Wyoming Motor Vehicle Accident Laws

Insurance Requirements

System type: Wyoming follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for causing an accident is liable for covering damages. This system allows injured parties to file a claim with their own insurer, the at-fault driver’s insurer, or pursue a lawsuit if necessary.

Minimum coverage requirements: Wyoming law mandates that all drivers carry at least the following liability coverage:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $20,000 per accident for property damage

These minimum coverage limits ensure financial protection for accident-related medical expenses and property damage. However, these amounts may not fully cover severe injuries or extensive damages, making additional coverage beneficial.

Optional coverages: While Wyoming only requires liability insurance, drivers may opt for additional coverage for enhanced protection:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: Helps cover medical expenses and damages if an at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance
• Medical Payments coverage (MedPay): Covers medical costs for the policyholder and passengers, regardless of fault
• Collision coverage: Pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault
• Comprehensive coverage: Protects against non-collision damages, such as theft, fire, vandalism, and natural disasters

Proof of insurance: Drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times. If involved in an accident, they must present valid proof of insurance to law enforcement and other involved parties. Failure to provide proof can lead to fines, license suspension, and additional penalties. If a driver is at fault in an accident and lacks sufficient insurance, they may need to file an SR-21 form to demonstrate financial responsibility. On a similar note, if a driver’s license is suspended due to an uninsured accident or violation, they must file an SR-22 certificate (proof of continuous insurance coverage) for three years to reinstate their driving privileges.

Penalties for non-compliance: Failing to carry the required insurance in Wyoming can result in fines of up to $750, suspension of driver’s license and vehicle registration, and mandatory SR-22 filing for three years after an uninsured accident. Drivers should review their policies regularly to ensure compliance and consider higher coverage limits for better financial protection in the event of an accident.

Rideshare drivers: Drivers for services like Uber and Lyft must meet additional insurance requirements.

• App on, but no passenger (Period 1): Wyoming requires minimum coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage while waiting for a ride request
• Ride accepted, en route to pick up (Period 2): Uber and Lyft provide $1,000,000 in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
• Passenger in vehicle (Period 3): The same $1,000,000 liability coverage applies, along with comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has it on their personal policy), subject to a $2,500 deductible with a maximum payout of $50,000

Rideshare drivers should review their personal auto policies and consider rideshare-specific coverage to avoid potential gaps in protection.

Fault Laws

Modified comparative negligence in Wyoming

Wyoming follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that an injured party can recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If a claimant is found partially responsible, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if they are 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages.

For example, if a driver is found 30% at fault in an accident with $100,000 in damages, they can recover $70,000. If they are 51% at fault or more, they receive nothing. This system makes it crucial to gather evidence—such as police reports, witness statements, and photos—to minimize any assigned fault and maximize compensation.

Multi-vehicle accidents

In accidents involving multiple parties, fault is divided among all drivers based on their level of responsibility. Wyoming’s fault-based insurance system means that the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages. However, determining liability in these cases often requires accident reconstructions and legal intervention.

Passenger considerations

Passengers involved in Wyoming car accidents are typically not assigned fault and can pursue claims against any responsible driver. However, if their own negligence—such as not wearing a seatbelt—contributed to their injuries, their compensation may be reduced accordingly.

Statute of Limitations

Personal injury claims

Wyoming allows four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Property damage claims

If an accident results in vehicle or property damage, claimants have four years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for repair or replacement costs.

Wrongful death lawsuits

If an accident results in a fatality, the deceased’s family or estate has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Claims against government entities

When filing a claim against a government entity or public employee in Wyoming, a notice of governmental claim must be submitted within two years before a lawsuit can be filed. This notice must include the time, place, and circumstances of the injury, along with details of the damages sought.

