Road Shoulder Car Accident Lawyers in Burlington, VT 

Life’s full of twists and turns, but nothing prepares you for a sudden accident. One moment, you’re pulled over for a quick stop. The next, you’re facing a life-changing situation. 

Burlington, with its beautiful roads and scenic views, isn’t immune to these dangers. Bad weather, narrow shoulders, and distracted drivers can make even a simple roadside emergency risky. When something like this happens, you’re likely overwhelmed—physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s where the car accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, step in. 

Where Road Shoulder Car Accidents Happen the Most 

Shoulder accidents often feel completely unexpected, but there are patterns behind them. Here’s what we’ve seen: 

Emergency Stops or Breakdowns: You’ve probably been there—your car overheats, or a tire blows out. Pulling over seems like the safest option. Unfortunately, other drivers might not be paying attention or know how to react. This can lead to devastating collisions. 

Poor Visibility or Lighting: Burlington has plenty of winding, dimly lit roads. At night or during heavy snow, it’s tough for drivers to see what’s ahead. If your car’s parked on the shoulder, it might not be visible until it’s too late. 

Distracted Driving: Let’s face it—distractions are everywhere. From scrolling on a phone to fiddling with the radio, drivers who aren’t focused can drift into the shoulder or fail to notice stopped vehicles. 

Weather-Related Challenges: Snow and ice are part of life in Vermont, but they’re no friend to drivers. Slippery roads make it harder to stop, and blowing snow can obscure vision, turning the road shoulder into a dangerous spot. 

No one expects these situations, but knowing what causes them might help you avoid them—or figure out what went wrong afterward. 

Did You Suffer These Injuries After a Road Shoulder Car Crash? 

Accidents like these aren’t just frightening—they can leave you with injuries that disrupt your entire life. 

Whiplash: That sharp, sudden jolt during a crash? It can strain your neck and spine, leaving you in pain for weeks or months. 

Broken Bones: Impact injuries often lead to fractures in arms, legs, or ribs. They hurt. They’re inconvenient. And they can make even basic daily tasks nearly impossible. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries aren’t always obvious right away, but they’re serious. Memory problems, mood changes, and long-term complications can follow. 

Spinal Cord Injuries: The thought of losing mobility is terrifying. These injuries can range from herniated discs to permanent paralysis, turning your life upside down. 

After an accident, you’re probably trying to juggle everything at once—medical bills, pain, and maybe even uncertainty about your future. It’s overwhelming, and you don’t have to go through it alone. 

Legal Responsibilities of Drivers and Liability in Vermont 

In Vermont, everyone on the road has a responsibility to act with care. Here’s how that plays out: 

• Proper Use of Shoulders: Shoulders are meant for emergencies, not casual stops. If you need to pull over, use your hazard lights and park as far off the road as possible. Failing to do so can create dangerous situations for other drivers. 
• Negligence and Accountability: Let’s say someone’s texting while driving and hits a parked car. That’s negligence, plain and simple. They could be held liable for damages, including your medical bills or vehicle repairs. 
• Municipal Responsibilities: Sometimes, it’s not just about the drivers. Poorly maintained roads, lack of warning signs, or unplowed snow could make a local government partly responsible for an accident. 

Knowing these rules can help when it comes time to figure out who’s at fault. 

Who is Liable and Road or Highway Shoulder Accident? 

Liability can get complicated, especially when multiple factors are involved. Here’s how it breaks down: 

Drivers and Vehicle Owners: If another driver causes the accident, they’re likely at fault. But what if they were borrowing someone else’s car? In Vermont, the vehicle owner might also bear some responsibility. 

Municipalities: If potholes, poor lighting, or bad road design contributed to the crash, you might have a case against the local government. These claims require strong evidence, but they’re worth pursuing when applicable. 

Shared Liability: Vermont’s modified comparative fault law means responsibility can be split. If you’re found partially at fault—say, for not using hazard lights—you can still recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. 

We know how confusing this can feel. That’s why we’re here to sort out the details and build a case that supports you. 

Dealing with Insurance After a Highway Shoulder Accident 

Let’s be real—dealing with insurance after an accident is frustrating. Here’s what you need to know: 

Vermont’s Fault-Based System: In Vermont, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages. That includes medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. 

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: Adjusters often downplay your claim or try to settle for less than you deserve. Don’t let them pressure you. Document everything, and don’t agree to a settlement without talking to an attorney. 

Filing a Lawsuit: Sometimes, insurance isn’t enough. If the accident leaves you with lifelong injuries or pain, a lawsuit can help recover additional compensation for things like emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life. Speaking with a Vermont law firm that knows the laws can put you on the right path from the start. 

We’ll guide you through every step, so you don’t have to navigate this stressful process alone. 

5 Steps to Take After a Road Shoulder Car Crash 

What you do right after an accident matters. These steps can protect your health and your case: 

1. Ensure Safety: First things first—get out of harm’s way. Move your car to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights, and stay away from traffic. If you’re stuck, stay in the car with your seatbelt fastened.
2. Contact Emergency Services: Call 911. Police will create an official report, which is crucial for your case. Paramedics can check for injuries, even if you feel fine. 
3. Document the Scene: Take clear pictures of the damage, road conditions, and any injuries. Get the names and numbers of witnesses—it’ll help later. 
4. Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries don’t show up right away. Always get checked out, and keep copies of every medical record. 
5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident as soon as you can. Stick to the facts, and don’t admit fault—it’s better to let us handle that part. 

We’ve helped countless clients follow these steps to build strong cases, and we can do the same for you. 

Let Horn Wright, LLP, Help You Take the Next Step 

We get it—accidents are overwhelming. You’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and endless questions about what to do next. That’s where we come in. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury lawyers have helped people just like you get through tough times. We’ll fight for the compensation you need, whether it’s from an insurance company or in court. Our team is here to take the legal burden off your plate so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track. 

Let us help you take the next step. Contact us today for a consultation.