Wyoming’s highways are major routes for interstate trucking, with thousands of commercial trucks passing through each month. While this constant flow of freight keeps the economy moving, it also increases the risk of collisions involving out-of-state truck drivers. When a crash occurs, determining who is legally responsible can be complex, especially when the driver, trucking company, and victims are from different states. In this post, we will expand on how various laws affect these claims and how your attorney will prove who is liable for out-of-state truck accidents in Wyoming.
Understanding Liability in Out-of-State Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often include multiple parties. Determining the liable party in a Wyoming truck accident can include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck’s owner, the company that arranged the agreement to ship the load, or a third-party maintenance provider. When the driver or company is based out of state, additional legal questions arise, such as:
- Where can the lawsuit be filed?
- Which state’s laws apply?
- Can an out-of-state company be held responsible in Wyoming courts?
- What happens if multiple states are involved in the case?
Wyoming courts typically allow victims to pursue claims locally if the accident occurred within the state’s borders. Therefore, if a trucking company or another is headquartered elsewhere, it can still be held accountable in Wyoming courts for the harm caused by its drivers.
How Federal and State Laws Affect These Cases
Both state and federal laws regulate interstate trucking. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets nationwide standards for truck driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours-of-service limits. Violations of these safety rules can significantly contribute to a crash.
Wyoming also applies its own laws that impact liability and compensation. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can only recover damages if you are found to be 50 percent or less at fault for the crash. If you are partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
Beyond the driver, liability may extend to the trucking company. The company can be held responsible for negligent hiring, inadequate training, maintenance failures, or unsafe driving practices carried out by its employees. In Wyoming, victims typically have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, making timely legal action crucial. In death cases, the time limit is two years.
Insurance and Jurisdiction Challenges
Out-of-state accidents often involve insurance complications. Trucking companies must carry substantial liability insurance, but coordinating between insurers from multiple states can delay claims and compensation. Victims may also face challenges in identifying the best place to file a lawsuit.
An experienced Wyoming truck accident attorney can determine whether your case should be filed in state or federal court and ensure that every liable party is held accountable. This is especially important when trucking companies attempt to shift blame or minimize responsibility by hiding behind complex corporate structures.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Truck accident claims often involve large commercial insurers and teams of defense lawyers working to reduce payouts. Having an attorney familiar with both Wyoming and federal trucking laws can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
The Fitzgerald Law Firm has decades of experience as truck accident attorneys, and handling the multiple components involved with out-of-state truck drivers. We hold the Wyoming Supreme Court records for the largest verdicts for injuries and wrongful death, demonstrating our commitment to achieving justice for our clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by an out-of-state driver, you deserve to know your rights and pursue the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced legal team can help you navigate the complexities of interstate liability and fight for the justice you deserve.