Vermont at a glance
Vermont allows three years for injuries to the person.[1] A plaintiff whose negligence is greater than the defendants’ total cannot recover.[2] Drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person in bodily injury coverage.[3]
Filing deadlines
12 V.S.A. § 512(4)
Actions for the following causes shall be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues, and not after: … except as otherwise provided in this chapter, injuries to the person suffered by the act or default of another person, provided that the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue as of the date of the discovery of the injury;
Source: [1]
In plain English, most injury lawsuits in Vermont must be filed within three years, measured from the discovery of the injury.[1]
Shared fault
12 V.S.A. § 1036(a)
Contributory negligence shall not bar recovery in an action by any plaintiff, or the plaintiff’s legal representative, to recover damages for negligence resulting in death, personal injury, or property damage, if the negligence was not greater than the causal total negligence of the defendant or defendants
Source: [2]
This is modified comparative fault, often called the 51% bar. An injured person who is 50% or less at fault can recover damages reduced by their share; one who is more at fault than the parties the statute compares them to cannot recover.
Auto insurance requirements
23 V.S.A. § 800 prohibits operating a vehicle without “an automobile liability policy or bond in the amounts of at least $25,000.00” for one person, with higher amounts in the same section for two or more people and property damage.[3] Vermont is not one of the no-fault states.[4]
What this page does not cover
This page covers the main deadlines, fault rule, damage limits and auto insurance requirements. Statutes also contain exceptions, such as rules for minors, people who are incapacitated and claims discovered later, and special rules apply to medical malpractice and workers’ compensation. Always read the full statute at the official source linked below.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a head injury lawsuit in Vermont?
In plain English, most injury lawsuits in Vermont must be filed within three years, measured from the discovery of the injury.[1]
This page provides general information about the law from the sources listed below. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. See our legal disclaimer.
Sources
- 12 V.S.A. § 512. Vermont General Assembly. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/023/00512
- 12 V.S.A. § 1036. Vermont General Assembly. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/027/01036
- 23 V.S.A. § 800. Vermont General Assembly. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/011/00800
- Insurance Information Institute. “Background on: No-fault auto insurance.” https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-no-fault-auto-insurance
Sources last checked: October 11, 2026
