Pedestrian Accident Attorney Sweetwater County

Local Help When You Have Been Hit While Walking

When a vehicle hits a person on foot, there is almost nothing to protect the pedestrian. A short walk in Rock Springs, Green River, or along a rural road in this part of Wyoming can turn into a medical emergency and months of disruption. If you were struck while walking, you may be unsure where to turn, how to deal with the insurance company, and what your rights are under Wyoming law.

At The Law Offices of Hampton & Newman, L.C., we help injured pedestrians and their families work through these questions. Our firm has nearly 40 years of dedicated practice handling injury cases in Wyoming, and we bring that history to every pedestrian crash we review. We know that you are dealing with pain, missed work, and worry about the future, and our goal is to give you clear guidance and take on as much of the legal burden as possible.

Don’t Let Insurance Push You Around. Call (307) 226-2266 now to speak with our Sweetwater County pedestrian accident attorney, get answers, protect your claim, and make the at-fault driver pay for what they did.

Why Injured Pedestrians Turn To Our Firm After A Crash

After a serious pedestrian crash, many people want a lawyer who understands both the law and the community where the collision happened. Our firm has practiced in Wyoming for nearly four decades, and we regularly work with clients whose cases may involve the courts that serve Sweetwater County. This long experience helps us anticipate how local insurers, judges, and juries may view a pedestrian injury case.

We are trial lawyers who handle both negotiation and litigation. When insurance companies question fault or try to undervalue serious injuries, we prepare your case with the possibility of court in mind. This preparation can strengthen your position in settlement talks and help ensure that, if litigation becomes necessary, we are not starting from nothing. Our attorneys work directly with clients, so you are not left wondering who is handling your file.

Because we live and practice in Wyoming, we understand the realities that many of our clients face. We represent working people, including union members and families connected to mining and energy work. Our affiliation with unions such as the United Steel Workers and the United Mine Workers of America reflects a long-standing commitment to people who depend on their paychecks and their health. When we evaluate a pedestrian injury claim, we look at the full picture, including medical needs, the ability to return to work, and the impact on your family.

Common Pedestrian Accidents In Sweetwater County

Pedestrian crashes here do not always look like the ones shown in big city news stories. In this part of Wyoming, many incidents happen along high-speed roads such as Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 191, or state highways, where drivers may not expect people on foot. A driver who is distracted for a moment can drift onto the shoulder or fail to see someone walking near the edge of the lane.

Collisions also occur in town, near busy intersections in Rock Springs and Green River, in school zones, and around shopping areas and parking lots. Drivers may fail to yield at crosswalks, turn without checking for pedestrians in the crosswalk, or roll through stop signs. In low light or bad weather, vehicles can approach quickly and leave pedestrians with very little time to react.

Many people who contact us worry that they crossed mid-block, wore dark clothing, or were walking near traffic for work and believe this means they cannot bring a claim. Wyoming uses comparative fault rules, which means that responsibility for a crash can be shared and that a pedestrian may still pursue compensation even if the driver and the injured person both contributed to what happened. Our role is to review the facts carefully and explain how these rules may apply in your situation.

Injuries & Losses Pedestrian Crashes Can Cause

Physical Harm After A Pedestrian Collision

When a car or truck strikes a pedestrian, the human body often absorbs the full force of the impact. We regularly see injuries such as broken legs or arms, pelvic fractures, and damage to the spine. Head and brain injuries are also common, even when there is no visible wound, and these can affect memory, concentration, and mood. Internal injuries may not be obvious right away, but can be life-threatening if they are not identified and treated quickly.

Financial & Emotional Impact On Your Life

The physical harm is only part of the story. Many injured pedestrians need emergency care at facilities such as Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, followed by appointments with specialists, imaging, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. Time away from work and travel for treatment can strain household budgets, particularly for families who already work long hours or shifts in energy and mining jobs. Pain and restricted movement can also limit your ability to spend time with children, enjoy hobbies, or even handle daily tasks.

As we evaluate a pedestrian injury claim, we look at the full range of losses. These can include medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the impact of pain and loss of enjoyment of life. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on many factors, but our focus is on identifying how the crash has changed your life and working to pursue a result that supports your long-term well-being.

