Man Faces Criminal Charges After Head-On Collision in New Hampshire

In December of 2025, NBC News reported that a man was facing charges for allegedly causing a head-on collision in New Hampshire. The fatal accident reminds us of how dangerous intoxicated driving can be, and it is a story that has become all too common in New Hampshire. If you have experienced something similar and you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, consider speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer in New Hampshire.

Police Say Man Was Intoxicated When He Crossed the Center Line

Authorities say that the defendant was driving a pickup truck when he veered across the center line and caused a head-on collision with a Jeep Wrangler. The impact was so intense that it knocked the Jeep into a roll. The 25-year-old driver of the Jeep was killed by the impact, and first responders pronounced him dead at the crash scene. Local authorities say he died of “multiple blunt force injuries.”

Police arrived at the scene and subsequently located the driver of the pickup truck. They then determined that the man was intoxicated and arrested him on charges of aggravated DWI. However, the pickup truck driver also suffered life-threatening injuries due to the impact, and he was therefore transported to a nearby hospital by first responders instead of jail.

Man Pleads Not Guilty to Fatal DWI

WCAX 3 later reported that the defendant had pleaded not guilty to his DWI charges. This is despite the fact that the man reportedly admitted to drinking “two and a half shots” while speaking with officers after the crash. It is unclear whether he agreed to take a chemical test, although one would assume that he refused to do so because news reports do not mention his BAC.

Can a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Provide a Sense of Justice if Criminal Charges Fail?

Although it might seem unthinkable, this defendant may escape criminal consequences for his alleged offenses. Prosecutors shoulder a heavy burden of proof, and they must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This isn’t always easy in DWI cases, especially if defendants refuse chemical tests. With no definitive evidence of intoxication, prosecutors might fail to secure a guilty verdict.

In contrast, a wrongful death lawsuit is associated with a lower burden of proof. As the surviving family members of a deceased victim, in a civil suit, you may only need to show a “preponderance of evidence” to establish negligence and liability. This equates to a likelihood of more than 50% that the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Can a New Hampshire Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

A New Hampshire auto accident lawyer may be able to help if a drunk driver harmed you or someone you loved. These incidents have become quite common, but they are never acceptable. A wrongful death lawsuit could help you achieve a sense of justice and closure. Perhaps more importantly, it can help your family cover funeral expenses, lost future income, and other financial burdens. Contact Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC today for more information.

Sources:

 mynbc5.com/article/connecticut-man-charged-in-deadly-2-car-accident-in-new-hampshire/69649364

wcax.com/2025/12/08/connecticut-man-pleads-not-guilty-fatal-new-hampshire-dui-crash/