Wyoming Car Accident Report Basics

By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed May 05, 2024

On any given day, you may drive by an accident scene on the way to work or home. You may see the accident victims standing on the side of the road, waiting for the police to arrive. You think how much easier it would be to exchange insurance information with the other driver and be on your way.

As tempting as this may be, drivers in Wyoming must report car accidents. Even if the crash is minor, Wyoming law likely requires you to report it.

Here, we'll discuss the car accident reporting laws in Wyoming. We'll explain why it's important to call 911 immediately after the car crash and describe the information you must include in your car accident report.

If you still have questions about your car accident case, contact an experienced Wyoming car accident lawyer.

Wyoming Car Accident Report Laws

Some people don't realize they jeopardize their personal injury claim by not calling law enforcement. The insurance company may deny your claim if you don't submit a police report. Your Wyoming car accident attorney may not be able to prove the other driver was at fault without this report.

It will help your car accident claim to have an auto accident report, and it's also the law. If you don't take the proper steps after your Wyoming car accident, you may face fines and jail time.

According to Wyoming car accident reporting laws, you must do the following immediately after a motor vehicle accident:

You must stop, pull over, and render reasonable assistance to anyone who suffers an injury. This includes taking them to the hospital if necessary.
You must provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other drivers, including the at-fault driver.
You'll need to show your driver's license to the police officer as well.

Failing to follow these steps in an accident that involves injury or death is punishable by a year in jail, a fine of $5,000, or both.

As is the law in most states, you must notify law enforcement immediately if your accident results in injury, death, or property damage of more than $1,000. If the motorist is unable to notify the police, one of the passengers must do so.

How To File a Car Crash Report in Wyoming

If you get into an accident within a municipality, you must notify the local police department. Otherwise, you must contact the nearest office of the Wyoming Highway Patrol or county sheriff. The responding officer will investigate the scene of the accident and interview passengers and witnesses.

The officers will forward their report to the highway department within 10 days of their investigation. The Wyoming Department of Transportation will verify that the drivers have the requisite car insurance.

Wyoming Car Accident Report Laws at a Glance

The chart below summarizes state laws related to Wyoming car accident reports, including links to key statutes.

Statutes	Requirements on scene: §31-5-1101 to 31-5-1104 Police notification/reports: §31-5-1105 to 31-5-1112
Law Enforcement Notification Required	If your car accident involves injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, you must notify the police immediately. You must do so using the quickest means of communication available.
Report Required	As of 2013, drivers don't have to submit an accident report separate from the police report.
Who Must Report	Driver must notify law enforcement as specified above If the driver is incapable of contacting law enforcement, another occupant must notify the police.

Note: State regulations are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult an attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state's laws.

Receive a Review of Your Wyoming Car Accident

Wyoming law doesn't require you to file an accident report. However, you do have specific obligations to fulfill after the crash. Even a minor crash can result in a lawsuit or insurance claim dispute.

Contact a Wyoming car accident lawyer to schedule a free case review today. They'll explain Wyoming's car accident report laws and help you pursue a legal claim.