What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident

Get Medical Care & Report The Crash

In the hours and days after a crash, it can be hard to know what to do first. Your health comes before anything else. If you have not already done so, seeking medical care as soon as possible is important, even if you think your injuries are minor. Emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, and primary care providers in this region can document your condition and look for hidden injuries that might not show symptoms right away.

If law enforcement did not respond at the scene, reporting the collision is an important step. Depending on where the crash happened, that might involve the Rock Springs Police Department, Green River Police Department, the Sweetwater County Sheriff, or the Wyoming Highway Patrol. An official report can provide key details about the location, involved parties, and initial observations, which may be useful later in the claims process.

Preserve Evidence & Protect Your Rights

Preserving information can also help protect your rights. If you are able, or if a family member can assist, consider taking photographs of the scene, the vehicle, visible injuries, and conditions such as lighting, road surface, and any nearby traffic control signs or signals. Keeping the clothing and shoes you wore, especially if they show damage or marks from the impact, can sometimes be important evidence.

Insurance companies often reach out quickly, asking for statements or seeking permission to access medical records. It is usually safer to be cautious with what you say and sign until you have talked with a lawyer. We can review forms, handle communication with adjusters, and help you avoid statements that might later be used to question your claim. Early legal guidance can make a significant difference in how the process unfolds.

How A Local Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Sweetwater County Can Help

Investigating What Happened

Working with an attorney who regularly handles injury cases in this part of Wyoming can make the process more manageable. As a local pedestrian accident lawyer in Sweetwater County, we begin by listening to your account of what happened and reviewing any reports, photographs, or correspondence you already have. We then work to gather additional information, which may include requesting official records, speaking with witnesses, and, when needed, consulting professionals who can help clarify how the collision occurred.

Wyoming traffic laws and comparative fault rules play a central role in pedestrian cases. Our attorneys apply these rules to the facts of your situation, looking at issues such as right of way, driver attention, speed, and conditions at the scene. In many cases, liability is disputed, and insurers may argue that the pedestrian is mostly responsible. We evaluate these arguments and work to build a clear, documented account of how and why the crash happened.

Handling The Legal Process & Negotiations

Most claims begin with an investigation and documentation phase, followed by a demand to the insurance company that sets out your injuries, treatment, and losses. Negotiations can involve several rounds of discussion with adjusters and sometimes defense lawyers. Because we are trial lawyers, we prepare for the possibility that a case may need to be filed in the courts that serve Sweetwater County if a fair resolution cannot be reached through discussion. That does not mean every case goes to trial, but it does mean we take the possibility seriously from the beginning.

Throughout this process, communication matters. We work to keep clients updated, explain each step in plain language, and answer questions as they arise. Our goal is to help you understand your choices, such as whether a settlement offer is reasonable or whether filing a lawsuit may be appropriate, so that any decision reflects your priorities and the realities of your life.

Serving Working People & Families Throughout Wyoming

Many of the pedestrians we represent are workers heading to or from jobs, walking through parking lots, or moving between job sites. In Sweetwater County and across Wyoming, industries like mining, energy, transportation, and manufacturing shape the rhythm of daily life. A serious injury can suddenly interrupt a long-established routine and raise concerns about job security, benefits, and the ability to keep up with bills.

Our practice includes personal injury and workers' compensation matters, and we have long-standing relationships with unions such as the United Steelworkers and the United Mine Workers of America. This background gives us insight into how injuries affect working families and how job-related issues can overlap with a pedestrian crash. For example, someone might be hurt while walking in an employer’s lot or near an industrial entrance, and their claim may involve both workers' compensation and a potential claim against a driver or other party.

When we work with injured pedestrians, we look not only at the immediate medical costs but at the broader impact on your ability to support your household and plan for the future. That may include considering how long you may be off work, whether you can return to the same duties, and what support your family will need during recovery. Our long commitment to Wyoming communities guides us in seeking resolutions that support long term stability, not just short term relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have A Case If I Was Not In A Crosswalk?

