Liability claims resulting from the I-35 bridge collapse in Minnesota may be limited for some state and federal government authorities because of immunity from civil actions, but that won't deter what could amount to millions in claims against insurers, coverage experts say.

The I-35 bridge, which collapsed into the Mississippi River on Aug. 1, is a federal highway owned by the federal government, and thus enjoys sovereign immunity, meaning there would be no property or liability insurance considerations for Washington, according to the New York-based Insurance Information Institute.

David D. Thamann, managing editor of FC&S--an affiliate of National Underwriter--agreed that because of government immunity protections, insurance would not come into play related to liability from the collapse of the bridge itself.

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