Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. It offers general information about claiming travel expenses under Wyoming law.
Detailed Answer
If you file a personal injury claim in Wyoming, you may recover reasonable travel expenses you incur for medical treatment. Wyoming Statute § 1-1-109 allows you to include all losses that flow directly from the injury, including mileage, tolls and parking. Follow these steps to prepare and support your claim:
1. Keep a Detailed Travel Log
Note each medical appointment date, your point of departure and destination, purpose of visit and round-trip mileage. Record tolls, parking fees or public-transit fares. Use a printed log, spreadsheet or a mileage-tracking app.
2. Save All Receipts and Tickets
Retain toll invoices, parking stubs, bus or train tickets and receipts for rental cars or ride-share services. Store originals in a dedicated folder or scanned digital file. Label each with the appointment date and provider name.
3. Understand Wyoming’s Damage Rules
Under Wyoming Statute § 1-1-109, a fact-finder may award compensation for all losses that naturally flow from the injury. That includes reasonable travel costs to obtain medical care. You can review the statute here: W.S. 1-1-109.
4. Gather Supporting Documentation
Ask medical providers to supply appointment summaries or letters confirming treatment dates and duration. Match those dates to your travel log. That link between appointment and travel expense strengthens your claim.
5. Submit an Itemized Expense Schedule
Prepare a clear schedule listing each travel expense. Group items by date and category (mileage, tolls, parking, fares). Attach copies of your mileage log and receipts. Submit this schedule during the discovery phase or with your damage disclosures under the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure.
6. Collaborate with Your Attorney or Adjuster
Provide your attorney or the insurance adjuster with your organized expense package. They can integrate your travel costs into settlement negotiations or trial briefs. Stay responsive to follow-up questions or additional documentation requests.
Helpful Hints
- Start logging mileage and expenses as soon as you schedule medical visits.
- Include a brief note on each receipt explaining the medical purpose.
- Use a dedicated folder—physical or digital—to avoid losing critical receipts.
- Ask your provider for appointment confirmation letters to back up your travel records.
- Review your expense schedule with your attorney before submitting it to the court.