Vermont Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At Larson & Gallivan Law, our Vermont pedestrian accident lawyers are compassionate, experienced, and justice-first advocates for injured victims. With the professional skills to hold insurance companies accountable, our firm fights for the maximum compensation for victims. Were you or your family member hit by a car? You need strong legal representation. Contact our Vermont pedestrian accident attorneys today for a no cost, no obligation consultation. 

Steps to Take After Being Hit By a Car in Vermont

A pedestrian accident can happen at any place and at any time. Even though Vermont is among the country’s most rural states, pedestrian safety remains a serious issue. According to a report from Safe Streets Vermont, an average of 6 pedestrians are killed and 130 are hospitalized with serious injuries for pedestrian collisions in our state each year. Knowing what to do after a crash is key. Pedestrian accidents are stressful and can be overwhelming. Here are four steps to take: 

• Report the Crash: All pedestrian collisions in Vermont should be reported to law enforcement. Make sure your accident is reported to the Vermont State Police or a local police department. 

• Seek Medical Care: A pedestrian crash can cause horrible injuries. If you were hit by a car, it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Many common injuries—back pain, TBIs, etc—can arise with a delayed onset. Further, if you lack medical records, you cannot bring a successful personal injury claim in Vermont.

• Document the Accident: A pedestrian accident should be thoroughly documented. Take pictures of the crash scene and your injuries, get the contact information for any eyewitnesses, and write down an account of the collision. 

• Consult With a Lawyer: Insurance companies are not on the side of injured pedestrians. They put their own best interests first. To protect yourself and your rights, work through insurance companies through a Vermont pedestrian accident attorney. 

What to Know About Pedestrian Liability

It is important to emphasize that a driver is not automatically liable if they hit a pedestrian in Vermont. Our state operates under a tort system—meaning it is a fault-based standard. To hold a motorist legally responsible for a pedestrian crash, you must prove that their negligence—such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light—contributed to the crash.

Notably, Vermont is a comparative negligence state with a 51 percent bar on recovery (Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 12, § 1036). Each party to a pedestrian collision will be held liable for their “share” of the accident. They can still recover compensation even with a finding of partial fault, so long as that degree of fault does not exceed 50 percent.

Injured Pedestrians Deserve the Maximum Financial Compensation 

Hurt in a pedestrian collision in Vermont? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, inclusive of non-economic losses. With that being said, insurance companies often fight hard to pay as little as possible in settlement to victims. You need a Vermont pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you take action to get the maximum possible financial recovery. Injured pedestrians in Vermont may be able to recover compensation for: 

• Emergency medical care; 
• Hospital bills and other health costs;
• Prescription drugs and medical equipment;
• Physical therapy and mental health support;
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress; 
• Physical disfigurement or permanent impairment; and
• Wrongful death of a family member.