Vermont Car Accident Report Basics

By Kit Yona, M.A. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed May 23, 2024

Given Vermont's small population and low population density, you might think auto accidents would be a rarity in the Green Mountain State. But that's not the case—Vermont had the highest percentage of crash deaths on rural roads in 2021. Car accidents are a frequent and unfortunate occurrence in our lives.

Most people know you can't simply drive off after a car accident, even if you think it wasn't your fault. But many Vermont residents may not know what state law requires of them at the scene of the crash and in the days that follow. It's important to know and understand your legal obligations.

This article will get you up to speed on crucial Vermont automotive laws. We'll discuss what and what not to do at an accident scene. Special attention will be given to accident reports, police reports, and what you'll need to file insurance claims. We'll discuss personal injury claims, law enforcement officers, and dealing with car insurance companies.

Let's learn about everything there is to know about car accident reports in Vermont.

Vermont Car Accident Law Overview

Vermont's accident laws differ in many ways from those of other states. Understanding the basics can be a big help.

Automotive Accident Law in Vermont

Some of Vermont's laws are common sense. You need a valid driver's license to drive, your vehicle must be registered, and you must have at least the minimum legal amount of liability insurance. Other laws are a little more unique.

You must stop at the scene of an accident you're involved in. Failure to do so can result in fines and jail time. While there’s no requirement to call the police and have them come to the scene, doing so is a good idea.

If there is an injury or damage totaling over $3,000, all drivers are required to file an accident report with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 72 hours. The form is available on the DMV website.

If your accident involved or was administered to by the Vermont State Police, you can request the police report from their website. The fee is $20.

Mandatory Liability Auto Insurance in Vermont

Drivers in Vermont must carry liability insurance on all vehicles. While higher amounts can be chosen if desired, the mandatory minimums are as follows:

$25,000 bodily injury per person
$50,000 bodily injury per accident
$10,000 property damage per accident

Collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, and other optional forms of coverage are also available. You must provide proof of insurance on demand.

Fault and Negligence Laws in Vermont

Vermont is an at-fault state. This means that in an auto accident, the driver with the majority of the blame pays the medical expenses and property damages of the others. This is usually done through their liability insurance.

The doctrine of modified comparative negligence also applies in Vermont. If you're hurt in an accident and it was partially your fault, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries. The threshold is 50%. If you're 51% or more responsible, you're barred from any recovery.

If you're 50% or less responsible and successfully prove the negligence claim, you can recover for your damages. Those damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What does this mean? Let's say your damages are $10,000. If it's determined that you were 20% responsible for the accident, you'd be awarded $8,000.

For a more in-depth examination of how fault and negligence will affect your claim, check out FindLaw's Vermont Car Accident Compensation Laws article.

What To Do After You're in an Auto Accident

The aftermath of an auto accident is pure chaos—broken glass, twisted metal, and deployed airbags are just a few things you'll encounter. With your adrenaline racing and heart pounding, remembering what needs to be done is tough.

Take a deep breath. Your first concern should be for the health and safety of everyone involved. Call 911 and alert the operator to any injuries.

As mentioned before, don't leave the scene. If you call the police, don't move any vehicles before they arrive. Unless the vehicles are in danger of further damage, let them stay where they are until you've processed the scene. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.

If the police arrive, give truthful answers to their questions to help them fill out the accident report. Alert your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if it wasn't your fault, you'll still need a file a claim with your carrier.

If you were injured in the accident, seek medical attention. Keep copies of all medical bills and treatments. Your insurance company will require these at some point. If you encounter difficulty at any stage, consider speaking with a car accident lawyer.

FindLaw's Vermont Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline article gives a detailed rundown of what to expect as you seek recovery.

If the police aren't summoned, you'll need to gather information from the other driver(s) and any witnesses, which we'll expand on below.

Filling out the Accident Report

If the police respond to the accident, they will fill out a Uniform Crash Report (UCR). As observers, they can only record objective data and take statements from witnesses and those involved.

If the accident met either the injury or the minimum damage threshold of $3,000, you have to file a report with the Vermont DMV. Keeping a copy of the accident report in your glove box is a great idea and helps you know what info you need to record.

When filling out the accident report, make sure you get all the information you need from the other driver(s). Some important facts you need to gather include:

Data from all involved, including driver's license numbers, addresses, insurance information, and contact information
Diagrams showing the type of collision
General information such as weather, time of day, road conditions, traffic signals, and more
Positions of the vehicles after the crash and the visible damage
Passengers, if any
Location of the accident

Take as many photos as you can from as many angles as possible. Try to notice things that might have contributed to the accident. For example, if the other driver's car has bald tires, take a picture of them.

If not exchanged at the accident site, you have five days to share that information with anyone you may be liable to.

Vermont Car Accident Report Laws Summary

The chart below summarizes state laws related to Vermont car accident reports, including links to key statutes. If you're interested in doing more research, FindLaw's Vermont Laws section can be a great help.

Relevant Vermont Automotive Statutes	Requirements on scene: §1128 Accident reports: §1129
Report Required	Must submit written report to Commissioner of Motor Vehicles if accident results in injury or total property damage of at least $3,000 DMV may require additional information after report is submitted
Report Deadline	Must submit motor vehicle report form within 72 hours after the accident
Who Must Report	Every driver involved in the accident must submit a crash report

Note: State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts that include federal decisions, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.