How Car Accident Compensation Works in Wyoming

Wyoming follows a fault-based system. In other words, the driver at fault for the accident has financial responsibility for covering the injured victim’s damages. If you were injured in a car accident in Wyoming, you can go through with one of three options.

1. You may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company, if you have certain types of benefits.
2. You can file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
3. You can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Speaking with an attorney can ensure you are taking the best course of action for your specific car accident claim.

Car insurance requirements vary by each state. In Wyoming all registered vehicles must have the following coverage:

• Bodily Injury (BI) coverage: Liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Property Damage (PD) coverage: Liability coverage of $20,000 per accident.

You can also purchase the following types of optional insurance in Wyoming:

• Collision coverage: This insurance pays for damage to your vehicle in the case of an accident with another vehicle or stationary object, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive coverage: This insurance pays for vehicle damage from a non-collision incident such as theft, vandalism, or fire.
• Medical payments (MedPay): This optional coverage pays medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: This insurance covers you if you are hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough.

The short answer is yes, but it depends on the situation. If you are thinking about filing a lawsuit after a car accident in Wyoming, there are a few things you need to consider. First, the fault in your accident must be evaluated and determined. Wyoming has a “modified comparative fault ” rule, which means you can be compensated for your injuries only if you are found less than 50 percent responsible for the accident or if your amount of fault is less than that of the other driver.

Second, remember that you have a limited period of time to file. In Wyoming, you generally have four years, starting on the date of the accident, to file an injury claim. If someone dies as a result of a car accident, the family of the deceased has two years from the date of death (not necessarily the date of the accident) to file a wrongful death claim.

However, different deadlines can apply in certain circumstances, and regardless of the legal time limit, it’s always best to start investigating and building your case sooner than later. So, it’s in your interest to talk to an attorney as soon as possible.

To determine the value of your claim, there are three factors analyzed: the severity of your injuries, the effects they’ve had on your life, and the available amount of insurance to cover those injury expenses.

There are two main types of damages (financial compensation): economic and non-economic. Economic damages include expenses linked directly to a dollar amount. Some common examples are:

• Medical bills: Medical expenses like ambulance fees, medications, physical therapy, surgery, and other treatments.
• Lost wages: When your injury affects your ability to work, you can miss out on income.

Non-economic damages are more subjective but still just as significant as economic damages. Some common examples include:

• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional pain and distress, both present and future.
• Mental anguish: Emotional feelings including anxiety, depression, and grief.

In rare circumstances, punitive damages can also be awarded to punish the at-fault party.

To learn the estimated value of your car accident injury claim, speak with an experienced car accident attorney. They will calculate the value after evaluating the damages listed above.

If you have uninsured motorist (UM) insurance, then you can file a UM claim with your own insurance company. You can also file a collision or MedPay claim if you have those types of insurance. Depending on the situation, there may be other sources of compensation as well. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your rights and options in this difficult situation.