Why 2026 Is One of Wyoming's Deadliest Years on the Road

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

●  Wyoming has recorded 13 highway fatalities as of mid-February 2026, more than double the 6 deaths at this point in 2025 and over 6 times the 2 deaths in 2024

●  Nine of these deaths occurred in just 11 days, with excessive speed, driver inattention, and fatigue identified as primary contributing factors across multiple crashes

●  When commercial trucks are involved in crashes, the consequences are often catastrophic due to their massive size (up to 80,000 pounds), longer stopping distances, and potential for cargo-related explosions or fires

●  A recent semi truck explosion on I-80 near Green River killed two people when a Volvo semi drifted across lanes and struck an illegally parked Freightliner, with driver fatigue and illegal parking under investigation

●  If you're injured in a truck crash, preserve evidence immediately and contact an experienced truck crash attorney before giving statements to insurance companies, as crucial electronic logging data and maintenance records can disappear quickly

Wyoming's highways have turned deadly in 2026, and the numbers tell a troubling story. As of mid-February, 13 people have died on state roadways. That's more than double the six fatalities recorded at this point in 2025, and it's more than six times the two deaths Wyoming saw by this time in 2024.

"These numbers should alarm every Wyoming driver," says Todd Ingram, Partner and truck accident lawyer at Metier Law Firm. "When you see fatalities more than double in just one year, especially during relatively mild winter weather, it tells us we're dealing with dangerous driver behaviors that are taking lives at an unprecedented rate."

Nine of those 13 deaths happened in just an 11-day stretch between late January and early February. Three of those crashes killed two people each. The pace we're on suggests Wyoming could see highway fatalities more than double what we experienced last year, and it's happening despite relatively mild winter weather with less snow than usual.

What's causing this spike? Speed, driver inattention, and fatigue are showing up repeatedly in crash reports. When commercial trucks get involved in these types of crashes, the results can be catastrophic. We've seen it firsthand in our practice, and the recent explosion of a semi on I-80 near Green River is a stark reminder of just how dangerous these Wyoming highway fatalities can become when a big rig is part of the equation.

The Numbers Behind Wyoming's 2026 Highway Crisis

The Wyoming Highway Patrol has documented a disturbing pattern across these early 2026 crashes. In one incident on U.S. Highway 287 north of Lander, a Dodge Challenger was traveling at an estimated 117 mph when it collided with a Toyota RAV4 attempting to turn onto the highway. Both occupants of the Dodge were ejected because they weren't wearing seat belts. Driver inattention and excessive speed were primary contributors.

Days before that, a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 20 west of Worland killed two people when a Jeep Renegade drifted across the centerline into the path of a Chevrolet Silverado. The Renegade rolled and caught fire. Speed is being investigated as a factor.

These Wyoming traffic deaths share common threads. Excessive speed turns up in multiple reports. So does driver inattention. According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation's highway safety data, these factors consistently rank among the leading causes of serious and fatal crashes across the state. In crashes involving passenger vehicles traveling at highway speeds, the forces involved are already severe. But when you add a commercial truck to that mix, everything changes.

When Semi Trucks Are Involved, Everything Gets Worse

On February 9, a Volvo semi drifted from the far left lane of eastbound I-80 near Green River, crossed through the right lane, and slammed into a Freightliner that was parked illegally on the shoulder. The Volvo exploded on impact. Both occupants died at the scene.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, driver inattention and possible fatigue are being investigated as contributing factors in that semi truck crash. The other truck shouldn't have been parked there in the first place. Its driver was issued a summons for illegal parking and has been ordered to appear in court.

This crash illustrates why 18 wheeler crashes demand special attention. A typical loaded semi can weigh 80,000 pounds. When one of these trucks loses control or collides with another vehicle or an illegally parked truck, the energy involved is massive. Add in cargo that can burn or explode, and you have the potential for catastrophic outcomes that passenger vehicle crashes rarely produce.

The Unique Dangers of Trucking Accidents

Federal regulations limit how many hours truckers can drive, but those rules get violated more often than they should. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets strict hours of service limits, but driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of semi truck accidents nationwide. National statistics from NHTSA show that large trucks are involved in fatal crashes at disproportionate rates compared to their road presence, with over 5,900 people killed in truck-related crashes in 2022 alone.

Wyoming's long stretches of highway make fatigue even more dangerous. I-80 crosses the state for more than 400 miles. Drivers covering those distances face monotony, weather challenges, and pressure to make delivery schedules. When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow. A driver who might have spotted an obstacle or corrected a drift across lanes simply doesn't react in time.

Illegal parking adds another layer of risk. When a truck stops on the shoulder of an interstate, it creates a massive obstacle. Other drivers may not see it in time, especially in low light conditions or if they're dealing with their own inattention or fatigue. The regulations about where and when trucks can stop exist for good reasons, as the I-80 crash demonstrated.

The size and weight of commercial trucks also mean longer stopping distances and wider turning radiuses. A loaded semi truck traveling at highway speeds needs nearly twice the distance to stop compared to a passenger car. In emergency situations, that difference can mean the difference between avoiding a crash and causing one of these Wyoming highway fatalities.

