Cheyenne, WY, Car Accident FAQs
After a car accident in Cheyenne, WY, you’ll likely have many questions about what to do after a car accident, and how to protect your rights. At Bachus & Schanker, we understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have several questions about vehicle accidents, such as the following:
What Immediate Steps Should Be Taken After A Car Accident?
The moments following Cheyenne, Wyoming, car accidents can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. You should do the following after a car accident:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Exchange information with other drivers (names, contact info, insurance details).
- Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and visible injuries.
- Report the accident to the local police department if you did not call 911 previously.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
Even if the accident seems minor, seeking medical treatment promptly is important. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
When Is A Crash Report Required In Wyoming?
Under Wyoming state laws, you must report an accident to law enforcement if it results in any injury or death, or for any property damage exceeding $1,000.
The responding officer will create an official crash report documenting the accident details, which becomes important evidence for your car accident claim, and when dealing with insurance companies.
If police don’t come to the scene, you must file a report with the Wyoming Department of Transportation within 10 days of the accident, as required by state statute.
How Is Fault Determined In Wyoming Car Accidents?
After a car accident in Cheyenne, fault is determined through:
- Police reports that document evidence at the scene and witness statements.
- Photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene.
- Skid marks and final positions of vehicles.
- Statements from drivers and witnesses.
- Traffic camera footage (when available).
- Expert analysis in complex cases.
- Application of Wyoming traffic laws to see which driver violated the rules.
Insurance companies review all this evidence to decide who caused the accident, and to what degree each driver might share responsibility. This determination becomes the basis for how compensation is handled.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Lawsuits In Wyoming?
In Wyoming, you have a limited time to file a car accident lawsuit. For personal injury claims, you have four years from the date of the accident. Property damage claims also have a four-year deadline. If the accident resulted in a death, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death.
Missing these deadlines usually means losing your right to pursue compensation, which is why consulting with a Wyoming car accident lawyer promptly after an accident is important.
When Should You Consult A Car Accident Lawyer?
Not every accident requires legal representation, but you should consider consulting a Cheyenne, Wyoming, car accident attorney if:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries requiring substantial medical treatment.
- The accident resulted in long-term or permanent disability.
- Fault is disputed or unclear.
- Multiple parties are involved.
- The insurance company is offering a low settlement.
- You’re being blamed for an accident you didn’t cause.
Most reputable attorneys offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
What Types Of Damages Can You Claim After A Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Cheyenne, you may be entitled to several types of compensation for your losses. Economic damages cover the financial costs directly caused by your accident. These include medical expenses (current and future), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs.
Non-economic damages address the personal suffering that doesn’t come with a clear price tag. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (impact on relationships).
These damages acknowledge the personal toll an accident takes beyond just financial losses, and are based on the specific impacts on your life.
Understanding Wyoming’s Comparative Fault System
Wyoming’s comparative fault system directly impacts how much compensation you can receive after an accident. This system allows recovery as long as you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident, but it reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Cheyenne, WY
Accidents in Wyoming happen as a result of:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
- Adverse weather conditions (snow, ice, high winds)
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Driver fatigue, especially on rural highways
Additionally, Wyoming’s vast rural areas, variable weather conditions, and wildlife crossings all contribute to the state’s high rate of traffic accidents.
How To Obtain A Copy Of Your Crash Report In Cheyenne
After filing a police report, you can obtain an official copy by:
- Visiting the Cheyenne Police Department in person
- Requesting a copy online through the Wyoming Department of Transportation
- Mailing the police department’s records division
- Having your attorney request the report on your behalf
But note that there may be a small fee for obtaining the report.
Local Traffic Laws And Speed Limits In Cheyenne, WY
Cheyenne follows Wyoming traffic laws with some specific local regulations based on engineering and traffic investigations. Important speed limits include:
- School zones: 20 mph between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on school days
- Residential areas: Typically 30 mph unless posted otherwise
- Construction zones: Posted limits with doubled fines for violations
The city can increase or decrease speed limits on specific streets based on safety studies, with all changes marked by appropriate signs. The traffic engineer may also adjust traffic signal timing to maintain safe traffic flow throughout the city.
Wyoming also enforces strict laws against driving under the influence (blood alcohol content limit of 0.08%), texting while driving, and not wearing seat belts.
Why Choose Bachus & Schanker For Your Car Accident Case?
At Bachus & Schanker, we understand what you’re going through because we’ve been there ourselves. Our founder, Kyle Bachus, experienced the devastating loss of his mother in an accident caused by a negligent driver. This personal tragedy drives our commitment to helping accident victims and their families.
Our approach to car accident cases includes a thorough investigation of your accident, compassionate victim advocates who guide you through every step, and direct communication with your car insurance companies on your behalf.
We have skilled negotiators who fight for maximum compensation and trial-ready attorneys if settlement offers are inadequate.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Cheyenne, don’t face this difficult time alone.
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