3 Traffic Concerns Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest weekends of the year. Across the country, people travel far and near to visit with family, see old friends, and score great shopping deals. Unfortunately, the busy weekend is also prime time for crime in many communities. Each year, thousands of people face traffic violations and arrests instead of eating turkey.

Here, we are going to take a look at the three most common problems that can happen over Thanksgiving weekend and how you can avoid them.

DUI

During family gatherings, people feast on turkey, pie, and plenty of drink over just a few hours. After the festivities are over, they take to the road and drive home – many of them with a BAC well over the legal limit. Over the past five years, over 800 people died due to drinking and driving accidents. This holiday, if you choose to partake in alcoholic beverages at your family gathering, make a choice not to drink and drive. Uber and taxis are always available to shuttle you home.

SPEEDING

Nearly 40 million drive to their family gatherings over Thanksgiving weekend. With so many people on the road, traffic violations will inevitably occur. One of the most common traffic violations is speeding, which causes many fatal accidents over the holiday. If you choose to drive to your Thanksgiving celebration, be sure to give yourself enough time to get there safely. Traveling at the proper speed will help your family, and many others have something to be thankful for.

Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the busiest shopping day of the year. On average, over 50 million people go shopping in stores on Black Friday. According to a National Safety Council poll found that “two-thirds – 66 percent – of drivers would make phone calls while driving through a parking lot, and 56 percent would text.” Distracted walking is also a serious safety issue. With the increase in traffic in and around parking lots and parking garages during the holiday shopping season, both drivers and pedestrians need to pay close attention. Slower speeds in parking lots do not mean you are safe.

Have A Safe & Happy Thanksgiving From Patch & FitzGerald

At Patch & FitzGerald, we want you and your family to have a happy holiday weekend. While you are traveling, we advise you to take every precaution to get to and from your destination safely. However, we know you can’t control the actions of others. Therefore, if you find yourself in an accident at no fault of your own this holiday weekend, you should know we are here for you.

For over thirty years, Attorney John FitzGerald has been helping the people of New Hampshire. We understand the intricacies of the personal injury process. We can help you win the settlement you deserve for your injuries, missed work, and pain and suffering.

Call us 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. Always a free initial consultation.

5 Tips For Working Outside This Winter

On a cold winter day, most of us want to stay inside cozied up by the fireplace with a warm drink and a warm blanket. Unfortunately, however, many people have jobs that require them to be outside in the elements all winter long. Being in the snow, wind, ice, and below-freezing temperatures day after day can be dangerous to your health. If you are a person with a job that requires you to be outside, take a look at these five tips for working outside this winter.

1.  Wear The Right Gear

Appropriate gear is essential in the winter. Basic hats and gloves do not adequately protect you from the bitter cold while working outside. You need to bundle up with insulated pants, hats, boots, and gloves. All clothing should fit loosely to avoid cutting off circulation. Furthermore, while outside, ensure that your face (including ears and nose) is covered when the temperature drops below freezing to avoid frostbite and other cold-related ailments.

2.  Stay Dry

It might seem obvious, but one of the most important things a worker can do to prevent cold-related injuries is to stay dry. All clothing should be waterproof if possible, especially boots and gloves. Once your feet and fingers get wet, the chance for hypothermia and frostbite increases, both of which can cause severe long-term damage. 

3.  Take Frequent Breaks

Getting out of the cold and warming up one’s body is essential to staying healthy. While working outside, you should aim to take a quick break every 30 minutes. During your breaks, drink warm beverages and eat high-calorie foods to help ensure your body has the fuel it needs to maintain the energy required to withstand the cold.

4.  Always Work With a Partner

One of the best things you can do while working outside is to follow the buddy system. Being with another person helps to prevent injuries because you can warn each other about hazards and keep an eye out for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. And, if you happen to get injured, a partner can alert the proper authorities to get you the help you need.

5.  Know The Signs of Hypothermia

Your best defense against the cold is to be prepared with knowledge. Knowing the signs of hypothermia can help you catch it before it causes serious damage. Warning signs of hypothermia include:

• Fatigue

• Loss of coordination

• Shivering

• Confusion

• Slow pulse

• Blue skin

If you can identify any of these symptoms in yourself or a co-worker it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately.