What the Law Requires from Truck Drivers and Companies

Federal regulations don't just cover hours of service. The FMCSA also sets standards for vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo securement. When trucking companies or drivers cut corners on these requirements, crashes become more likely.

Truck drivers must maintain logs documenting their driving hours. They're required to take rest breaks. They must perform pre-trip inspections of their vehicles. Companies are supposed to maintain their fleets and screen drivers properly. These aren't suggestions. They're legal requirements designed to prevent the kinds of commercial truck crashes we've been seeing.

When these regulations get ignored and people get hurt, the legal liability can extend beyond just the driver. Trucking companies can be held responsible for inadequate training, poor maintenance, or pushing drivers to violate hours of service rules. Equipment manufacturers might bear liability if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. In the case of illegally parked trucks, the parking violation itself can establish negligence.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash with a commercial truck, call us at 866-377-3800 or schedule a free consultation at www.metierlaw.com.

Why Experience Matters in Truck Crash Cases

Investigating semi truck crashes requires different expertise than typical car accident cases. We need to preserve electronic logging device data that shows exactly how long the driver had been on the road. We need maintenance records, driver qualification files, and company policies. We need to examine whether the truck met federal safety standards and whether the company properly trained and supervised its drivers.

The stakes in these truck accident cases are typically higher because the injuries are often more severe. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's crash data, when an 80,000-pound vehicle collides with a passenger car, the physics are brutal. In 2022, more than 82% of people killed in large truck crashes were not truck occupants but rather people in other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. Victims face longer recoveries, higher medical bills, and more significant impacts on their ability to work and live their lives.

Insurance companies representing trucking companies know this. They often have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize their liability. That's why having a truck crash attorney who understands both the technical aspects of trucking and the legal framework around these cases matters. Our firm brings unique credentials to these complex cases. Managing Partner Mike Chaloupka holds a Class A Commercial Driver's License and understands the trucking industry from the inside. Founding Partner Tom Metier is NBTA Board Certified in Truck Accident Law, one of the first attorneys to achieve this specialized certification. This combination of practical trucking knowledge and advanced legal expertise means we know what evidence to look for and how to build a strong claim against even the most well-defended trucking companies.

The recent spike in Wyoming traffic deaths should concern everyone who uses our state's highways. While not every fatal crash involves a commercial truck, the ones that do often result in the most devastating outcomes. Understanding what causes these crashes and what your rights are if you're involved in one can make a critical difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming Highway Fatalities and Truck Crashes

What is causing the spike in Wyoming highway fatalities in 2026?

The Wyoming Highway Patrol has identified several contributing factors including excessive speed, driver inattention, and failure to wear seat belts. Many of the crashes this year have involved vehicles traveling well above speed limits or drivers who drifted across centerlines. While weather is often blamed for crashes, Wyoming's relatively mild winter so far shows that road conditions are just one piece of a larger puzzle that includes driver behavior and fatigue.

How are truck accidents different from regular car accidents?

Semi truck accidents involve vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to passenger cars that typically weigh 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. This massive weight difference means truck crashes generate far more force and often result in more severe injuries. Commercial trucks also carry cargo that can be hazardous, require much longer stopping distances, and are subject to federal regulations that don't apply to regular passenger vehicles. When these regulations are violated, it can establish clear liability in a crash.

What should I do immediately after a crash with a commercial truck?

Get medical attention first, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Document the scene if you're able, including photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible truck identification numbers. Get contact information from witnesses. Don't give recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to a truck accident lawyer. Evidence in truck crashes, including electronic logging data and maintenance records, can disappear quickly if not preserved properly.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Wyoming?

Wyoming's statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally four years from the date of the accident. However, cases involving commercial trucks often require immediate investigation because crucial evidence like electronic logging device data may only be preserved for limited periods. The sooner you contact a truck crash attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.

Can I sue if a family member was killed in a Wyoming truck crash?

Yes. Wyoming law allows certain family members to file wrongful death claims when a loved one is killed due to someone else's negligence. These claims can seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship and support. Wrongful death cases involving 18 wheeler crashes often involve complex liability issues, particularly when multiple parties such as the driver, trucking company, and equipment manufacturers may share responsibility. Additionally, the Wyoming statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is 2 years from the date of incident.  That short deadline is another reason to hire a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a semi-crash.

Get the Legal Help You Need After a Wyoming Truck Crash

The spike in Wyoming highway fatalities we're seeing in 2026 is alarming, and when commercial trucks are involved, families face not just grief but complex legal battles against well-funded trucking companies and their insurers. These cases require attorneys who understand federal trucking regulations, know how to investigate semi truck crashes, and have the resources to take on corporate defendants.

We've built our practice around helping victims of truck accidents across Wyoming and the surrounding states. We know the regulations that govern the trucking industry because we've studied them and applied them in real cases. We understand what families are going through after these devastating crashes because we've walked that road with them.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a crash involving a commercial truck, you don't have to face this alone. Call Metier Law Firm at 866-377-3800 or schedule your free consultation today at www.metierlaw.com.

Disclaimer: Past results discussed should not be considered a guarantee of your results as the factors of every case are individually unique. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney from Metier Law Firm regarding your individual situation for legal advice.