Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated December 19, 2018
Most people know you can't simply drive off after a car accident, even if you think it wasn't your fault. However, many Vermont residents may not know what state law requires of them both at the scene of the crash and in the days that follow. Whether your accident occurred on your way to a summer festival in Burlington or after a day on the Killington slopes, it's important to be aware of your legal obligations. Read on to learn more about Vermont car accident report basics.
In Vermont, it's important to remember that you must stop and remain at the scene after a car accident involving injury to anyone other than you or damage to property other than your own car. You also must give reasonably necessary aid to anyone who is injured. After that, be sure to exchange information with the other drivers and injured passengers, providing your name, address, license number, and the name of your car's owner.
Certain accidents also require you to fill out and submit a crash report. In Vermont, if someone was injured or there's at least $3,000 worth of total property damage, you must submit a written report to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours after the accident.
You can access and download the Vermont car accident report online. You'll need to provide personal information, a description of the accident, the other drivers' information, the nature of injuries sustained, and costs to repair the vehicles involved. If there were more than two cars involved, you should file an additional report for each additional car.
The report also requires you to provide insurance information for your vehicle, showing whether or not you had the required amount of liability coverage at the time of the accident. Additionally, state law requires you to provide your liability insurance information within five days to anyone who was injured or whose property was damaged.
The chart below provides a summary of state laws related to Vermont car accident reports, including links to key statutes.
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Report Required |
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Who Must Report |
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including 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.
Even though many car accidents can be handled without much conflict, the reality is that even a minor car crash can become a huge hassle. From insurance issues to civil and even criminal penalties, the stakes may be too high to handle on your own. Receive a case evaluation to better understand your legal options and to ensure you've complied with Vermont's car accident report laws.
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