Wyoming Car Accident Compensation Laws

Wyoming has picturesque ranches, wide open spaces, and superb skiing. But gravel roads, spread-out towns, and storms that show up without warning can leave even the most seasoned driver needing more than just navigation guidance. If your drive back from your meditation retreat is leaving you needing mediation, get ready by looking at Wyoming car accident compensation laws.

Wyoming Car Insurance Requirements

In Wyoming, state laws mandate that all drivers must carry a minimum amount of auto insurance to operate a vehicle legally.

This liability coverage ensures that in the event of a car crash, the at-fault driver's insurance company can cover the costs associated with injuries or damages they may cause to others.

Drivers are also encouraged to consider more motorist coverage options. These options include uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage, which protects if the other driver lacks enough insurance. When selecting an insurance policy, it is important to review the offerings from various providers and choose coverage that suits your needs. In the event of an accident, you may need to file an insurance claim with your own insurance company to get the benefits of your selected coverage.

At Fault and the 51% Bar Rules in Wyoming

If you suffered an injury in an auto accident in Wyoming and were driving, you must prove that the other driver was at least 50% "at fault" for your injuries to recover damages. The Wyoming court has adopted "modified comparative negligence" or "the 51% Bar Rule."

According to this rule, you couldn't get any damages if the court finds you 51% at fault. Under this comparative negligence law, the court allocates a percentage of fault to each driver involved in a car accident. Any driver 50% or less at fault can get damages, which get reduced according to that driver's percentage of fault.

This Wyoming statute plays a crucial role in determining the outcomes of car accident lawsuits. It ensures that the at-fault party is accountable while considering each driver's degree of fault.

Wyoming Car Accident Laws

Below, you'll find a table breaking down how Wyoming handles car accidents, followed by detailed explanations of important aspects of the laws.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

Damage Types

In a car accident, injured parties typically recover compensatory damages through economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include out-of-pocket expenses such as lost wages and vehicle repair costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, disability, and emotional distress.

Your car accident damages award may compensate you for:

• Loss of earnings
• Vehicle replacement or repair
• Medical bills
• Rental car

Damage Limits

Like other states, Wyoming has state-imposed time limits on how long you can wait to file a lawsuit. These time limits are known as "statutes of limitations" and are longer than in most other states. You have up to four years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injury, trespass on real property, and damage to personal property.

But, if the party at fault for your car accident injuries is a government agent, be certain to file your claim within one year of the car accident — unless you are under 7 years old. In such cases, the state allows you the greater of two years or until your 8th birthday, acknowledging that young children do not have much experience working through the court system.

Next Steps: Get a Claim Review from a Wyoming Lawyer

So you made it down Corbet's Couloir without breaking a sweat, but some tourist decided that chains on a convertible would be a good solution. Now your beloved SUV needs some T.L.C. Though the Cowboy State gives you plenty of time to file a lawsuit in most cases, it can be hard to keep track of all the evidence necessary to prove fault in a car accident case. Consider reaching out to a Wyoming car accident attorney for legal advice.