Auto Accident Injury in Wyoming
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Wyoming? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful.
As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in WY that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Wyoming
In Wyoming, traffic safety issues also abound as the state has a high rate of fatal crashes compared to its population. Wyoming had 134 traffic fatalities during 2022; that’s 23.0 deaths per 100,000 population which is among the highest fatality rates in the nation. Completing these projects will aid drivers in avoiding a traffic fatality as the state’s rural road conditions, along with wildlife crossings and severe weather, are some reasons for these high rates.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
As of 2013, Wyoming no longer requires people involved in a car accident to file an owner/operator crash report form. However, if you get into an accident that causes injury, death or damage property in excess of $1,000 or leaves a vehicle inoperable, you are required to immediately notify the nearest law enforcement agency.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in Wyoming
Liability Laws for WY
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
The Wyoming Statutes establish comparative fault for civil actions. When claims are filed in court, it is possible for more than one person to carry the burden of responsibility for the accident. When plaintiffs seek damages, the amount they are awarded is reduced by a percentage equal to their percentage of fault for the accident. If, for example, you file a claim, but the court establishes that you are 30% at fault, then the total damages you receive is equal to 70% of the total.
Statute of Limitations in WY
Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. If you plan to file in Wyoming, the statute of limitations to do so is four years from the date the accident occurred. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Wyoming
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in WY!
Other areas of Wyoming law could apply to your case!
