Learn about your legal obligations after a collision, such as exchanging information, rendering aid, and reporting the accident to police.
If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, then you know how overwhelming it can be. Learning Vermont’s car accident laws ahead of time can make dealing with a crash easier.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about your duties after a car accident in Vermont. For more information, you can also review Chapter 13 of the Vermont Motor Vehicle Code.
1. Vermont Driver Exchange of Information Law
According to Vermont law, you must exchange information with the other parties involved in a car accident resulting in injury or property damage.
To fulfill your duty, you must give your name, address, and license number, as well as the owner of the vehicle you were driving, if it is not yours. You must also provide these details to any law enforcement officers who show up to investigate the collision.
The operator of a motor vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury to any person other than the operator, or in damage to any property other than the vehicle under his or her control, shall give his or her name, residence, license number, and the name of the owner of the motor vehicle to any person who is injured or whose property is damaged and to any enforcement officer.
2. Vermont Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid
Vermont law requires that you stop and provide reasonable assistance to the other parties if you are involved in a car crash that hurts someone else or damages another vehicle. This may include rendering aid to an injured person or helping someone with a damaged car.
The operator of a motor vehicle who is involved in a crash resulting in injury to any person other than the operator, or in damage to any property other than the vehicle under his or her control, shall immediately stop and render any assistance reasonably necessary.
3. Vermont Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police
In Vermont, you must file a written report with the Department of Motor Vehicles for any car crash that injures someone or causes at least $3,000 in property damage. While there is no legal obligation to notify the local police, it is advisable to do so.
The operator of a motor vehicle involved in a crash in which someone is injured or there is total property damage of $3,000 or more shall make a written report concerning the crash to the Commissioner. The written report shall be mailed to the Commissioner within 72 hours after the crash.
What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Vermont?
The failure to report an accident when legally obligated to do so is a traffic violation. A violation can be punished with a civil penalty of up to $1,000.
As used in this chapter, “traffic violation” means a violation of any provision of this title or rule adopted under this title for which no term of imprisonment is provided by law and for which a penalty of no more than $1,000.00 is provided.
A traffic violation is not a crime and shall be treated as a civil action. A violation of a traffic law in this title for which no penalty is otherwise provided shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $1,000.00.
4. Vermont Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty
Under Vermont law, if you get into a car accident involving property damage, you must immediately stop your vehicle and offer reasonable assistance to the people involved. You must also remain at the scene and give your information to the other parties and any police officers who arrive.
The operator of a motor vehicle who is involved in a crash resulting in damage to any property other than the vehicle then under his or her control, shall immediately stop and render any assistance reasonably necessary.
The operator shall give his or her name, residence, license number, and the name of the owner of the motor vehicle to any person whose property is damaged and to any enforcement officer.
5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Vermont?
If you hit a parked car and damage it, in Vermont, the same laws apply as any other accident. You must immediately stop your vehicle and provide your information to the owner of the damaged car and any law enforcement officers.
The operator of a motor vehicle who is involved in a crash resulting in damage to any property other than the vehicle then under his or her control, shall immediately stop and render any assistance reasonably necessary.
The operator shall give his or her name, residence, license number, and the name of the owner of the motor vehicle to any person whose property is damaged and to any enforcement officer.
It’s important to know the law if you ever get into a car accident in Vermont. By understanding your legal obligations before a collision occurs, you will be able to protect yourself from fines and liability.
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