How Car Accident Compensation Works in Vermont

Vermont is a fault state, so the person responsible for your car accident is also responsible for covering the damages you’ve suffered. So, if you’re looking to be compensated for your injuries, you can take action in one of three ways:

1. You can file a claim with your own insurance company, if you have certain types of coverage.
2. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
3. You can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

To recover any damages from the at-fault driver, you must prove that another driver was responsible for your accident. Even if you are partly at fault, you can still recover compensation due to Vermont’s “comparative negligence” rule. So as long as you were 50 percent or less at fault, you can still recover damages. The amount will just be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If you are unsure of what options are best suited for you, contact an attorney. Even if you are set on what you will do, an attorney can always assist you by looking out for your best interests.

Every state has its own car insurance requirements. Vermont law has the following requirements set for all vehicles registered in the state:

• Liability coverage: Minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
• Liability coverage: Minimum coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• Liability coverage: Minimum coverage up to $10,000 for property damage.
• Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: This type of insurance protects you if you are hit by an uninsured driver. UM covers $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. UM also covers $10,000 for property damage.

Optional types of insurance coverage in Vermont include.

• Collision. This covers vehicle damage in a car accident, regardless of fault. Collision applies to crashes with other vehicles as well as crashes with fixed objects.
• Comprehensive. This covers vehicle damage in non-collision incidents such as fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disaster. It also covers hitting an animal.
• Medical payments. This covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.

Insurance is an important part of your car accident claim. It is in your best interest to contact an attorney so they can review the policies and assess the amount of coverage.

Under Vermont law, you have the right to file a car accident lawsuit when you’ve been injured in an accident. However, there is a strict deadline you have to meet by law. From the date of your car accident in Vermont, you have three years to file a lawsuit.

If someone dies due to a car accident, their family has two years from the date of death (not necessarily the date of the accident) to file a wrongful death claim.

Although the statute of limitations may seem like a lengthy period, it is crucial for the outcome of your case that you don’t delay filing. A car accident lawyer can be your guide through the legal world and make sure you meet all required deadlines.

There are a few different factors that will determine the value of your car accident injury claim. Each car accident case is different, but your attorney will look at these factors to calculate an estimate. These factors include the seriousness of your injuries, the effects they’ve had on your life, and your insurance coverage.

You can be compensated for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can be measured by a dollar amount. Some common examples include:

• Medical expenses. This includes any medical costs such as hospital bills, ambulance fees, treatments, and medications. Present and future medical care are taken into account.
• Loss of income. Paychecks you missed from the absence of work.
• Property damage. Repair or replacement costs to your vehicle and other property.

Non-economic damages are more subjectively determined. Common examples include:

• Pain and suffering. Present and future physical and emotional pain and discomfort.
• Emotional distress. Suffering from mental disorders like anxiety, panic attacks, and overall trauma.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required for all drivers in Vermont. When an uninsured driver hits you, your UM insurance is there to protect you. You’ll have to file a UM claim with your own insurance company. While this can make your situation easier in some ways, it’s still important to have an attorney advocating for your interests and negotiating for full value.