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Vermont: shared fault rules

Whether you can still recover money if you were partly at fault for an accident, and how much your share of fault costs you.

Fault system	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When fault bars recovery	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault
Law	12 V.S.A. 1036

Your share of fault usually reduces what you can recover by the same percentage. Insurers use this rule when negotiating, so it matters even if you never sue.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Vermont.

How Vermont compares

35 of 51 states and DC share this answer (Modified comparative negligence): Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Also for Vermont: Claim deadlines in Vermont · Small claims limits in Vermont · Property division in Vermont · Dog bite rules in Vermont · Security deposit rules in Vermont · Eviction notice rules in Vermont · Property tax rates in Vermont · All Vermont rules on one page

How we checked this

Rules come from a statute-cited 2026 personal injury table and match a defense firm's 51-jurisdiction chart, including Florida's 2023 change to a 51% bar. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site   Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data   Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.