Car accidents in Wyoming can be life-altering, whether they occur on the open highways near Yellowstone or in towns like Cheyenne or Casper. If you’ve been injured in a crash, knowing Wyoming’s car accident laws is essential for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you need. This guide walks you through fault rules, insurance coverage, filing deadlines, personal injury law, rideshare accidents, and what happens when the at-fault driver is uninsured.
Wyoming Is an At-Fault State
Wyoming uses a fault-based system when it comes to car accidents. That means the driver who causes the crash is financially responsible for damages. If you were injured in a collision, you can:
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance
- File a claim with your own insurer (if you have applicable coverage)
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party
To recover compensation, you must prove the other driver’s negligence caused the crash.
Modified Comparative Negligence in Wyoming
Wyoming follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can still receive compensation if you were partly at fault, but not more than 50% responsible for the crash.
If you’re found partially liable, your damages will be reduced proportionally. For example, if you’re awarded $40,000 and found 25% at fault, you would receive $30,000.
Minimum Insurance Requirements in Wyoming
All Wyoming drivers are required to carry liability insurance with the following minimums:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 for property damage
While uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and medical payments (MedPay) coverage are optional, they are highly recommended, especially in rural areas where accidents can involve underinsured drivers or limited emergency services.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits
In Wyoming, the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for a car accident is:
- 4 years from the date of the accident for personal injury or property damage claims
- 2 years for wrongful death lawsuits, starting from the date of death
Missing this deadline means you may lose your right to file a claim entirely.
When to Report a Car Accident
You must report a crash to law enforcement if:
- The accident causes injury or death
- There appears to be $1,000 or more in property damage
- It involves a hit-and-run or unattended vehicle
The investigating officer will usually complete a police report. Be sure to request a copy, as it will be important for insurance and legal purposes.
Personal Injury Law in Wyoming
Wyoming’s personal injury laws allow you to pursue compensation when someone else’s negligence causes you harm. In addition to car accidents, this includes:
- Motorcycle and truck accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle injuries
- Dog bites
- Slip and fall accidents
- Product liability
There are no caps on the amount of damages a personal injury victim can recover in standard car accident cases.
Types of Compensation Available
If you’re hurt in a Wyoming car accident, you may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or PTSD
- Property damage
- Permanent injuries or disfigurement
The total value of your claim depends on the extent of your injuries and the available insurance coverage.
Rideshare Accidents in Wyoming
Uber and Lyft operate in some parts of Wyoming, and accidents involving rideshare vehicles can be complex. The insurance coverage that applies depends on whether the rideshare driver was actively working:
- App on, no passenger: Up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage
- Passenger accepted or onboard: Up to $1 million in liability coverage
Whether you’re a passenger or another driver, you may be able to file a claim under the rideshare company’s insurance.
What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
If the person who caused your crash doesn’t have insurance, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help cover your medical expenses and lost income. If you also carry underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, it can help if the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low.
Hit-and-run accidents are also often covered under UM policies.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in a crash, especially one involving serious injuries, an uninsured driver, or disputes over fault, a personal injury attorney can make a big difference. A lawyer can collect evidence, communicate with insurers, and help you get the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Most personal injury lawyers in Wyoming offer free consultations and only get paid if they recover money for you.