Sovereign Immunity and Public Bus Accidents in North Dakota
Public bus systems, like Metro Area Transit in Fargo-Moorhead, and other local public transportation options are often run by the government. If you get injured while riding public transportation in North Dakota, the public bus system may be protected from lawsuits under a principle known as sovereign immunity. Under the principle of sovereign immunity, the government cannot be sued for damages without the government’s own consent to the process. This can make a lawsuit against the government more complicated or difficult.
Under North Dakota law, the state waives its sovereign immunity when a driver for the government operating a motor vehicle performs a negligent act. If a bus driver’s negligence in North Dakota resulted in your injuries, you may be entitled to seek damages under the law. However, individuals may be required to follow specific procedures in order to make a claim. For example, individuals suing the government may be required to make a written notice of their claim to the Director of the Office of Management within 180 days of suffering an injury. Sovereign immunity may therefore limit the amount of time you legally have to make a claim in North Dakota.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in North Dakota, time is of the essence. USAttorneys.com can connect you with a qualified bus accident lawyer in the state. It is important to find a lawyer who is familiar with sovereign immunity law if you have been hurt in a public transportation accident in North Dakota.
Have Your Injuries Left You Struggling?
Although many vehicular accidents don’t necessarily require the assistance of an attorney, a bus accident is quite different. In fact, the process one must follow is based on the government’s requirements as they are generally responsible for the operation of the bus. In this case, you must follow their guidelines and procedures and you may even be required to file your bus accident claim through their insurance company.
Not only is the process complicated, but the time frame you may have to file your claim may be limited. Unlike most personal injury cases, when an individual is harmed and left suffering after an accident, they are permitted at least a few years to get their lawsuit filed. When it comes to a bus accident lawsuit, this is not the case. You may have as little as 180 days to make your first claim.
Furthermore, laws in North Dakota govern what qualifications bus drivers must meet. Public and private buses are also required to abide by federal laws, including federal hours of service laws. In order to acquire a North Dakota commercial driver’s license to operate a bus, drivers must pass medical tests, driving tests, and skills tests. Certain medical conditions could affect a bus driver’s ability to operate these motor vehicles. Drivers must not take certain medications that could impact their ability to remain alert, for example.
If you are struggling with the unfortunate circumstances following a bus collision, including the complex claims process to follow, USAttorneys.com, can help. Our bus accident lawyers understand what you may be going through and would like to assist you in getting the legal aid you need. Whether you were a pedestrian crossing the street and were struck by a bus, or you were involved in an accident as a passenger on a bus, hiring a North Dakota bus accident lawyer or even seeking legal advice from one can give you the comfort of knowing you are handling the process correctly. If you were involved in a private bus accident, a bus crash attorney in North Dakota can help you speak to insurance adjusters and can also identify any other stakeholders responsible for your crash.
A North Dakota bus accident lawyer at USAttorneys.com can help you get your bus crash claim filed correctly and help you receive the compensation you deserve under the law. Don’t try to fight a bus company or public bus system alone. Give us a call today and one of our agents will help guide you in the right direction.
If you or a family member is a victim of a North Dakota bus accident, USAttorneys.com may be able to help you file a claim. Get a free, no-obligation consultation from one of our North Dakota bus accident lawyers who can answer your questions. To schedule an evaluation, call us at 1-800-672-3103.
