Vermont Car Accident Lawyers

At Sabbeth Law, we represent people injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents across Vermont—from passenger car crashes and motorcycle wrecks to tractor-trailer collisions, dirt bike accidents, and more.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, it’s critical to speak with a Vermont car accident attorney as soon as possible. We help you:

• Understand your rights
• Deal with the insurance company
• Pursue the full compensation you’re owed

With deep experience in Vermont personal injury and car accident law, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Vermont

If you’ve just been in a car accident, it’s hard to think clearly—but what you do next can affect your safety, health, and legal rights. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

Remaining calm helps you assess the situation effectively. Check yourself first, then your passengers and others involved—but only if it’s safe to do so.

If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.

2. Get Medical Attention—Even If You Feel “Fine”

Many serious injuries don’t show up right away. Even if you feel okay, you may have internal injuries, concussions, or whiplash.

Prompt medical care also creates a record that helps support your case later.

See our guide on car accident trauma for more insight.

3. Report the Crash to Police

In Vermont, you’re required to file a police report if the crash causes injury, death, or more than $3,000 in property damage.

A police report is crucial for preserving evidence and protecting yourself if the other party disputes fault.

Let trained officers gather and document the details—here’s how to read your accident report.

4. Document the Scene (If You Can)

If you’re able, collect as much information as possible:

• Photos of damage, license plates, road conditions
• Names and contact info of witnesses
• The other driver’s license and insurance information
• Your own written recollection while it’s fresh

5. Talk to a Vermont Car Accident Lawyer Before the Insurance Company

The insurance company may seem helpful—but they’re not on your side. Don’t give a statement or accept a settlement without speaking to an attorney first.

Our team at Sabbeth Law can advise you immediately and help you avoid common mistakes that could cost you later.

Do I Need a Vermont Car Accident Lawyer?

If you were injured in a crash, you’re likely dealing with medical bills, missed work, and pressure from the insurance company. You might be wondering:

Do I really need a lawyer to handle this?

Here’s why the answer is often yes:

• Insurance companies are not your ally. Even if you’ve been a loyal customer for years, their goal is to minimize payouts—not to make sure you’re treated fairly.
• Vermont car accident laws are complex. You may be dealing with comparative fault, state employee liability, or uninsured drivers.
• The value of your claim isn’t obvious. Without legal guidance, you could settle for less than what your injuries are actually worth.

Our team at Sabbeth Law handles car accident cases throughout Vermont—including Burlington and Rutland). We gather the right evidence, push back against the insurance company, and prepare every case as if it might go to trial.

You won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

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Who Pays for Medical Bills, Property Damage, and Lost Wages?

After a car accident, one of the first questions we hear is:
“How am I supposed to pay for this?”

Medical bills pile up. You might be out of work. Your car may be totaled. Here’s what you need to know:

Your car insurance may help—regardless of fault.

Most Vermont auto policies include medical payments coverage (MedPay). This can cover your medical care right away, whether or not you caused the crash. It typically pays for:

• Doctor visits and hospital bills
• Copays and prescriptions
• Emergency transport
• Treatment for anyone injured in your vehicle
  

We check for MedPay immediately when working with new clients. If it’s available, we use it to relieve pressure and protect your credit.

Uninsured or underinsured driver? You still have options.

Vermont drivers are required to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). If the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance—or doesn’t have enough—this coverage can step in to pay for:

• Your medical treatment
• Lost wages from time off work
• Pain and suffering

For example, if your damages are worth $100,000 but the at-fault driver only has $50,000 in coverage, your own UM/UIM policy may cover the remaining $50,000—if your limits are high enough.

Why not just wait for a settlement?

You could wait for your case to resolve—but that might take months. Meanwhile, your bills don’t stop. That’s why using MedPay or UM/UIM can make such a huge difference.

And yes, your insurance company can get reimbursed from the at-fault party’s insurer after settlement. So you’re not letting them off the hook.

We’ll help you read your policy and fight for full recovery. At Sabbeth Law, we’ve handled hundreds of auto accident claims involving complex insurance issues. We’ll review your policy line by line—and make sure no benefit gets left on the table.

Understanding Fault: How Vermont Car Accident Laws Work

Vermont follows a “fault” system for car accident claims. That means the person who caused the crash—or their insurance company—is financially responsible for the harm they caused.

You are not required to file through your own insurer first (as in no-fault states). Instead, you can bring a third-party claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

What if you’re partially at fault?

Vermont uses a legal rule called modified comparative negligence, outlined in 12 V.S.A. Section 1036. Under this law:

• You can still recover compensation as long as you’re less than 51% at fault for the crash.
• Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you’re found to be 20% responsible for a crash and win $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.

