.jpg){kind=small}
Sakellarios Legal represents people injured in car accidents throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Attorney Olivier Sakellarios handles personal-injury matters and helps clients evaluate their claims and the steps ahead.
Explore our personal-injury practice or meet our attorneys.
Start with a conversation about what happened
You do not need to know what your claim is worth before contacting an attorney.
During your consultation, we can discuss the collision, your injuries, the treatment you have received, and any contact from insurers. Bring photographs, insurance information, medical bills, and the police report if you have them. If some documents are missing, don’t worry, we will collect them.
Questions worth discussing include:
- Who may be responsible for the collision?
- Which insurance policies might apply?
- What evidence needs to be preserved?
- How are your injuries affecting your work and everyday life?
- What deadlines apply to your situation?
If the firm accepts your case, the written representation agreement will explain the scope of the work, attorney fees, and how case expenses are handled.
Building a car-accident injury claim
A claim involves more than showing that a collision occurred. It also requires evidence connecting another party’s conduct to your injuries and losses.
Depending on the circumstances, the work may include reviewing the crash report, gathering witness accounts, preserving photographs or video, obtaining medical records, and documenting time away from work. Some cases also require additional investigation or expert evidence.
The available evidence can change quickly. Vehicles may be repaired, recordings may be overwritten, and witnesses may become harder to reach. An early discussion with an attorney can help identify what should be preserved.
Understanding the financial impact of an injury
An injury claim should account for the consequences of the accident, including losses that may continue after the first round of treatment.
Depending on the evidence and applicable law, a claim may involve medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning ability, and pain and suffering. The amount recoverable depends on the facts, the extent of the injuries, responsibility for the collision, and available insurance or other sources of payment.
Medical liens or reimbursement claims may also affect what a client ultimately receives. These should be considered when evaluating a proposed settlement.
No attorney can accurately promise a particular result before reviewing the case.
What if the insurance company disputes your claim?
An insurer may question how the collision happened, whether an injury was caused by the accident, or whether particular treatment was necessary. A settlement offer may arrive before the full effect of an injury is clear.
Before signing a release or accepting a settlement, understand which claims you would be giving up. You can seek legal advice about a request for a recorded statement or broad medical authorization while continuing to meet applicable reporting and cooperation obligations under your own policy.
New Hampshire deadlines and shared fault
How long do you have to file a lawsuit?
New Hampshire generally gives an injured person three years to bring a personal-injury lawsuit, subject to exceptions and circumstances that can change the calculation. Notifying an insurer or negotiating a claim is different from filing a lawsuit. Have an attorney confirm the deadline that applies to your case. RSA 508:4
Can you recover compensation if you were partly responsible?
Under New Hampshire’s comparative-fault rule, an injured person may recover damages if their fault is not greater than the defendant’s fault—or the defendants’ combined fault where there are multiple defendants. Any award is reduced in proportion to the injured person’s share of responsibility. Being accused of contributing to the accident does not, by itself, settle the question of fault and does not mean that you cannot recover damages for your injuries. RSA 507:7-d The lawyers at Sakellarios Legal know how to navigate these problems and get their clients a recovery.
A Manchester office for your injury claim
Sakellarios Legal is located at 195 Elm Street, Second Floor, Manchester, NH 03101.
Olivier Sakellarios practices in personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. His published professional background includes practice in state and federal courts in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Learn more about Olivier and the firm.
If your injuries make an office visit difficult, contact the team to discuss consultation arrangements.
Get directions to our Manchester officeFrequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
That depends on whether you were injured, whether responsibility is disputed, and how the claim is progressing. A consultation can help you understand whether legal representation would be useful.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring any crash report, photographs, witness details, insurance correspondence, medical bills, and records of missed work that you already have. Most people will not have most of these items and they are not necessary for an initial consultation. Our lawyers will compile these materials for you. You do not need to assemble a complete file before calling.
Will my case go to court?
A claim may resolve through negotiation, but a lawsuit may be necessary when responsibility, compensation, or deadlines remain unresolved. The appropriate approach depends on the evidence and circumstances.
What does it cost to speak with the firm?
Sakellarios Legal offers a free initial consultation. If you hire us, we work on a contingent fee. Consultation information
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement commonly used in personal injury cases where clients only pay legal fees if they win their case. In other words, our fees are contingent upon the successful resolution of your case. If we don't secure a favorable outcome for you, you won't owe us any legal fees.
What are the Advantages of a Contingency Fee Model?
Risk-Free Representation
With a contingency fee arrangement, you can pursue your case without worrying about upfront legal costs. We invest our time, resources, and expertise in your case, sharing the risks with you. We assume the financial risks so you don’t have to.
Aligned Interests, Maximum Dedication
Our interests are aligned with yours. Since our fee is dependent on the success of your case, you can rest assured that we are highly incentivized to get the best possible outcome for you and your case. We will dedicate our time and resources to building a strong case and maximizing the compensation you deserve.
Access to Premier Representation
Contingency fees play a crucial role in providing access to justice for those who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation. It levels the playing field, allowing individuals to stand up against powerful entities and seek justice for their injuries or losses.
How are contingency fees calculated?
A contingency fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered in a successful case, whether it be a settlement or a trial verdict. This percentage is calculated based on various factors that are outlined, in writing, in your contract. Additionally, our attorneys take the time to review the contract and the process with each client so that there are no surprises, just a clear understanding of how we can move forward together.