Hazards/Precautions

OSHA cautions that in addition to cold stress, there are other winter weather-related hazards that workers may be exposed to when performing tasks such as driving in the snow, removing snow from rooftops, and working near downed or damaged power lines.

• Winter Driving

• Work Zone Traffic Safety

• Stranded in a Vehicle

• Shoveling Snow

• Using Powered Equipment like Snow Blowers

• Clearing Snow from Roofs and Working at Heights

• Preventing Slips on Snow and Ice

• Repairing Downed or Damaged Power Lines

• Working Near Downed or Damaged Power Lines

• Removing Downed Trees

Patch & FitzGerald Can Handle Your Worker’s Compensation Claim

An injury on the job should never ruin your life. If you have suffered from an injury or illness related to working in the cold, you are entitled to worker’s compensation claim. Attorney John FitzGerald Patch has over 30 years of experience handling worker’s compensation claims and wants to help you win your case. For a free consultation, call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

Overexertion and Workplace Injuries

Overexertion is engaging in excessive amounts of strenuous activity. If you feel more than tired at the end of the workday and your body is suffering, you may be suffering from overexertion.

Examples of Overexertion in the Workplace

Overexertion is one of the most common reasons for worker’s compensation claims. Although it can occur in any job, it is most common in situations that require extensive amounts of physical labor. The top fields for overexertion claims include:

• Construction

• Warehouse

• Retail

• Healthcare

• Trucking

Standing or sitting for long periods, along with lifting heavy objects and performing repetitive tasks, all put workers at-risk for overexertion injuries.

Injuries Caused By Overexertion

An employer should not require you to work until your body breaks down. If they do, severe injuries can occur. The most common overexertion injuries include:

• Sprains & strains

• Back injuries

• Neck injuries

• Shoulder injuries

• Leg injuries

• Knee injuries

• Hernias

Over time, overexertion can also cause injuries such as arthritis and carpal tunnel that require ongoing treatment. As soon as you experience an injury in the workplace related to overexertion, it is in your best interest to seek the advice of an experienced workers compensation attorney and medical treatment.

Preventing Overexertion Injuries

If you work on a job that requires extensive physical activity, there are measures you can take to avoid overexertion. Many employers provide their employees with the appropriate reprieve and tools to help alleviate pressure on their bodies. If your employer does not, inquire with the HR department about obtaining the proper allowances and equipment. Here are a few tips to avoid overexertion:

• Take frequent breaks

• Practice the proper lifting techniques

• Adjust your desk or chair to be ergonomically correct

• Regularly stretch your muscles

• Get the appropriate amount of sleep

• Fuel your body with healthy foods and water during the workday

• Talk to your employer when you feel overexerted

By following these simple tips and asking your employer to implement appropriate measures to avoid overexertion, you can prevent long-term pain and suffering.

File Your Workers Compensation Claim For Overexertion

According to the National Safety Council, overexertion causes 35% of all work-related injuries and is, by far, the largest contributor to workers’ compensation costs.  It also is the #1 reason for lost workdays.

If your doctor or medical provider believes that you’ve experienced an injury from overexertion in the workplace, it is time to file a worker’s compensation claim. The right attorney will be able to walk you through the claim process and ensure you are getting the services you deserve. Negotiations for worker’s comp claims can include payment for medical bills, compensation for time off work, and plans for ongoing medical treatment and recovery.

At Patch & FitzGerald, we put our clients first.  Attorney John FitzGerald has over 30 years of experience with workers’ compensation claims. He takes time to get to know you and your situation so we can provide the best solution. For a free case evaluation, call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

5 Ways To Prepare Your Vehicle For The Cold Weather

The winter months are quickly approaching and everyone knows that means one thing – cold weather. In New Hampshire, the temperatures regularly reach below freezing from December to February. Those types of temperatures are not only uncomfortable but can pose a serious threat to your vehicles as well. This winter, use these five tips to prepare your vehicle for cold weather and avoid being a hazard on the road.

1.  Check Your Tire Pressure and Treads

When it’s snowing and sleeting, driving is dangerous. One precaution you can take to avoid accidents is to make sure you have properly maintained tires. When it gets cold, tires typically deflate causing them to lose traction. Likewise, over time, tire treads fade and make it harder for your car to grip the road. Before the cold weather hits, make sure your tires are properly inflated and that they have the right amount of tread. Most experts recommend a tire tread of 6/32”.