Exceptions to the statute of limitations

• Minors: If the injured party is under 18, the statute of limitations may be extended until they reach legal adulthood
• Discovery rule: If injuries are not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin when the injury is discovered or should have reasonably been discovered
• Absence of the at-fault party: If the at-fault driver leaves Wyoming, the statute may be paused until they return

Accident Reporting Requirements

When to report an accident

Wyoming law requires drivers to report a motor vehicle accident immediately under the following circumstances:

• Injury or death:  If any person is injured or killed in the accident
• Property damage: If the accident results in $1,000 or more in property damage
• Disabled vehicle: If any vehicle involved in the accident is disabled and cannot be safely driven away

If a police officer responds to the scene and generates a report, additional reporting by the driver is not required. However, if law enforcement does not respond, it is the driver’s responsibility to report the accident to the appropriate authorities.

Filing accident reports

Drivers must notify law enforcement using the quickest available means. The appropriate agency depends on the accident location:

• Within city limits: Contact the local police department
• Outside city limits: Contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol or the county sheriff’s office

If law enforcement responds, the officer will investigate the accident, document the scene, and file an official accident report. This report is typically forwarded to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) within 10 days. 

How to access accident reports

Accident reports are critical for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and personal records. You can obtain a copy of an accident report through the following methods:

• In-person request: Visit the WYDOT Office at 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009
• By mail: Send a request to the above address, Attn: Highway Safety
• Request by email or mail: Call WYDOT’s Highway Safety division at (307) 777-4450
• Online request: Some law enforcement agencies, like the Wyoming Highway Patrol, allow online requests via official websites

There is a $3 fee per report, plus an additional $2.50 service fee for credit card payments. Requests can typically be processed immediately when made in person or over the phone.

Additional considerations

Hit-and-run cases: If the other driver flees the scene, report the incident to law enforcement immediately and provide any identifying details.

Wildlife collisions: Wyoming law does not require reporting a wildlife collision unless there is property damage exceeding $1,000 or injuries occur. However, reporting may be advisable for insurance purposes.

Uninsured drivers: If involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you may need to file an SR-22 form to prove financial responsibility.

Compensation Limits

Economic damages: Wyoming does not impose a cap on economic damages in car accident cases, allowing victims to seek full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and diminished earning capacity. However, the amount recoverable may be limited by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. If damages exceed available coverage, victims may pursue additional compensation through their Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Non-economic damages: There is no statutory cap on non-economic damages in Wyoming, meaning victims can recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, and loss of companionship. Since Wyoming follows a modified comparative negligence rule, the amount awarded is reduced based on the victim’s percentage of fault. If the victim is found more than 50% at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages. This system makes accurate fault determination crucial in securing compensation.

Punitive damages: Punitive damages are not capped under Wyoming law, as the state constitution prohibits damage limits in tort cases. However, these damages are only awarded in cases involving willful misconduct, reckless disregard for safety, or intentional harm. Courts typically follow a four-to-one ratio guideline, meaning punitive damages are generally no more than four times the compensatory damages, though higher awards may be granted in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving accidents or fraudulently concealing a vehicle defect. 

Claims against government entities: Wyoming law imposes specific filing requirements for accidents involving government vehicles or employees. A notice of claim must be filed within one year before pursuing legal action. However, for victims under the age of seven, the deadline is extended until their eighth birthday. Claims against government entities are subject to procedural restrictions, and punitive damages cannot be awarded against public agencies.

Special considerations

• Modified comparative negligence rule: Victims can recover damages only if they are 50% or less at fault; compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault
• Punitive damages threshold: Plaintiffs must provide clear and convincing evidence that the at-fault party acted with reckless disregard for safety
• Government claims deadline: A one-year notice requirement applies, with exceptions for minors under seven

Medical Coverage Considerations

Navigating medical coverage after a car accident in Wyoming requires an understanding of the state’s at-fault insurance system and available options for managing healthcare expenses.

Liability insurance: Since Wyoming follows a modified comparative negligence rule, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is the primary source of coverage for accident-related medical bills. However, compensation may be delayed until fault is determined, and expenses exceeding the at-fault driver’s policy limits may require additional coverage options.

