Auto accidents and collisions are not rare in Castleton. If you ever end up in such an unfortunate mishap, you need to use your rights and seek compensation for your injuries. Vermont is an at-fault state, which means that the party responsible for causing the crash and subsequent injuries is liable for your losses. Your best bet is to consult a personal injury attorney in Castleton, who can guide you on the claims process and how you can take legal action. For your help, here are a few significant details that may come in handy.
Time for filing car accident injury lawsuits
If you want to sue the party in court, you have three years in Vermont to file an injury lawsuit. The deadline is stated by the statute of limitations and starts from the date of the crash. Please note that such deadlines are for civil lawsuits only. If you want to initiate a car insurance claim, you must do so within days of the accident. Informing the insurance companies at the earliest is always a good idea. If a family member wants to file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one, the deadline is two years.
Vermont is a modified comparative fault state
Let’s say that you were injured in a crash where the other driver was driving over the speed limit and rammed into your car. However, during the investigation, it was found that you were on your phone when the accident happened. In this case, both parties share the blame for the accident, and therefore, the settlement would be determined based on the modified comparative fault rule. You can only sue the other party if your fault share is less than theirs. Also, you will lose a share of the settlement based on your fault share.
Call a lawyer immediately
Don’t expect the insurance adjuster to offer a fair settlement for your losses. These insurance companies thrive on premiums and not settlements. You should get an attorney on your side immediately after the car accident. If you don’t act early to gather evidence, you may have to lose a share of the deserved settlement. Also, lawyers know what it takes to negotiate and work on car accident claims, and if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and argue at trial.
Although not mandatory, a PI lawyer can help your car accident case.