2.  Refill The Antifreeze and Engine Coolant

When the temperatures get low, antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing and engine coolant keeps your car from overheating when it’s working hard. Before the first snowfall, it is essential to check the levels of these substances so you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road.

3.  Get An Oil Change

Carmakers recommend that car owners get an oil change every 7,500-10,000 miles. However, it is always a good idea to get your oil changed no matter how long it’s been when the weather turns cold. A fresh oil change helps ensure that your car is in its best working condition when it needs to work the hardest.

4.  Create An Emergency Kit

Everyone should have an emergency preparedness kit in the backseat of their car for accidents and bad weather conditions. If its snowing and your car is stranded, it is recommended that you stay inside your vehicle so help can find you. Recommended items for emergency car kits include:

• Bottled water

• Matches

• Jumper cables

• Extra coolant

• Blanket

• Hats and gloves

• Flashlights

• Snacks

• Salt (to melt the snow)

A kit with these items will help you combat the cold weather and help you survive a situation where you are stranded.

5.  Replace Your Wiper Blades

Once it starts snowing, fresh and clean wiper blades are essential for driving. Dirty wiper blades are ineffective at clearing snow and can easily create poor visibility. If you are not able to see through the snow, sleet or ice, you are more likely to get in an accident. New wiper blades can be purchased at almost any auto parts store and you can install them yourself. Or, you can take your car to the repair shop or dealership and they will install the new blades for you.

At Patch & FitzGerald, we want you to have a safe and happy winter season. However, if the weather turns bad and you find yourself in a car accident, we’re here to help. Our attorneys are experienced in personal injury cases and can help you win the settlement you deserve. Call 630-647-2600 for a free case overview or contact us online today.

Who Is Liable If I Get In An Accident On My Way To Work?

Getting in a car accident on the way to work is the primary ingredient in a recipe for a bad day. Not only does a car accident delay your entire schedule but it also creates an entire new to-do list to check off. The list includes things like dealing with the insurance company, getting your car repaired, and healing from injuries – to name a few.

If you have recently been injured in an accident on the way to work, you might be wondering – who is liable? Here, we’re going to explore the answer to that question.

Accidents On Your Own Time Are Your Responsibility

Many people assume if they get into an accident on their way to or from work that the company, they work for can be held responsible. Unfortunately, that is not the case. During the commute from your house to your office, you are on your own time. Therefore, your employer cannot be held responsible. The only time there is an exception to this rule is when you are clocked-in and on official business during your commute.

Accidents during the workday, however, are a different story. If you are driving from one location of the business to another, running an errand for your employer, or on an appointment related to work your company can be held partially liable for a car accident.

New Hampshire Is An At-Fault State

Any time you get into an accident in New Hampshire, whether it is during the workday or not, you need to take into consideration that New Hampshire is an at-fault state. This means, whoever is deemed responsible for the accident is held liable for the costs associated with the accident. To determine fault in a car accident, it is important to contact the local authorities and file an official report. Once a report is obtained, you can file a claim with your own insurance company or the other party’s insurance company, depending on who is at fault.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has determined that driving to and from work is generally not work-related due to the fact that driving to and from work constitutes ordinary perils of travel.  However, there are numerous exceptions to this rule.

If you are involved in an accident during the workday, the best thing you can do is contact a personal injury attorney with experience handling car accident cases. They will be able to examine the circumstances surrounding your accident and determine who is at fault and if your employer can be held responsible.

Contact Patch & FitzGerald For Your Personal Injury Claim

Patch & Fitzgerald Attorneys at Law is one of the top personal injury law firms in the state of New Hampshire. Attorney FitzGerald specializes in workers’ compensation, car accident, and other personal injury cases and has the knowledge and experience required to help you win your case. All of our staff cares deeply about every client and work hard to get to know their circumstances so we can best help them get back on their feet. If you have been involved in a work injury or car accident, we want to help you.

Call 603-607-2600 or contact us online for your free case evaluation today.

Crucial advice from John FitzGerald

CLICK HERE for a VERY short video if you’ve been in an accident or hurt on the job. You’re almost certainly very upset, most people are — and that is normal. The fact is that you are now at a very vulnerable moment in time, a time when you might be tempted to make a quick decision, especially when it comes to choosing a lawyer, just to “get it over with.”

