Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Getting hit by a car changes everything. Medical bills pile up, you may be unable to work, and the insurance company is already building a case against you. If you were injured as a pedestrian in Wyoming, you have rights, and understanding how the law protects you is the first step toward recovering what you've lost.
At Vickery & Shepherd, our attorneys have focused their practice on helping injured people across Wyoming hold negligent drivers accountable. We handle pedestrian accident cases from initial investigation through resolution, working to make sure our clients have the information and representation they need.
Wyoming Pedestrian Car Accident Laws
Wyoming law governs how fault is determined, what compensation is available, and how long you have to file a claim. Knowing these rules before you act can protect your recovery.
Right-of-Way Rules for Pedestrians
Under Wyoming statutes, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections controlled by traffic signals. Pedestrians also have duties, including walking on the right side of crosswalks and not stepping into traffic when a vehicle cannot reasonably stop. When both parties share some responsibility for a crash, Wyoming’s comparative fault rules determine how damages are split.
How Comparative Fault Works in Wyoming
Wyoming follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages as long as you were 50% or less responsible for the accident. Your maximum compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but it is not eliminated. This rule applies to most personal injury claims in the state.
Deadlines for Filing a Claim
In Wyoming, most pedestrian accident claims must be filed within four years of the date of injury under the general personal injury statute of limitations. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to recover anything at all. Speaking with a pedestrian injury lawyer in Wyoming early protects your ability to pursue a claim.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Wyoming
Pedestrian accidents in Wyoming happen in a variety of settings, from downtown intersections to rural roadways. Understanding what typically causes these crashes can help clarify who bears responsibility.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are texting, talking, eating, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs are among the most common causes of pedestrian injuries. Even a moment of inattention at low speed can cause serious harm to someone on foot. Our attorneys investigate driver behavior carefully to build a clear picture of what happened before the crash.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Many pedestrian accidents involve a driver who failed to yield at a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked. Drivers are legally required to exercise reasonable care near pedestrians, and failing to do so can establish negligence. A crosswalk accident attorney in Wyoming can help gather evidence from the scene, including traffic camera footage and witness statements.
Dangerous Road Conditions and Poor Lighting
Not every pedestrian accident is the result of driver error alone. Poorly maintained sidewalks, missing crosswalk markings, or inadequate streetlighting can contribute to crashes and may implicate a government entity or property owner. Our team investigates all potential sources of liability, not just the at-fault driver.
Common Injuries and Damages Seen in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrian accidents tend to produce serious injuries because there is nothing protecting a person on foot from the force of a vehicle. Wyoming law allows injured pedestrians to pursue compensation for the full range of losses they suffer.
Serious Physical Injuries
Common injuries in pedestrian crashes include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ trauma. These injuries often require extended hospital stays, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. The severity of harm directly affects the value of your claim and the type of medical documentation your attorney will need.
Economic Damages You Can Recover
Economic damages include medical expenses both past and future, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs related to your injury. Wyoming courts allow injured pedestrians to recover the full measurable financial impact of a crash. Keeping detailed records of every expense from the date of the accident forward supports a stronger claim.
Non-Economic and Long-Term Losses
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement are all recognized categories of non-economic damages in Wyoming. These losses are harder to quantify but can represent a significant portion of your total recovery. Our attorneys work to document and present these losses accurately as part of your overall claim.
How Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help
Handling a pedestrian injury claim on your own while recovering from serious injuries is genuinely difficult. Our attorneys are here to manage the legal process so you can focus on healing.
Investigating Liability and Gathering Evidence
We begin every pedestrian injury case by gathering evidence that supports your account of what happened, including police reports, surveillance footage, photographs of the scene, and expert analysis where applicable. Acting quickly matters because evidence can disappear and witness memories fade. Our team works to preserve the record before key details are lost.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by disputing fault or downplaying the severity of injuries. Our attorneys handle all communication with insurers on your behalf and push back when lowball offers do not reflect your actual losses. You can learn more about how we approach these cases by reviewing our results.
Taking Your Personal Injury Case Through Litigation if Needed
When a fair settlement is not available, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys represent clients through all stages of litigation, from filing the complaint through trial. Read what our clients have shared about their experience by visiting our client testimonials.
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Frequently Asked Questions Our Car Accident Lawyers Receive About Pedestrian Accidents in Wyoming
If you were injured as a pedestrian, you likely have questions that deserve straight answers. Below are responses to some of the questions we hear most often.
Call 911, get medical attention, and preserve any evidence you can, including photos of the scene and the vehicle that struck you. Do not give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Your actions in the hours after a crash can affect your claim.
A valid claim generally requires showing that a driver or other party acted negligently and that their negligence caused your injuries. Discussing the details with a Wyoming pedestrian accident attorney is the most reliable way to assess your situation.
Wyoming requires drivers to carry auto insurance, but not all comply. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys can help identify all available sources of compensation in your case.
There is no universal timeline because every case depends on the severity of injuries, the clarity of liability, and whether a settlement can be reached without litigation. Cases that proceed to trial generally take longer than those resolved through negotiation. We keep our clients informed throughout the process.
Yes, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%, state law allows you to recover a proportionally reduced amount of damages. Fault percentages are determined based on the evidence and, if necessary, a jury’s findings. Our attorneys work to present the evidence in the most accurate and favorable light.
Compensation depends entirely on the specific facts of your case, including the nature and extent of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the available insurance coverage. We do not promise specific outcomes, but we work to recover the full range of damages the law allows. You can explore our personal injury practice for a broader overview of the damages available under state law.
We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured people to access legal representation without upfront costs. Our attorneys page has more information about how we work with clients.
Contact a Wyoming Pedestrian Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you or a family member was injured in a pedestrian accident in Wyoming, Vickery & Shepherd is ready to help you understand your options. Our attorneys handle hit-by-car cases throughout the state, and we represent clients on a contingency basis so cost is not a barrier to getting help. Contact us through our online form or call our office to schedule a consultation with no obligation.
Lawyers Dedicated to Seeking Justice
Our attorneys have a proven track record of winning personal injury and wrongful death cases in court. When you choose us, you're choosing a team with the experience and determination to fight for your rights relentlessly!