This rule becomes especially important in multi-vehicle crashes or situations where the facts are disputed. Insurance companies often use comparative fault to reduce payouts—even unfairly.

Your attorney’s job is to prove that the other driver was primarily responsible.

At Sabbeth Law, we gather and present evidence to push back against exaggerated fault claims. That may include:

• Police reports
• Photos from the crash scene
• Witness statements
• Expert analysis from accident reconstructionists

When fault is in dispute, your legal strategy matters. We build cases to keep your compensation intact.

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What Compensation Can I Recover After a Vermont Car Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, it’s not just about the medical bills. A serious accident can affect your ability to work, enjoy daily life, or even live independently. In Vermont, the law allows injured victims to recover financial compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.

But how much is your case worth—and what are you really entitled to?

Types of Compensation Available

In most Vermont car accident cases, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses — This includes ER visits, hospitalization, follow-ups, prescriptions, and rehabilitation. If future care is needed, that should be factored into the claim as well.
• Lost wages and earning capacity — Whether you missed a few weeks of work or can’t return to your job at all, you may recover lost income now and in the future.
• Property damage — This typically includes vehicle repairs or replacement, and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Pain and suffering — Physical discomfort, emotional trauma, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life are all compensable under Vermont law.
• Permanent injury, disfigurement, or disability — If the crash left long-term effects, these damages can significantly increase the value of your case.

If the crash resulted in the death of a loved one, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and related damages.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

There’s no universal formula—and insurance companies often pressure people to settle quickly before the full impact of an injury becomes clear. But the value of your case depends on factors like:

• How severe your injuries are
• Whether you’ve made a full recovery or will need future treatment
• Whether fault is disputed
• The total impact on your daily life, income, and independence

This is why legal guidance early in the process makes a major difference.

Why Evidence Matters

Insurance companies don’t just take your word for it. They’ll look at what you can prove.

We encourage clients to keep records from day one: medical bills, treatment notes, crash photos, police reports, and even a personal injury journal to document pain levels and limitations. Visual evidence (like dashcam footage) and third-party testimony can also strengthen your case.

If you’re not sure what counts as helpful evidence, we’ll walk you through it.

Dealing with Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers in Vermont

Not everyone on the road follows the rules. In Vermont, it’s unfortunately common for drivers to carry minimal insurance coverage—or none at all. If one of them causes your crash, the question becomes: How do you get paid?

The answer often lies in your own uninsured (UM) or underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage.

How UM/UIM Coverage Works

If the driver who hit you has no insurance, your UM coverage may step in and pay the full amount of your damages—up to your policy limits.

If they have some insurance, but not enough to cover all your losses, your UIM coverage can help cover the difference. This is especially important in serious crashes where medical bills, lost income, and long-term effects add up quickly.

Example:
Let’s say the at-fault driver carries $50,000 in liability coverage, but your damages total $100,000. If your UIM coverage is also $100,000, it may cover the remaining $50,000.

Common Misconception: “Why should my insurance pay?”

Many people hesitate to file under their own policy. But remember—you’ve already paid for this coverage in your premiums. And once your case settles, your insurer will often recover that money from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

You’re not letting the negligent driver off the hook—you’re using the protection you’ve already purchased.

Don’t Assume You’re Not Covered

You may have access to UM/UIM coverage even if you weren’t driving your own car. Policies often extend to family members, household residents, or passengers. But the fine print matters, and insurers don’t always make it easy.

We’ll help you review the policy, identify every available coverage, and pursue all available recovery paths.

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Suing the State of Vermont or a Government Employee After a Crash

Crashes involving state or municipal vehicles are different—and often more complicated—than typical car accidents. If a government employee caused your injuries, you may still be entitled to compensation, but the process for suing the state follows very specific rules.

Was the Driver on the Job at the Time?

When a state employee causes a crash while performing work-related duties—say, driving to a job site or transporting equipment—the state may be held liable. This principle works much like an employer being responsible for their employee’s actions on the clock.

If, however, the employee was running a personal errand, like visiting a friend or grabbing lunch, the situation changes. In that case, they’re treated like any other private driver, and the state may not be liable.

To learn more about how passenger roles and fault interact in these cases, visit our page on passenger fault in Vermont car accidents.

Does the State Own the Vehicle?

Ownership matters. If the vehicle is state-owned and poor maintenance or mechanical failure contributed to the crash, liability may still rest with the government—even if the employee wasn’t technically “on duty.”

What Agency or Government Entity Was Involved?

You may not know whether the responsible party works for the state, a county, or a local municipality. Each of these is governed by different legal rules and deadlines. Our team investigates the source of liability to identify the right party to sue—a critical step in building a successful claim.

