The public transportation service in Indiana is largely run by the government. Under the principle known as sovereign immunity, the government is protected from lawsuits brought on by the general public. Fortunately, under Indiana law, a sovereign immunity defense for the state is not permitted in an instance where an individual was injured due to the negligent operation of its vehicles. Under State v. Turner, 286 N.E.2d 697(1972), the courts found that individuals injured by public transportation vehicles had the right to sue. However, pursuing a claim against the government can be complex. Individuals may only have 270 days to make a claim against the state and individuals are not permitted to pursue punitive damages. Because pursuing a bus accident case can be complicated, it is important to speak to a qualified bus accident attorney as soon as possible. USAttorneys.com can connect you with a qualified bus accident lawyer in your area.
Facts Regarding Indiana Bus Accident Victims
Bus drivers in Indiana must hold special licensure to be able to drive a bus. For example, under Indiana law, a bus driver carrying more than 16 people must hold an Indiana Commercial Driver’s License. In order to hold this licensure, an individual must be a U.S. permanent resident, be at least 21 years old to transport people, and must pass a special knowledge test. Individuals must also pass medical examinations in order to hold a commercial driver’s license. Bus drivers must be fit, and not subject to illnesses that could affect their alertness behind the wheel. Despite these intricate vetting and licensing procedures, bus drivers still sometimes make mistakes. Drivers may be fatigued behind the wheel, they may engage in distracted driving, or they may simply make an error that results in an accident.
Victims of bus accidents not only have to deal with the hardship of getting through the recovery process associated with the injuries sustained but also must face the financial struggle that is placed on their shoulders. Victims of bus accidents may have to take time off of work and spend more time visiting their doctor to ensure their health is stabilized. Some of the common injuries associated with bus accidents in Indiana include:
- Back or neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Brain trauma
- Mild traumatic brain injury
- Concussion
- Memory loss
- Burns
- Deep cuts
- Fractures
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Paralysis
- Limb loss
On some occasions, a wrongful death may even arise, as the immense size of a bus can bring about a fatal accident. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a bus collision or if you have lost a family member due to a bus crash in Indiana, you and your loved ones may be entitled to seek compensation under the law. Yet, you must file a bus accident claim to begin the process of receiving these funds. A bus accident attorney in Illinois can help you every step of the way through the claims process. Visit USAttorneys.com today to connect with a qualified Indiana bus accident lawyer in your area who can help you seek the recovery you may deserve under the law.
If you or a family member is a victim of a Indiana bus accident, USAttorneys.com may be able to help you file a claim. Get a free, no-obligation consultation from one of our Indiana bus accident lawyers who can answer your questions. To schedule an evaluation, call us at 1-800-672-3103.
