Michigan Bus Accident Lawsuits Can Be Complex
Michigan’s public transportation is composed of several public systems. Whether you were injured on vehicles operated by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority or Detroit Department of Transportation vehicles, your public transportation service may be managed by Michigan public transportation, which may mean that it is operated by a government entity. Government entities are protected from lawsuits under the principle of sovereign immunity. If you have been injured in a bus accident in Michigan, here are several reasons why you might want to seek an attorney who specializes in bus accident law:
- Sovereign immunity. According to Cornell Law, government entities cannot be sued without the government’s permission. Fortunately, Michigan waives its sovereign immunity in the event of gross negligence of a public employee while operating a public vehicle. If you have been injured on a public bus in Michigan, it is important to have a qualified bus accident lawyer on your side who can gather evidence of driver negligence. In some cases, other parties may also be responsible for your accident. Under sovereign immunity law, you may have a more limited time limit to bring forth your claim. Speak to a qualified bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.
- Bus drivers are subject to strict regulation and licensure. In order to operate a bus in Michigan, drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license. In order to hold a commercial driver’s license in Michigan, individuals must be citizens or lawful permanent residents. Individuals must pass driving tests, meet medical requirements, and show that they have the skills to operate a large bus. Bus companies and government entities have a responsibility to properly vet drivers before hiring them. This includes ensuring that a driver’s medical certifications are up to date and that the driver’s record is clean.
- Buses may be subject to stricter federal and local laws. Bus drivers are subject to federal hours of service requirements, which limit how long drivers can be on the road. Private buses may be required to hold high-limit insurance policies to protect drivers in the event of an accident. If a driver doesn’t abide by federal or local law, he or she may be negligent in your accident. A bus accident attorney can review the facts of your case to determine who was at fault after your injury.
Bus accident lawsuits in Michigan can be more complicated than passenger vehicle lawsuits. It sometimes isn’t as simple as calling an insurance adjuster and making a claim. If you’ve been hurt in a bus accident in Michigan, visit USAttorneys.com today. We can connect you with a qualified bus accident attorney near you.
Having Legal Representation for Your Michigan Bus Accident Case
Although it may not always be necessary to hire legal aid in vehicular accident cases that involve a bus, many families and victims may struggle with what to do following a bus accident. For instance, a bus accident may involve public transportation, which can be a government entity, and you will be required to take your case up against the Michigan government. This means that you will only be able to pursue your claim under Michigan’s terms and conditions. Therefore, if you aren’t familiar with this process, filing your claim could take longer.
In most bus accident cases, you are only allotted a short time frame to get your claim filed. Failing to comply with the guidelines set forth, as well as abiding by the amount of time permitted, you could forgo your chance of getting the compensation that you may be entitled to receive.
We encourage you to reach out to a Michigan bus crash law firm today to determine how one of our bus lawyers may assist you, and whether or not your case would truly benefit from their representation. Our featured bus accident legal representatives offer a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit us at USAttorneys.com today to learn more.
If you or a family member is a victim of a Michigan bus accident, USAttorneys.com may be able to help you file a claim. Get a free, no-obligation consultation from one of our Michigan bus accident lawyers who can answer your questions. To schedule an evaluation, call us at 1-800-672-3103.
