Being involved in a car accident is stressful on its own, but when the other driver is uninsured, it can be even more overwhelming. Knowing the steps to take immediately after an accident can help protect your health, rights, and finances. This guide covers what drivers in Colorado and Wyoming need to know, including updated legal considerations as of 2025.
Prioritize Safety and Document the Scene
Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety and the safety of others are the top priority. After an accident, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
Move Vehicles if Safe
If the vehicles are in a dangerous spot, move them to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so.
Take Photos and Document Details
While waiting for emergency responders, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Proper documentation can make a significant difference for insurance claims or legal action.
How to Document an Accident
Be prepared—if you’re ever in an accident or witness to one. This free resource is filled with helpful tips for recording the scene and any injuries with your phone. Learn what to capture with photos and videos so you’re prepared to help build a successful legal case—and you can print out the checklist to keep in your glove box so you don’t miss anything important.
Report the Accident and Gather Information
File a Police Report
In both Colorado and Wyoming, it’s advisable to report accidents to law enforcement, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Obtaining a copy of the police report serves as an official record for claims.
Collect Driver and Witness Information
At the scene, gather the other driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance policy details if available. Collect witness information and note any weather or road conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
At Shafner Injury Law, we recommend everyone carry UM/UIM coverage. At any given time, approximately 13% of Colorado drivers and 6% of Wyoming drivers are completely uninsured. If you are hit by one of these drivers, UM/UIM coverage is likely to be your only available source of recovery. Liability coverage will cover other people’s bills if you cause an accident, but UM/UIM coverage is designed to protect you.
Colorado: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Colorado insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, though you can reject it in writing. This coverage helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver is uninsured. Household members may be able to “stack” coverage for additional benefits.
Wyoming: Minimum Coverage Requirements
Wyoming insurers must offer uninsured motorist coverage with minimum bodily injury limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Underinsured motorist coverage is optional, and property damage coverage for uninsured drivers is not required.
Consider Legal Action if Necessary
Consult an Attorney
If the uninsured driver is at fault and you cannot recover sufficient compensation through insurance, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial.
Filing a Lawsuit
In some cases, litigation may be necessary to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Your attorney can advise you on the best course of action.
Be Aware of Statutes of Limitations
A statute of limitations is the legal term for a deadline for filing a claim in court.
Colorado Deadlines
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Uninsured motorist claims in Colorado may have shorter deadlines, often two years from when you discover the driver is uninsured.
Wyoming Deadlines
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wyoming is typically four years. Consulting an attorney ensures you don’t miss critical filing deadlines.
Final Tips for Protecting Your Rights
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Make sure your policy includes adequate UM/UIM coverage and review it periodically to ensure it meets your needs.
Stay Informed About Uninsured Motorist Laws
Laws and insurance requirements can change. Staying updated helps protect your rights and ensures you are prepared if an accident occurs.
Seek Professional Guidance
If you are unsure about your rights or the claims process, a personal injury attorney can guide you through the steps and help protect your interests.
Accidents with uninsured drivers are stressful, but knowing what steps to take and understanding your options can make a significant difference. Acting promptly, documenting carefully, and seeking professional guidance ensures you are in the best position to recover from losses and protect your rights after an accident.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been in an uninsured motorist accident in Colorado or Wyoming, Shafner Injury Law is here to help. We’ll listen with care and without judgment and fight for your fair and just compensation. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track. Our experienced, results-driven accident attorneys will handle the complicated web of insurance claims and take your case to trial if necessary. And remember, we work on a contingency fee basis: we only get paid when you get paid.