Car Accident Laws in Vermont
Getting into a car accident in Vermont can leave you dealing with painful injuries, unexpected expenses, and confusing legal steps. Whether your crash happened on a winding mountain road or in the middle of Burlington, it’s important to understand your rights. This guide covers Vermont’s car accident laws, including fault rules, deadlines, insurance requirements, personal injury claims, and what to do if a rideshare driver or uninsured motorist is involved.
Vermont Is an At-Fault State
Vermont follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the crash is legally responsible for paying damages. If you’re injured, you can:
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- File a claim with your own insurer, who may then seek reimbursement
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the driver or other responsible party
Fault must be proven, and the at-fault driver’s insurance is expected to cover injury-related losses and property damage.
Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Vermont uses a modified comparative fault rule. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident and your total damages are $50,000, you would recover $40,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Vermont
To legally drive in Vermont, all motorists must carry at least:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 for property damage
Vermont also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) in equal amounts to the required bodily injury coverage. This coverage helps protect you if you are injured by someone who has little or no insurance.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
In Vermont, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the crash resulted in death and you are filing a wrongful death claim, the deadline is also three years from the date of death.
For property damage claims, you also have three years. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.
When to Report a Car Accident in Vermont
You must report an accident in Vermont to law enforcement if:
- Anyone is injured or killed
- There appears to be $3,000 or more in property damage
Failing to report a crash could result in penalties and may affect your ability to file a successful insurance claim.
Vermont Personal Injury Law Overview
Vermont personal injury law allows accident victims to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. This includes:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Dog bites
- Slip and fall injuries
- Defective products
There are no caps on the amount of compensation you can receive for economic or non-economic damages in Vermont personal injury cases.
Damages You Can Recover
If you are injured in a car accident in Vermont, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Scarring or disfigurement
The total amount you recover will depend on the severity of your injuries and how much insurance coverage is available.
Rideshare Accidents in Vermont
If you’re hurt in an accident involving a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, special insurance rules apply. These companies must provide different levels of coverage depending on what the driver was doing at the time:
- App on, no passenger yet: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident in bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage
- Passenger accepted or in car: Up to $1 million in liability coverage
You may be eligible to file a claim under the rideshare company’s insurance policy if you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian involved in the crash.
What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
Thanks to Vermont’s mandatory UM/UIM coverage, you may be able to recover compensation from your own insurance company if the driver who caused the crash doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your losses.
UM/UIM coverage is especially helpful for hit-and-run accidents, which are treated like uninsured driver cases.
Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Vermont Car Accident?
If your injuries are serious or fault is disputed, it’s a smart idea to talk with a car accident attorney. A lawyer can gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, calculate the full value of your claim, and file a lawsuit if needed.
Most personal injury lawyers in Vermont offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless you win.