You may still have a case even if you were not in a marked crosswalk. Wyoming uses comparative fault, which means a court or insurer may look at the actions of both the driver and the pedestrian when deciding responsibility. A driver may still have a legal duty to keep a proper lookout and to drive at a safe speed for conditions, even if a person is crossing between intersections. The details of where you were walking, the lighting, traffic, and what the driver was doing all matter. We review these facts carefully and explain how the law might apply in your situation before you make any decisions.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm After A Pedestrian Accident?

People are often worried that hiring a lawyer will mean large up-front bills. During an initial consultation, we explain how fees work for injury cases and what options may be available. Many personal injury matters are handled under arrangements where legal fees are paid from a recovery rather than in advance, but the exact terms depend on the case and what we, the client, and I decide together. We discuss these issues clearly before you are asked to commit to anything so that you understand the financial side of the decision. Our goal is to make legal help accessible, not to add to the stress you are already facing.

How Long Do I Have To File A Pedestrian Injury Claim In Wyoming?

Wyoming law sets specific time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits, and these limits generally also influence settlement discussions. The exact deadline can depend on factors such as the nature of the claim, the parties involved, and the age of the injured person. Because of these variables, it is important to talk with a lawyer as soon as you reasonably can after the crash. During a consultation, we can discuss the time frames that may apply and what needs to be done to protect your rights. Waiting too long can limit your options or prevent you from bringing a claim at all.

What If The Driver’s Insurance Company Already Offered Me A Settlement?

Insurance companies sometimes make quick offers before the full impact of an injury is known. While it can be tempting to accept money right away, early offers may not account for future medical care, ongoing pain, or time away from work. Once a settlement is signed, it is usually very difficult to reopen the claim. We can review any offer you have received, compare it with your documented losses, and discuss whether it appears fair in light of what you are facing. Having someone on your side in these discussions can help you make a more informed choice.

Will I Have To Go To Court For My Pedestrian Accident Case?

Many pedestrian injury cases are resolved through negotiation without a trial, although some do require filing a lawsuit in a Wyoming court. Whether your case goes to court depends on factors such as how strongly liability is disputed and how reasonable the insurance company is in evaluating your injuries and losses. We explain when we believe filing suit is in your best interest and what that process typically involves. If a court becomes necessary, we prepare you for what to expect and stand with you throughout the proceedings. Our experience as trial lawyers helps us guide clients through this decision.

How Will Your Attorneys Keep Me Updated About My Case?

Clear communication is an important part of how we practice. When you work with our firm, our attorneys and staff strive to keep you informed about major developments, upcoming deadlines, and settlement discussions. We use phone calls, letters, and email, depending on what works best for you, and we encourage clients to reach out with questions. During meetings and calls, we explain legal terms in everyday language so you can follow what is happening. Our aim is that you do not feel left in the dark about your own case.

Can You Help If I Was Hit While Walking At Work Or Near A Job Site?

We can review your situation if you were hurt while walking at or near a job site. In some cases, a pedestrian crash may involve both workers' compensation and a personal injury claim, for example, when an employee is struck in a company parking lot or near an industrial entrance. These situations can raise questions about which benefits apply and whether more than one party may be responsible. Our practice includes both personal injury and workers' compensation matters, and we regularly work with union members and other workers across Wyoming. We can look at how the different systems interact and help you understand the paths that may be available.

Talk With Our Team About Your Pedestrian Accident

You do not have to sort through insurance calls, medical paperwork, and legal rules on your own. If you were struck while walking in Sweetwater County or elsewhere in Wyoming, our attorneys can sit down with you, listen to what happened, and explain how the law may apply to your case. A conversation can help you decide whether pursuing a claim with a pedestrian accident attorney in Sweetwater County makes sense for you and what next steps might look like.

When you contact The Law Offices of Hampton & Newman, L.C., you speak with a firm that has nearly 40 years of experience representing injured people in Wyoming courts. We combine aggressive advocacy in negotiations and litigation with the personal attention that comes from living and working in the same communities as our clients. Our goal is to help you protect your rights so you can focus on your recovery and your family.

To talk with our team about your pedestrian accident, call (307) 226-2266.