Medical Payments coverage (MedPay): MedPay is an optional no-fault insurance available in Wyoming that helps cover accident-related medical expenses regardless of fault. MedPay can cover ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy up to the policy’s limit. Unlike liability insurance, MedPay ensures immediate access to funds for medical treatment, allowing accident victims to receive care without waiting for insurance disputes to be resolved.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: This provides a financial safety net if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance or is entirely uninsured. Since Wyoming does not require drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage, it is an optional but highly recommended policy addition. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the responsible party cannot fully cover the damages.

Health insurance: Health insurance can serve as secondary coverage for medical costs not fully covered by auto insurance. However, health insurers may require reimbursement (subrogation) from any accident settlement, meaning victims should carefully coordinate auto and health insurance claims to avoid unexpected repayment demands.

Government assistance programs: Medicaid and Medicare provide essential medical coverage for eligible individuals following a car accident. Medicaid covers low-income individuals for accident-related medical expenses, while Medicare serves those over 65 or with qualifying disabilities. Beneficiaries should report accident-related claims promptly to ensure smooth processing and prevent potential coverage disputes.

Medical liens and letters of protection: Liens allow accident victims to receive necessary treatment without upfront payments. Healthcare providers may place a lien on a future settlement, ensuring they are reimbursed from any compensation received. Personal injury attorneys can also issue letters of protection to medical providers, guaranteeing payment upon settlement.

Important considerations:

• Immediate medical care: Seeking prompt treatment not only ensures proper recovery but also creates essential documentation for insurance claims and legal cases
• Detailed records: Keeping comprehensive records of medical bills, insurance communications, and treatments can streamline the claims process
• Legal assistance: A personal injury attorney can help navigate insurance complexities, negotiate medical liens, and maximize financial recovery

Unique Local Factors

Wyoming’s vast landscape, unpredictable weather, and unique traffic patterns create distinct challenges for drivers. Understanding these factors can help reduce accident risks and improve road safety.

Weather and road conditions: Wyoming’s rugged terrain and high elevation contribute to a variety of weather-related hazards throughout the year.

• Winter storms and high winds: Wyoming experiences harsh winter conditions, with heavy snowfall, ice, and strong winds leading to dangerous driving situations. The state’s open highways, such as I-80 and I-25, are particularly vulnerable to blowing snow and whiteout conditions
• Black ice: Freezing temperatures create hazardous black ice on roadways, particularly in shaded areas, bridges, and mountain passes
• Flooding and washouts: Spring snowmelt and heavy rains can lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers, such as the North Platte River Basin
• Wildlife crossings: Deer, elk, and pronghorn frequently cross Wyoming’s highways, particularly at dawn and dusk. These collisions can cause severe vehicle damage and injuries  

Traffic and rural roadway hazards: Wyoming’s low population density means fewer urban centers and many long, isolated roads, which present unique risks.

• Sparse emergency services: Accidents on rural roads may result in delayed emergency response times, making it essential for drivers to carry emergency supplies
• Open-range areas: Wyoming allows open-range grazing, meaning livestock may wander onto roadways, posing unexpected hazards, especially on rural highways Sudden downpours can cause hydroplaning risks and unexpected road closures
• Tourism congestion: Popular destinations like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks attract millions of visitors annually. This influx can lead to congested roads, unfamiliar drivers, and increased accident risks, particularly in summer months

Drivers are encouraged to check weather reports, be prepared for wildlife encounters, and drive cautiously in high-altitude or remote areas.

Local Resources & Contacts

• Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT): Provides road conditions, construction updates, and accident reporting guidance 
  • Website: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home.html
  • Road Conditions: 511 or (888) WYO-ROAD
• Wyoming Department of Insurance: Regulates auto insurance policies and handles consumer complaints related to claims
  • Website: http://doi.wyo.gov   
  • Phone: (307) 777-7401
• Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP): Handles traffic enforcement, accident investigations, and public safety issues.
  • Website: https://whp.wyo.gov    
  • Phone: (307) 777-4301