You Must File a Government Claim First

You can’t jump straight to a lawsuit. Most claims involving a public entity require that you submit written notice to the agency involved. This procedural step is required in both Vermont and New Hampshire.

For example, under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 541-B:11, victims must file a claim in writing with the appropriate agency before pursuing a lawsuit. This notifies the agency, triggers an investigation, and may lead to early settlement—but missing this step can get your case dismissed.

There Are Limits on What You Can Recover

Even when the state is found liable, your recovery may be limited. In Vermont, state liability is generally capped at:

• $500,000 per person, and
  
• $2,000,000 per accident

In high-damage or fatal injury cases, these limits can make a big difference. If you’re pursuing a wrongful death claim, visit our guide on suing for car accident injury in Vermont to learn how the process works and what to expect.

These cases involve strict timelines, paperwork, and liability rules. Let our team help you navigate the process—before it becomes a barrier to recovery.

How Vermont’s Statute of Limitations Affects Your Case

After a crash, you may be focused on healing, repairing your car, or getting back to work—but don’t lose sight of the legal clock. In Vermont, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit.

Three Years to File Most Personal Injury Claims

According to 12 V.S.A. Section 512, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is three years from the date of the crash. If you miss that deadline, you may lose the right to seek compensation entirely—even if your case is strong.

There are a few narrow exceptions, but they are rare. The safest approach is to speak with a lawyer well before the deadline.
We explain more about timing and process in our guide to filing a lawsuit after a car accident in Vermont.

Two Years for Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one was killed in a motor vehicle crash, Vermont gives you two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. The lawsuit must be brought by the personal representative of the victim’s estate, and damages can include funeral costs, medical expenses, and loss of companionship.

These deadlines may sound generous—but in complex cases involving serious injury, critical evidence can disappear long before your filing window closes. Police reports may get misplaced. Witnesses may forget details. And insurance companies know how to drag things out.

Talk to a lawyer early—even if you’re not sure you’ll file a lawsuit.
The sooner we get involved, the more time we have to build your case and protect your rights.

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How to Prove Fault and Strengthen Your Claim

Even if you know the other driver caused the crash, you still need to prove it. Insurance companies don’t pay out based on your word—they need evidence, and they’ll look for any excuse to shift blame or reduce what they owe.

That’s where building a strong case comes in.

Key Evidence That Can Support Your Case

The best car accident claims are built on clear, documented proof. At Sabbeth Law, we help gather:

• Police reports that outline fault or cite traffic violations
• Photos of the damage, the roadway, skid marks, and weather conditions
• Witness statements that back up your version of events
• Expert accident reconstruction, when needed to explain how and why the crash occurred

If you were a passenger or believe fault may be shared, we also help explain how Vermont’s comparative fault laws affect your rights.

Start Gathering Evidence as Soon as Possible

In the moments after a crash, even small actions can make a big difference later. Taking photos, saving contact information, and writing down what you remember can all help. For more tips, see our guide on what to do after a car accident.

Even if you weren’t able to gather much at the scene, don’t worry. We have experience tracking down camera footage, requesting 911 logs, and locating witnesses—often when clients think it’s too late.

Building a successful claim isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy, timing, and putting the right evidence in the right hands. That’s what we do.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Car Accidents

How much is my Vermont car accident case worth?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value of your claim depends on:

• The seriousness of your injuries
• Whether you’ll recover fully
• The cost of medical care, lost wages, and ongoing support
• Whether fault is disputed or shared

A crash that leads to long-term disability or permanent pain may be worth significantly more than a minor fender bender. The best way to get an estimate is to speak with a lawyer who’s reviewed your records and understands your full situation.

For more, see our resource on suing for car accident injury in Vermont.

Do I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. In fact, most Vermont car accident cases settle out of court. But if the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount—or disputes who’s at fault—we’ll be ready to take your case to trial.

You don’t need to navigate that process alone. We handle the paperwork, negotiations, and litigation strategy so you can focus on getting better.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?

Vermont uses a modified comparative negligence rule. That means:

• You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault
• Your final award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility

For example, if you’re 30% at fault and your case is worth $100,000, you’d still be eligible to recover $70,000.

Is there a deadline to file a claim in Vermont?

Yes. For most personal injury claims, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit (12 V.S.A. Section 512). For wrongful death claims, it’s typically two years. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover anything.

Visit our guide on filing a lawsuit after a Vermont car accident to learn more about the timing and process.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a car accident lawyer?

Bring whatever you have, including:

• The police report (if available)
• Medical records or discharge paperwork
• Insurance policy information
• Photos or videos of the crash
• Notes or recollections of what happened

Even if you’re missing some of these, don’t worry—we’ll help you track them down.