Take a deep breath! Gather your thoughts. There’s something very important you need to know about how to choose a lawyer, and a lot depends on your decision. Hear what John FitzGerald, one of the best in the business, advises about this very crucial decision that you’re about to make.

Daylight Savings Time Means Danger On The Roads And At Work

Fall back, spring ahead! Twice per year, residents on the east coast experience a shift in daily schedules as a result of daylight savings time. Daylight savings time is the manipulation of time to extend sunlight into the evening hours during the summer. This fall, as daylight savings time comes to an end, there are potential hazards you should be aware of.

Disrupted Schedules Leads To Distraction That Causes Car Accidents

According to research, there is an increase in accidents that result in injuries and death immediately following daylight savings time. One factor that contributes to the rise in accidents is the change in people’s schedules. When the time changes, people have a difficult time adapting to new daylight hours, which causes them to rush from one place to another. Likewise, changing daylight hours means visibility changes during typical commute times, which can lead to distraction.

Change in Sleep Habits Creates Difficulty For Workers

Although you get an extra hour of sleep on the first night of daylight savings in the fall, setting your clock back by an hour creates adverse changes in your sleeping habits. Many people find it difficult to fall asleep at their usual bedtime, resulting in less sleep overall. A loss of sleep means tired workers showing up on the job, which creates an increase in injuries. According to multiple studies, there is a 5.7% increase in workplace injuries after daylight savings time.

Prepare For Daylight Savings Time To Prevent Accidents & Injuries

The time change in the fall is inevitable. Therefore, it is important to address measures individuals can take to increase their safety in dangerous situations.

Here are a few recommendations for a safer daylight savings time this fall.

● Give yourself extra time to wake up in the morning.

● Gradually adjust your bedtime before the time change.

● Adjust your car headlights according to the sunlight.

● Take your time with typical daily tasks if you feel tired.

● Allow yourself time to rest.

In addition to these safety tips, it is also important to be aware of others’ actions. Just because you’ve taken the time to prepare for the time change doesn’t mean that others have. If you are aware of what’s going on around you, you can help prevent accidents of all kinds.

Trust Patch & FitzGerald With Your Personal Injury Case

If you’re involved in a car accident or work accident this fall, be sure to call upon a trusted personal injury attorney for assistance. In New Hampshire, the attorneys at Patch & FitzGerald are experienced in workers’ compensation, car accident, and other personal injury cases. At Patch & Fitzgerald, we are committed to serving you and understand what it takes to win you the settlement you deserve for your injuries and pain and suffering.

To schedule a free consultation for your case, call our office at 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. There’s no better time than now to earn the compensation you deserve, and we’re here to help.

Can I File a Workers’ Comp Claim If I Was Taking Opioids at the Time of My Accident?

Whether you are a laborer or an office worker, there are hazards in your workplace that can cause an accident. When an accident occurs at work, it is the responsibility of your employer to pay for your injuries and medical treatment. Therefore, companies are required to carry worker’s compensation insurance.

If you have recently suffered an injury at work, you are likely going through the process of filing a worker’s compensation claim. In addition to having your injuries examined by a medical professional, to file a worker’s comp claim, you must also provide a detailed report on the accident and how it happened. If you were taking opioids at the time of your accident, it is crucial to understand how that factors into your claim.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a medication prescribed for pain management. This classification of drug works by binding opioid receptors in the brain. Common prescription opioids include:

• Codeine

• Fentanyl

• Hydrocodone

• Methadone

• Hydromorphone

In addition to prescribed opioids, there are also common non-prescription opioids such as heroin. Typical side-effects of all opioids include constipation, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and gastrointestinal issues. The most widely-known side-effect, however, is an addiction. In the United States, approximately 2 million people suffer from opioid addiction, and 130 people die every day from an opioid overdose. Due to the nature of the opioid crisis in the United States, employers and insurance companies take notice any time opioids are involved in a worker’s compensation claim.

The Impact of Opioids on Worker’s Comp Claim

Illegal or unprescribed opioids in your system at the time of an accident automatically disqualify you from filing a worker’s compensation claim. Likewise, taking prescription opioids can significantly impact whether or not your claim is approved. Studies show that opioids have adverse effects on worker’s comp claims, including:

• Employees taking prescription opioids require more recovery time before returning to work.

