you might need to take legal action. Not to punish your friend, but to make sure you don’t get stuck with medical debt.

• Medical bills – Even “minor” injuries rack up big bills. A broken arm? That’s at least $2,500 in the ER. A serious injury? You’re looking at six figures.
• Lost wages – If you’re too injured to work, you can get compensation for lost income—and any future paychecks you’ll miss.
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain. Emotional stress. If your injury impacts your daily life, you deserve compensation for that, too.

The bottom line? If you don’t get what you need from insurance, you have every right to demand more. And personal injury attorneys can help you do it the right way.

The Surprising Role of Homeowners’ Insurance in Injury Claims

Not all accidents happen on the road. Let’s say you’re at a friend’s place in Manchester. Maybe you slip on an icy walkway. Maybe their dog gets a little too rough. Now you’re hurt, and the medical bills are piling up. Guess what? Their homeowners’ insurance might cover it.

How to Use a Friend’s Policy to Cover Your Costs

Many homeowners’ insurance policies include personal liability coverage. That means if someone gets injured on the property, the insurance company—not your friend—handles the bills. Here’s what’s usually covered:

• Medical expenses – Policies typically cover $1,000 to $5,000, no questions asked.
• Lost wages – If your injury keeps you from working, their policy might pay for your missed income. Some policies offer $100,000 or more in coverage.

What to Do if the Insurance Company Lowballs You

Insurance companies love to offer less than you deserve. If they try to lowball you:

1. Gather evidence – Keep medical records, take photos, and save all receipts.
2. Don’t accept the first offer – Insurers expect you to negotiate.
3. Talk to a lawyer – A good attorney can demand the compensation you’re owed and fight back against shady insurance tactics.

Suing a Friend: Brutal or Necessary?

Nobody wants to sue a friend. But sometimes, it’s the only way to get what you need.

The Emotional Weight of Filing a Lawsuit

Let’s be honest—taking legal action against someone you care about feels awful. You might worry about:

• Ruining the friendship – Lawsuits make things weird, no doubt. But good friends understand you need to look out for yourself.
• Making them pay out of pocket – They won’t. Their insurance will. That’s why it exists.
• Social fallout – Mutual friends might take sides. That’s tough, but your health and finances matter more.

Can You Take Legal Action and Still Stay Friends?

Absolutely—if you handle it right. Here’s how:

• Make it about insurance, not them – They’re not writing you a check. Their insurer is.
• Keep emotions out of it – Let your lawyer handle negotiations.
• Be upfront – A simple “Hey, I have no choice but to file a claim” can go a long way.

Need Legal Help? Call Horn Wright, LLP Today

You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your friendship. At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve—without unnecessary drama. Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s get you back on your feet.