What to do after a crash

Key points

1. If you are in a crash, you must stop and give any assistance that is reasonably necessary.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “A driver who has been involved in a crash is required by law to stop and give any assistance that is reasonably necessary.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 58

2. If possible, move the vehicles out of the traveled lanes onto the shoulder.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “If possible, move the involved vehicles out of the traveled lanes and onto the shoulder.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 58

3. If someone is injured, call 911 and leave the person where they are.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “If someone is injured, call 911. Leave the injured person where they are.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 58

4. Show your license to police and to anyone injured or whose property was damaged.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “You must also show your license to anyone who is injured or whose property has been damaged.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 58

5. If you damage a parked vehicle and cannot find the owner, leave your name, address and phone number on it.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “If you hit a parked vehicle and cause damage, and you can't find the owner, you must write your name, address and phone number and leave it in, or on the vehicle.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 58

6. If anyone is injured or damage is over $3,000, file a written report with the DMV within 72 hours.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “If any person has been injured, or if the damage is over $3,000, you must make a written report to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 58

7. A crash in another state must be reported in that state.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “If a Vermont driver has a crash in another state, it must be reported in the state where the crash happened.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 59

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Vermont practice test

1. 1. After a Vermont crash, what is a driver's legal first responsibility?

   1. Stop and give any assistance that is reasonably necessary
   2. Leave if the vehicle can still be driven
   3. Move every injured person away from the vehicles
   4. Wait for police before stopping or checking anyone
   Show answer

   Stop and give any assistance that is reasonably necessary. A driver involved in a crash must stop and provide assistance that is reasonably necessary. Leaving because the vehicle remains drivable ignores the duty that begins at the crash scene. Moving every injured person could worsen an injury, since the manual advises leaving an injured person in place unless action is needed for safety. Waiting for police before stopping is also backwards. First secure the scene when possible, call 911 for injuries, and provide the information requested by officials.

2. 2. After a Vermont crash with an injury or damage over $3,000, when must a written report reach the DMV?

   1. Within 10 days
   2. Within 72 hours
   3. Within 24 hours
   4. Within 30 days
   Show answer

   Within 72 hours. If any person has been injured, or if the damage is over $3,000, you must make a written report to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours. Police at the scene do not file this report for you. Crash report forms are available at any Vermont police department, from the DMV in Montpelier, or online. You must also show your license to anyone injured or whose property was damaged.

3. 3. At a Vermont crash scene, to whom must you show your driver's license?

   1. Only a police officer
   2. Only your insurance company
   3. Anyone who is injured or whose property has been damaged
   4. No one until a lawyer is present
   Show answer

   Anyone who is injured or whose property has been damaged. After a crash you must also show your license to anyone who is injured or whose property has been damaged, in addition to giving your name, address and registration information. Refusing to identify yourself can turn a crash into a leaving the scene charge. If someone is hurt or damage exceeds $3,000, a written report must also reach the DMV within 72 hours.

Source: the Vermont Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Driving Safely and Studying for Your Permit. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.