Insurance Claim Deadlines in Burlington, VT

Insurance Companies Are Betting You’ll Wait—Prove Them Wrong

After an accident, you’re dealing with enough. Medical bills, lost wages, car repairs—it’s all piling up. The last thing you need is an insurance company playing games with your claim. But that’s exactly what they do.

They’re banking on you waiting too long. Why? Because every second that passes gives them an edge. Here’s what happens when you delay:

• They find reasons to deny your claim. Insurance companies reject up to 15% of claims right off the bat. If you miss their deadline, they’ll use it as an excuse to say no.
• They offer you less money. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case. That means a lower settlement.
• They drag out the process. If you’re financially stressed, they know you might accept a lowball offer just to move on.

The personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, don’t let them play those games. We handle the paperwork, fight the denials, and push for the payout you deserve. 

As a trusted law firm in Burlington that always puts clients first, we want you to focus on healing while we take care of the rest. 

[GR1] 

Every Second You Wait Puts More Money in Their Pockets

Insurance companies love delays. The more time that passes, the better it is for them—and the worse it is for you. Here’s why:

1. Your evidence disappears. Photos get lost. Witnesses forget details. Security footage gets erased. Without solid proof, your claim weakens.
2. Your memory fades. If an adjuster spots inconsistencies in your story, they’ll twist them to work against you.
3. Your bills pile up. The longer they delay, the more desperate you become. That’s when they throw out a lowball offer, hoping you’ll take it just to be done.

You deserve better. But you’ve got to act fast.

Legal Deadlines vs. Insurance Deadlines—One Mistake Could Cost You Everything

Think all deadlines are the same? Think again. There are two you need to worry about:

• Insurance Deadlines: These vary by company and policy. Some require claims within days of the accident. Miss it? You could be out of luck.
• Legal Deadlines: Vermont law sets strict time limits for lawsuits. Here’s what you need to know: 
  • Personal injury claims – You’ve got three years from the accident date.
  • Property damage claims – Also three years to file.
  • Wrongful death claims – Only two years from the date of death.

Once those deadlines pass, that’s it. No lawsuit. No settlement. No second chances.

Vermont’s Laws Can Make or Break Your Case—Know Them or Lose Everything

Vermont has a tough rule called Modified Comparative Negligence. Here’s what that means for you:

• If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still get compensation—but it’ll be reduced based on your percentage of blame.
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you get nothing. Zero. 

Now, guess who tries to shift the blame onto you? Your insurance company. 

They’ll dig through every detail, hoping to push you over that 51% mark. That’s why you need solid evidence and a personal injury law firm that knows how to fight back. 

Burlington’s Claim Filing Deadlines Are a Trap—Here’s What You Need to Know

Vermont’s statute of limitations applies statewide, but insurance policies have their own deadlines. 

Some companies demand accident reports within 24 hours. Others might give you a few weeks. But they won’t remind you—if you miss it, you could lose everything.

Read your policy carefully. Or better yet, let us review it for you.

Think You Can Get an Extension? Think Again

A lot of people assume they can just ask for extra time. Big mistake.

• Insurance companies don’t hand out grace periods. If you miss their deadline, they won’t budge.
• The law is the law. Vermont courts don’t make exceptions because you were busy or didn’t know the rules.
• The longer you wait, the weaker your case gets. Even if you could file late, proving your claim becomes way harder over time.

Bottom line? Act now, or you might lose your chance forever.

Missed the Deadline? Here’s What You Can Still Do

Think you missed your window? Don’t panic yet. You might still have options:

Your Options After the Window Closes

1. Look for exceptions. In rare cases, you might still file if fraud, legal disability, or hidden injuries delayed your claim.
2. Negotiate with the insurer. A skilled attorney can sometimes convince them to settle, even if you missed their deadline.
3. Take it to court. If there’s a legal loophole that applies to your case, a judge might let it proceed—but you have to act fast.

Time is your enemy in an insurance claim. Every day that passes gives them another reason to deny you.

If you’re even one day late, you could lose thousands. Don’t take that risk. Whether you need workplace injury legal counsel or slip and fall lawsuit assistance, the right Burlington personal injury attorneys can make all the difference. 

Get legal help from one of the best law firms in America, Horn Wright, LLP. Contact our office today for your free consultation.