Steps To Take After a Car Accident in Cheyenne, WY

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Cheyenne, Wyoming?

The two most important steps to take after a car accident are to call 911 and secure the accident scene. It is vital to protect yourself and take appropriate steps by documenting all damage to all vehicles involved and your injuries with photos before moving your car. Wyoming law allows you to move your car to a safe location after a crash, but only if the vehicle is still operable and there are no serious injuries, severe damage, or death.  

After a crash, the risk of being involved in a second crash is high in many cases. As such, you should do everything reasonably possible to protect yourself and others from a second accident. Accomplishing this may be as simple as moving your vehicle or yourself out of the road or onto the shoulder.  

If moving your vehicle is impossible due to damage or other circumstances, you can still make the situation safer. If you have flares or reflective triangles, place them in the road before the crash scene to effectively warn other drivers that an accident is upcoming. 

Remember that even if you are the victim in a car accident, your actions post-accident could make you the offender in a second car accident. For example, if you are rear-ended through no fault of your own but leave your car in the middle of the road too long, you may be held liable for an accident that happens as a result.

When Should I Call the Police After a Crash in Cheyenne?

You should call the police immediately after a car accident in Cheyenne. The 911 operator will advise you on how to proceed and whether police will be dispatched to the scene. If the collision has damages of at least $1,000, injuries, or a death, you are required by law to report it. You should also call the police for road rage or driving under the influence accidents, or if the other driver is being uncooperative.  

When Should I Seek Medical Attention? 

Seeking medical attention for all injuries is wise for several reasons and a vital step to take after a car accident in Cheyenne. Even if the injury seems mild, it is always a good idea to get it evaluated on the spot. Calling 911 will also summon one or more police officers, who will likely take an accident report and gather evidence. This report, along with any other reports filed by first responders, can serve as powerful evidence in subsequent compensation claims. 

What Information Should I Exchange at the Accident Scene?

Under Wyoming law, drivers involved in accidents must exchange relevant information with one another, including: 

• Driver’s license information 
• Contact information 
• Vehicle information 
• Insurance information 

During this exchange, drivers should try to be as cordial as possible. However, if the situation involves a driver experiencing road rage, it may be wise to avoid them until they cool down. In other words, exchanging information with the other driver is important, but not at the cost of your safety. 

What Evidence Should I Gather After a Car Crash in Cheyenne? 

If possible, take photos and record video of the accident scene. In a future compensation claim, you will need hard evidence to back up your allegations and the damages you claim. Photos and video footage are among the strongest types of evidence you can have, especially when taken from a fresh accident scene.  

When capturing images, make sure to keep a steady hand and focus on things that may be important to your future claim, such as: 

• The condition and position of the vehicles 
• Road conditions 
• Weather conditions 
• Injuries 
• Skid marks  
• Parties’ behaviors, such as intoxication or drowsiness 

Later, when you meet with an attorney, these images can help them get you the damages you deserve more efficiently.  

You should also obtain the contact details for any witnesses that your attorney can call upon to get a formal statement to support your claim. Lastly, look for any video or security cameras that may have captured the crash. 

How Do I Report a Car Accident in Cheyenne?

Wyoming has an accident-reporting law requiring all drivers involved in certain types of automobile crashes to report the crash to the appropriate authorities within a specific time. Crashes involving at least $1,000 in damage, bodily injury, or wrongful death require you to call 911 and immediately report the accident.  

For accidents with minor vehicle damage of less than $1,000, the police will not generally come to the accident scene, but you are still required to self-report it. As of 2013, this obligation to report does not require the reporter to fill out a crash accident form. Instead, it only requires informing the nearest law enforcement agency as quickly as possible.  

How Does Fault Work in Wyoming Car Accidents? 

Wyoming is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the car accident in Cheyenne is responsible for all damages. In cases where both drivers are partially at fault, the state has a modified comparative fault system, allowing the injured person to seek compensation from the other party as long as they are 50% or less at fault. However, the total settlement is reduced by this percentage. For example, you are 30% at fault, so you would only receive 70% of the total settlement.  

Should I Contact the Insurance Company Right Away? 

You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible and only provide the following information: 

• The date, time, and location of the accident. 
• The police report number. 

It is vital not to admit fault, give recorded statements, or sign any releases without first consulting a Cheyenne car accident attorney. You should also avoid posting about the accident on social media.  

When Should I Consider Speaking With a Cheyenne, Wyoming, Car Accident Lawyer? 

Meeting with an experienced car accident lawyer should be one of your top priorities after receiving stabilizing medical treatment for being in a car accident. The sooner you get a lawyer involved, the stronger your case will likely be. Additionally, acting quickly to hire counsel can also ensure that you meet the state’s statute of limitations for car accidents.  

In Wyoming, accident victims have four years to file a lawsuit or settle their claim. Failure to beat the clock typically means the loss of the right to compensation. Even though you have this long, it is never in your best interest to wait. Evidence can get lost, witnesses may no longer be accessible, and it will become more challenging to build a strong case.  

Don’t Wait: Protect Your Future After a Cheyenne Car Crash With a Free Consultation Today 

If you have been in an auto accident, an experienced auto accident lawyer from Bachus & Schanker can protect your interests and work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve. Even if you have already gotten a settlement offer from the insurance company, do not accept it without our free legal advice. Insurance companies are notorious for lowball offers.  

Getting help from our Cheyenne car accident attorneys ensures you get the maximum settlement amount. Our caring and supportive attorneys also manage all aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery. Contact us today for your complimentary case evaluation.