Understanding Wyoming’s Insurance Laws and How They Apply After a Car Accident

After a driver has been involved in a car accident with another motorist in Wyoming, they are likely wondering which insurance carrier their claim needs to be filed with in order to get their vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and other losses paid for. While some states require drivers to first file a claim with their own insurance carrier regardless of fault, other states like Wyoming require drivers who cause an accident to cover the damage they cause. This is because Wyoming follows at-fault insurance laws.

Therefore, if a driver causes a collision in Wyoming, their insurance carrier would be liable for handling the claim.

When a driver files a claim with another motorist’s insurance carrier, which is known as a third-party claim, they are only entitled to recover up to a driver’s limits given their injuries and losses amount to that. Of course, the insurance company will need to confirm that their policyholder is, in fact, liable for the accident before it pays a claim.

Currently, the State of Wyoming only requires its drivers to carry the following insurance coverages:

• Bodily Injury Liability coverage-$25,000 for bodily injury or death per person per accident, and up to $50,000 in total per accident.
• Property Damage Liability coverage– $20,000 for property damage.

[Source: Wyoming Insurance Department].

The types of coverages and the limits stipulated above only reflect the minimum insurance requirements drivers are required to meet. Therefore, a driver who is responsible for causing an accident could be carrying higher limits and additional types of coverage which means an injured party may be able to get their entire claim covered. On the other hand, there are some drivers who are not insured or are only meeting the State’s minimum requirements. This means they may not have enough insurance coverage to satisfy a third-party claim.

What happens when the at-fault party is underinsured?

If an at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance coverage to pay for the damage and/or injuries they cause in an accident, they are then financially responsible for any damages their insurer doesn’t pay. To hold an underinsured driver liable for injuries and other damages, a driver should speak with a Wyoming personal injury attorney to find out if they have the grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Connect with a Wyoming Personal Injury Law Firm that Can Help After a Collision

Although some drivers are able to recover the full amount of their damages from the insurer, there are times when they must take an additional step such as filing a personal injury lawsuit to get the money they deserve after an accident. Either way, it is always a good idea for a car accident victim to hire a personal injury attorney in Wyoming after a crash as they will assist with the insurance claims process and can help an injured party file suit if necessary.

To connect with a personal injury lawyer in Wyoming who is qualified to help a driver recover the compensation they may be due after an accident, contact Frederick J. Harrison, P.C.

Frederick J. Harrison, P.C. can be reached at:

301 West Lincolnway

Cheyenne, WY 82001

Phone: (307) 316-1760

Website: www.fjhlawoffice.com