Understanding Sovereign Immunity in Bus Accident Claims in Wisconsin
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) and the City of Madison Metro Transit are two of the larger major public transit systems in Wisconsin. These transit systems serve thousands of riders. In most cases, rides end safely with everyone getting where they need to go. However, if you’ve been hurt in a bus accident in Wisconsin, it is important to understand the unique challenges you may face when making a bus accident claim. Public bus systems may be run by the government. Often, the government is protected under a principle known as sovereign immunity. Under sovereign immunity, the government cannot be sued and damages cannot be sought against the government without the government’s permission.
The Wisconsin government doesn’t automatically waive its immunity for certain situations or acts. While many states will waive immunity for victims injured in car accidents or for bus accidents involving government entities or officials, Wisconsin does not provide this protection. However, as a general rule, immunity is perceived as an exception and not the rule when the courts are hearing claims. This means that if you can show that a bus driver’s negligence or that a public bus entity’s negligence resulted in your accident, then you may be entitled to receive damages under the law. However, a sovereign immunity claim will be different than a typical claim. For example, individuals and victims only have 120 days to make a written claim. Because the time limits are shorter and the process is more complex, it is particularly important to speak to a qualified bus accident attorney in Wisconsin as soon as possible. USAttorneys.com can connect you with a qualified bus accident lawyer near you who is familiar with the sovereign immunity claims process.
Private or Charter Bus Accidents in Wisconsin
If you were injured in a bus accident involving a charter bus or a private bus, you may not have to deal with sovereign immunity, but there are other aspects of your claim you’ll need to consider. For example, bus drivers in Wisconsin are required to abide by strict federal and local laws. For example, drivers must follow federal hours of service requirements. These requirements place strict limits on how long a driver can work in a given time period or day before taking a break. Bus drivers must also hold proper licensure. In order to obtain a commercial driver’s license in Wisconsin, drivers must have proof of residency or citizenship, must pass knowledge and skills tests, and may also be required to meet other eligibility requirements. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a private bus accident in Wisconsin, you may have to speak to insurance adjusters as well. Private and charter buses are required to take out high insurance policies to protect riders. Bus accident claims can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. USAttorneys.com can match you with a leading bus accident lawyer in Wisconsin who can identify all stakeholders, fight to help you seek the damages you may deserve, and investigate your case fully.
Bus Accident Facts
Bus accident injuries can be costly and devastating. If you’ve been hurt, you may be entitled to seek damages to cover your medical care and rehabilitation expenses. Some of the common injuries associated with a bus accident include:
- Memory loss
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Deep cuts
- Brain trauma
- Concussion
- Fractures
- Neck or back injuries
- Post-traumatic stress
- Paralysis
- Limb loss
Bus crashes can have an ongoing effect on victims as well as their surviving family members. Aside from the fact that a collision can cause severe and life-threatening injuries, many victims struggle to carry on with their usual day-to-day activities. Because many crashes are caused by reckless motorists, victims may be entitled to damages, which is where the help of a Wisconsin bus accident law firm comes in.
Your bus crash lawyer will thoroughly review the details pertaining to your case, file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, and fight to secure you the maximum compensation you may be entitled to receive under the law. Reach out to a Wisconsin bus accident law firm today. USAttorneys.com is a website dedicated to connecting victims with leading bus accident attorneys in Wisconsin. Browse our site or call us today to learn more.
If you or a family member is a victim of a Wisconsin bus accident, USAttorneys.com may be able to help you file a claim. Get a free, no-obligation consultation from one of our Wisconsin bus accident lawyers who can answer your questions. To schedule an evaluation, call us at 1-800-672-3103.
