A fatal bus crash in Fresno, which killed six and injured many others, may have been caused by excessive speed, according to a news report in The Fresno Bee. The July 22, 2010 collision occurred when a Greyhound bus driven by James Jewett, hit an SUV, which was overturned on Highway 99 as the result of a prior rollover crash. Jewett was killed in the accident, as were the three female occupants of the SUV. Officials have determined that Sylvia Lopez Garay, the SUV's driver was under the influence at the time of the collision.
Legal Action
Several crash victims have already filed personal injury lawsuits naming Jewett and Greyhound. The investigation is at least a month away from completion. Some passengers have told the newspaper that they saw the driver travel over the posted 65-mph speed limit. Others say Jewett appeared fatigued at the time of the crash. Officials have ruled out alcohol as a factor in this collision following toxicology tests.
Causes and Liability Issues
In such cases injured victims and families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer who has handled similar complex bus accident cases. If the bus driver is determined to have caused this crash, he and Greyhound could be held liable. The same is true if this crash occurred as a result of fatigue or poor vehicle maintenance.
Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. Family members of deceased victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
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None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