• Employees taking prescription opioids suffer more side-effects after an accident.

• Employees taking prescription opioids require prolonged medical treatment, such as physical therapy or rehabilitation.

• Employees taking prescription opioids often use more prescription medication benefits than those that do not.

These factors cause insurance companies and employers to spend more money on a worker’s comp claim and are a leading reason why many insurance compensation claims for people taking prescription opioids do not get approved. In such cases, the best way to get the worker’s compensation coverage you deserve is to hire an attorney with experience in the worker’s compensation claim process.

New Hampshire Workers’ Comp Law

Under RSA  281-A:14, if someone is on opioids and is injured on the job, the carrier would have an affirmative defense to try to prove that the injury was caused “in whole or in part by the intoxication.” If the carrier is successful in proving that point, the claimant cannot recover workers’ compensation benefits. The exception to this rule is if the employer was aware of the intoxication, the carrier cannot use this as a defense.

Partner With a Trusted Worker’s Compensation Attorney To File Your Claim

If you are suffering as a result of an injury you sustained at work, there’s no better time than now to file a worker’s compensation claim. The lawyers at Patch & FitzGerald have been representing the people of New Hampshire in worker’s compensation cases for over 30 years.

Call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today for your free case evaluation.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Employee vs. Private Contractor

Workers’ Compensation in New Hampshire

Workers’ compensation is a benefit designed to assist employees who sustain injuries or an illness while performing a job-related task. Following an on-the-job injury/illness, workers’ compensation typically pays the employee a portion of his or her lost income. In addition, any medical costs related to the injury/illness are also paid by the insurance.

Who is Exempt from Workers’ Compensation Coverage in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire (N.H.) Department of Labor is responsible for enforcing the statutes that relate to workers’ compensation. While employees must be covered by workers’ compensation, independent contractors do not.

What Classifies Someone as an Independent Contractor as Opposed to an Employee?

The New Hampshire Department of Labor uses the seven factors below to determine if an individual worker must be covered under the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. To be considered an independent contractor, all seven of the factors below must be met.

The individual must:

1. Already possess or have applied to receive a social security number or a federal employer ID number, or have agreed to complete the obligations that are required by employers under this chapter. To be valid, this agreement must be made in writing.

2. Have full control and freedom of choice in relation to the means and manner in which the work is performed. The independent contractor has full control because it is the end result of the work that the employer has bargained for, not the manner in which the work is completed.

3. Hire and pay his or her own assistants (if applicable). And, if these assistants are the contractor’s employees, supervises their work.

4. Be the one who is responsible for the project’s final result and, in the event that the results are unsatisfactory or the work is never completed, be held contractually liable.

5. Control his or her own work schedule; however, the work schedule should not interfere with the completion date of the project, the agreed-upon range of work hours and, if entertainment is the type of work being contracted, the time the entertainment will be presented.

6. Consider himself or herself to be a business owner in relation to the services being provided to the employer or is already registered with New Hampshire as a business and has recurring or continuing business obligations or liabilities.

7. Be able to work for other companies and different employers.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Insurance Benefits in New Hampshire

All employers with any employees, even just one, who work full- or part-time, are required to provide this insurance coverage. The benefits provided must cover an employee’s hospital, medical and remedial care as it relates to his or her workplace injury/illness.

Wage Benefits:

• Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD) — Paid while the absent employee is recuperating from a workplace injury or illness. These benefits are equal to 60 percent of the injured employee’s gross average weekly wage (AWW). This weekly wage is subject to New Hampshire’s state maximum, which is $1,582.50 (as of 2018). Before receiving benefits, employees have a three-day waiting period. If the employee is disabled for at least 14 days, he or she will receive benefits for those initial three days. Payment continues until the employee completes treatment and returns to work or reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).

• Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD) — Paid to injured employees who are able to return to work performing a modified or light-duty position. The amount paid with TPD is 60 percent of the difference between what the employee would receive under TTD and what he or she is actually receiving while working the modified position. This benefit ends when the employee returns to work on a full-time basis or the employee reaches the maximum number of weeks allowed under New Hampshire law. Employees are eligible to receive these payments for up to 262 weeks.

• Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD) — Paid to an employee when a permanent impairment results from a workplace incident. A permanent impairment would be something like an ongoing back or neck injury, or the loss of a limb. The payment amount correlates directly with the severity of the disability. PPD is determined and paid out to the employee once he or she has reached MMI. Employees receiving other workers’ compensation wage benefits are still eligible to receive PPD benefits because this is a separate amount for the permanent partial disability the employee sustained. The PPD benefits provide the employee with his or her regular weekly wage, multiplied by the number of weeks that correlate with the severity of the employee’s injury. New Hampshire allows a maximum of 350 weeks.

• Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD) — Paid to employees who sustain severe injuries/illnesses that lead to permanent, total disability, resulting in an inability to return to the workforce. When an employee suffers a permanent total disability, he or she receives benefits that are equal to 60 percent of his or her gross AWW. This payment amount is subject to New Hampshire’s weekly wage state maximum of $1,537.50 (as of 2017). The employee receives this payment for the duration of his or her disability.

NH Senior Drivers: What you need to know

In 2017, 28 million of the 34 million people who were 70 years of age or older and residing within the United States held a valid driver’s license. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, the number of residents who will be 70 years of age and older is expected to increase from 34 million to 53 million: The number of seniors on the road will also rise. This substantial increase in the number of elderly drivers across the nation has led to many states developing tools, special programs and resources that are designed to help people drive safer, longer. New Hampshire enforces numerous rules and regulations; however, the state claims there are no special rules placed on drivers based solely on their age.

New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Rules and Regulations

Although the state claims that none of their rules and regulations are based on age alone, some legal controls, including license restrictions and procedures for acquiring disability placards and plates may be particularly relevant for the senior driver.

License renewal rules for senior drivers:

• Frequency: Drivers are required to renew their licenses every five years.

• A road test: May be required. Whether an individual performs a road test or not is determined by DMV personnel at the time of his or her renewal request.

• A written test: This type of test is not usually required when applying for a renewal.

• A vision test: This test is required when applying for a renewal. This vision test is conducted by DMV personnel and there is no charge for the test. Drivers who must have a more accurate vision test performed or those who have apparent eye defects may need to have an exam conducted by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Individuals who require this additional testing must have it completed within 30 days of the renewal request. In addition, the report from the optometrist or ophthalmologist must be received during this 30-day timeframe.

Potential Restrictions

When necessary, the department of motor vehicles can place conditions or restrictions on an individual’s license. These restrictions would be placed after a driving test is administered and the potential restrictions are discussed with the individual.

When it comes to restrictions for older drivers, wearing corrective contact lenses or glasses while driving is the most common requirement.

Other common requirements imposed on older drivers by the New Hampshire DMV include:

• Night restrictions — daylight driving only.

• Outside mirrors required on the vehicle.

• The vehicle must have an automatic transmission.

• The mandatory use of a prosthetic aid while driving.

• The vehicle must have an appropriate mechanical aid.

Obtaining License Plates or Parking Placards for Disabled Drivers

Obtaining disability plates and/or placards requires that the individual’s impaired mobility is certified by a licensed medical practitioner.

These disability plates and placards are designed for an individual who:

• Is unable to walk without the assistance of a crutch, cane or some other type of assistive device, which includes the help of another person.

• He has a severe cardiac condition.

• Uses a portable oxygen tank.

• She has severe lung disease.

• Has an orthopedic, neurological or arthritic condition that severely limits his or her ability to walk.

Steps for obtaining a disability plate and/or placard:

1. Complete the Application for Walking Disability Privileges.

2. Have your medical provider fill out the Medical Provider Information section of the form.

3. Make a copy of your vehicle’s current registration.

4. If you are applying for a disability plate, complete the Application for Vanity Plates form.

5. Permanently disabled persons and travel placards are complimentary; however, temporary placards are not.

6. Include the required fees.

7. Mail everything to the address of the Walking Disability office listed on the form.

Requesting an Unsafe Driver Investigation in the State of New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, there is no formal process for reporting potentially dangerous drivers; therefore, if you have a specific concern about an individual driver, contact the DMV’s main office at 603-227-4000.

Reinstating Your License

The reason that your driver’s license was suspended or revoked determines which procedures are required to have it reinstated. An experienced, New Hampshire attorney can assist you as you work towards reinstating your driver’s license.