If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, there are eight things to know about Wyoming’s personal injury laws that may affect potential compensation. The Wyoming personal injury lawyers at Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers can help you protect your rights under Wyoming’s personal injury laws and navigate the path ahead.
1. Wyoming’s Statute of Limitations
One of the most important elements of a personal injury case is the statute of limitations. This refers to the time limit within which you must file a lawsuit. In Wyoming, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is four years from the date of your injury. This applies to car accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, and other negligence-related accidents. However, exceptions can apply, and failing to file your claim within the statute of limitations can result in the permanent dismissal of your case.
2. Wyoming Follows A Modified Comparative Fault System
Wyoming uses a modified comparative fault system to determine liability in personal injury cases. Under this system, if you are partially at fault for your accident and injuries, your compensation will likely be reduced by your share of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible, you are not entitled to any compensation. A Wyoming personal injury lawyer will work to minimize any fault that may be assigned to you after an accident.
3. Wyoming Is An At-Fault State for Car Accidents
Wyoming is considered an at-fault state for car accidents. This means that if you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for the resulting damages. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or, if necessary, pursue a lawsuit against the driver directly after an accident for damages. You have the burden of showing the other driver was negligent and caused your accident.
4. Types of Damages You Can Recover
You can recover several types of damages in a Wyoming personal injury case. This includes economic, non-economic, and, in some instances, punitive damages.
- Economic damages: These cover out-of-pocket expenses for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses
- Non-economic damages. These cover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other losses.
- Punitive damages: These are awarded to punish the at-fault party for reckless or intentional behavior that caused your accident.
A Wyoming personal injury lawyer can help you identify all damages that may be available.
5. Wyoming Has No Caps on Damages
Wyoming does not impose caps or limits on damages in personal injury cases. This means there is no legal limit on how much money you can recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
6. The Role of Insurance in Wyoming Personal Injury Claims
Most personal injury claims in Wyoming are settled through insurance, especially those involving auto accidents. Wyoming requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. This includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 for property damage.
These minimums may not cover all your damages in a serious accident. You may need to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, especially if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.
7. Wrongful Death Claims in Wyoming
Accidents due to someone else’s negligence may result in the death of a loved one. If a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim within two years of their death. Damages in wrongful death cases may include medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and other compensation. An experienced Wyoming personal injury lawyer can help you maximize your chances of success.
8. The Importance of Evidence in Personal Injury Cases
Evidence plays a critical role in any personal injury case in Wyoming. To successfully prove your claim and recover damages, you generally need evidence. This can include medical records, police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photographs or videos. Preserving evidence after your accident is important since it can help establish fault and demonstrate the extent of your injuries.
Injured in Wyoming? Consult a Family Law Lawyer
Hiring an experienced Wyoming personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and potential compensation after an accident. Whether you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, truck accident, pedestrian accident, or slip and fall, schedule a free consultation to discuss what you need to know.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Parker & McConkie Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker & McConkie to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have 5 convenient locations in Utah, including Midvale, Salt Lake City, Ogden & Provo, UT. Clients can also visit our offices in Idaho Falls, ID & Rock Springs, WY.
We proudly serve Weber County, Utah County, Salt Lake County in Utah, Bonneville County in Idaho, Sweetwater County in Wyoming , and its surrounding areas:
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City Office
466 S. 500 E., Suite 100,
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801) 851-1202
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Midvale Office
7090 Union Park Ave, #160,
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 845-0440
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Ogden Office
2510 S Washington Blvd, Suite 160,
Ogden, UT 84401
(385) 402-8187
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Provo Office
37 E Center St, Suite 300,
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 876-4107
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Rock Springs Office
531 N Front St,
Rock Springs, WY 82901
(307) 205-7400
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Idaho Falls Office
2235 East 25th St. Suite #280,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 418-0633
Hours: 24/7
