Vermont Truck Accident Lawyer

At Larson & Gallivan Law, our Vermont semi-truck accident attorneys invest time, resources, and attention to detail into every case that we take on. With extensive experience, our team has what it takes to hold negligent truckers, negligent trucking companies, and large insurance providers accountable. If you or your loved one were hurt in a tractor trailer crash, we are here to help. Contact our firm today for a free consultation with a top-tier Vermont semi-truck accident lawyer.

Steps to Take After a Large Truck Accident in Vermont

Were you involved in an eighteen-wheeler accident in Vermont? You need to take immediate action to protect your health and your legal rights. No insurance company can be relied upon after a bad crash to look out for your best interests. Here are four steps to take:

Stop Your Vehicle: Vermont law requires all motorists involved in a highway collision to stop their vehicle and report the accident. Truck accidents are no exception. Be sure to exchange information at the scene and contact the Vermont State Police or another local law enforcement agency.

Get Medical Care: Seek immediate medical attention following a truck accident to address any injuries—even those that may seem minor initially. Common injuries, including concussions, often get worse in the days after the crash. A timely medical evaluation is an absolute must. You need medical records to bring a successful truck accident claim.

Document the Truck Accident: Capture photos of the accident scene, paying close attention to the positions of vehicles, road conditions, and any skid marks or debris. Gather contact information from any witnesses and the truck driver, including their license, insurance, and employer details. Comprehensive documentation is key.

Call a Lawyer Before an Insurer: You may get a call from an insurance company in the aftermath of a truck accident. Before you agree to provide a recorded statement, you should speak to an experienced Vermont truck accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters are not on your side. A top-tier attorney will protect your rights and your interests.

What to Know About Semi-Truck Accident Liability

Vermont is a fault-based semi-truck accident state. A trucking company is not automatically liable for a collision. To hold a trucker or truck company accountable, you must prove that their negligence contributed to the crash. Negligence is the failure to take due care. Some of the most common examples in truck accident cases including:

Speeding;
Distracted driving;
Fatigued trucker;
Undertrained trucker;
Overloaded trailers; and
Lack of truck maintenance.

Vermont is a comparative negligence jurisdiction (Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 12, § 1036). You can recover compensation for a truck accident even if you bear partial blame—so long as your level of fault is 50 percent or less. If you are found partially liable, your compensation will be reduced proportionately to your percentage of fault.

Know the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Claim

Under Vermont law (Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 12 § 512(1)), there is a three year statute of limitations for most types of personal injury claims, including semi-truck accidents. Following a crash with a large truck, you should speak to a lawyer right away. While three years seems like plenty of time, you do not want to fall behind a truck company or its insurance carrier. Take a proactive approach: Consult with a Vermont tractor trailer crash lawyer right away.

You Deserve the Absolute Maximum Compensation

Following a semi-truck accident in Vermont, injured victims need compensation to cover their costs and support their family. Unfortunately, big trucking companies and large insurance carriers can make the claims process hard on people and families. At Larson & Gallivan Law, we fight for the absolute maximum settlement or verdict. Compensation may be sought for:

Property loss (automotive repairs)
Ambulance transport and emergency medical services;
Hospital bills and other types of health care costs;
Physical therapy and rehabilitative support;
Loss of income, including loss of future ability to earn;
Pain and suffering and emotional distress;
Long-term physical disability; and
Wrongful death of a family member.

Semi-Truck Crash Claims in Vermont: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Truck Accidents Cause More Serious Injuries?

They absolutely can. Indeed, commercial trucks—which can be 72 feet long and weigh up to 80,000 pounds in Vermont—are disproportionately likely to be involved in catastrophic and deadly accidents. Truck accident victims need immediate medical care for any injuries.

How Do Federal Safety Regulations Impact Commercial Truck Accidents in Vermont?

Large commercial trucks that operate in interstate commerce—which virtually all tractor-trailers in Vermont do—are subject to federal safety regulations. Among other things, federal trucking safety rules set limits on driving hours, standards for cargo securement, and maintenance requirements. When truck companies violate these rules, they can be held liable for negligence if a crash happens.

Are Trucking Companies Required to Have Additional Insurance?

Yes. In Vermont, eighteen-wheelers are generally required to carry a minimum of at least $750,000 in liability insurance coverage. The minimum mandatory insurance is higher than for personal vehicles because there is an increased risk of a serious collision.

Contact Our Vermont Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys for Immediate Help

/>At Larson & Gallivan Law, our Vermont commercial truck accident lawyers are strong and aggressive advocates for justice. Do not rely on an insurance company to protect your rights after an accident. Contact us now for your free case review. From our main office in Downtown Rutland, we handle semi-truck accident injury claims throughout all of Vermont.