Commercial trucks often travel on Wyoming’s highways, especially Interstate 80, a major route for moving goods across the country. These trucks cover long distances daily, enabling businesses to receive supplies and ship products efficiently, 
supporting local and national economies. However, the high volume of truck traffic increases the likelihood of crashes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Wyoming truck accident, consider contacting an expert truck accident lawyer for legal advice during this difficult time.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Wyoming?
Trucking accidents are common along Wyoming’s highways, and its terrain and unpredictable weather make it challenging for truckers. High winds can topple trucks, and steep mountain passes slow them down. Sharing the road with large trucks adds significant risk, especially during harsh conditions.
Truck crashes in Wyoming can result in significant damage and serious injuries or fatalities. The most common causes of truck accidents are as follows:
Lane or Road Departure Crashes
Lane or road departure crashes happen when a vehicle leaves its lane or runs off the road. These crashes include sideswipes, head-on collisions, and opposite-direction accidents. They are the leading cause of trucking accidents in Wyoming.
Truck driver fatigue
Long hours on the road, irregular sleep schedules, and pressure to meet tight deadlines can tire drivers. Fatigue impairs reaction times, decision-making, and overall alertness, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Even though there are rules about how long truck drivers can work, the job’s demands often push drivers beyond safe limits, resulting in dangerous driving conditions.
Speed and reckless driving
Speeding is a major issue. Trucks often travel legally at 80 MPH on nearly 500 miles of Wyoming’s rural interstate. Speeding includes exceeding the posted limit and driving too fast for road conditions. From 2019 to 2020, speeding or driving too fast for conditions contributed to 35% of critical crashes (304 incidents). Wyoming’s rural highways and rapidly changing weather make it harder for law enforcement to monitor and prevent risky driving.
Additionally, truck drivers sometimes exceed speed limits or drive aggressively to meet delivery schedules. This behavior makes it harder for them to react to sudden changes in traffic and makes crashes worse. Since large trucks need more time and distance to come to a stop, driving at high speeds is especially hazardous. Reckless driving, such as tailgating and unsafe lane changes, further exacerbates the risk of serious accidents and catastrophic injuries.
Improperly loaded cargo
When cargo is not secured correctly or is unevenly distributed, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable. This instability can result in the truck tipping over or losing control. Also, unsecured cargo can fall off the truck, posing a hazard to other drivers. For good reason, there are regulations for loading cargo on trucks to maintain the vehicle’s safety and stability.
Poor vehicle maintenance
Trucks not regularly inspected and maintained can develop mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and engine problems. These failures can occur unexpectedly and lead to catastrophic accidents. Regular maintenance and timely repairs ensure that trucks are safe and reliable. Neglecting maintenance endangers the truck driver and poses a significant risk to other motorists.
Trucking company negligence
Some companies cut corners to save costs, leading to inadequate driver training, insufficient vehicle maintenance, and unrealistic schedules that encourage speeding and fatigue. When companies fail to prioritize safety, they create an environment where accidents are more likely to occur.
What Compensation Is Available for Wyoming Truck Accident Victims?
Truck accident victims may seek compensation for expenses like medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. The amount of compensation often depends on the severity of the injuries and how the victim’s life was impacted.
Economic damages
Economic damages aim to compensate victims for their measurable financial losses, such as:
- Medical Expenses: Expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing therapy needed.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost wages due to inability to work while recovering from injuries or due to long-term disability.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of personal property, such as a vehicle, damaged in the accident.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages address the more subjective, non-financial impact of the accident. These damages can include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort endured due to the injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Reimbursement for psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the decreased ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies previously fulfilling before the accident.
Injuries in a Truck Crash
Injuries from a truck crash can vary widely in severity and impact, including:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: These occur when a sudden impact forces the head and neck to move abruptly forward and backward, often leading to strain or sprain of the neck muscles and ligaments. This can cause in pain, stiffness, and long-term mobility issues.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a truck crash can damage the spine, leading to herniated discs, fractures, or spinal cord injuries. This can cause chronic pain, limited movement, or even paralysis, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life.
- Broken Bones: High-impact collisions can lead to fractures in different parts of the body. These broken bones often need surgical intervention, extended recovery periods, and physical therapy, which can affect a person’s ability to work and handle daily activities.
- Head Injuries: Head impacts can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skull fractures. These can lead to problems with thinking, memory, and mood and may have lasting or permanent effects.
- Internal Injuries: A crash can cause internal bleeding or harm vital organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. While these injuries may not be immediately visible, they can lead to serious health problems and often require urgent medical care.
How a Wyoming Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
A Wyoming truck accident attorney will thoroughly investigate, gather evidence, and determine liability,
identifying all responsible parties. With expertise in specific regulations and industry standards, they can build a strong case on your behalf.
An experienced truck accident attorney will negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement and, if necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
They aim to recover fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses, providing peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming Truck Accident Cases
Who Can Be Liable in a Truck Accident?
Several parties may be liable in a truck accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or even third-party maintenance providers. Determining liability often involves examining the actions and responsibilities of each party involved in the truck’s operation and maintenance.
Do All Personal Injury Law Firms Handle Truck Accidents?
These cases often require specialized knowledge of trucking industry regulations and commercial vehicle laws and the ability to handle large-scale investigations. That said, not all personal injury lawyers handle truck accident lawsuits.
What Are the Hours-of-Service Regulations?
Hours-of-Service regulations are rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on duty and drive. These regulations are in place to prevent driver fatigue and ensure road safety. They include maximum driving hours, required rest breaks, and mandatory off-duty periods.
How to Sue a Trucking Company After a Truck Wreck
To sue a trucking company after a truck wreck, you must gather evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records. It’s best to consult with an attorney experienced in truck accident cases who can help you navigate the legal process, determine liability, and file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages.
What if I Am a Truck Driver Who Was Injured on the Job?
If you’re a truck driver injured, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help cover medical expenses and lost wages. Additionally, suppose the injury was due to negligence by a third party, such as a defective part or improper vehicle maintenance. In that case, you may also have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit to seek further compensation.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. Our experienced team is here to help you guide you through the complexities of your case and secure the compensation you deserve.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your Wyoming truck accident, answer your questions, and outline your legal options.
Contact Munley Law today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward getting the justice and recovery you need in your truck accident case.
