Three members of a Japanese tour group were killed and many others were injured in a Utah bus accident the evening of August 9, 2010. According to a KTNV news report, the bus was owned by Canyon Transportation Inc. and was on its way to a four-day trip in Bryce Canyon National Park from Las Vegas. The fatal crash occurred when the driver lost control of the bus. The bus veered off the left side of the Interstate 15 and rolled into the median. Three people were killed and seven were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the tourists who died in this crash. My heart also goes out to everyone who was injured in this bus accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these injured victims and their families in your prayers.

Bus Crash Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) bus crash statistics, there were 10 fatalities and 154 personal injuries involving bus accidents in Utah, in 2008. Nationwide, 307 people died and 17,181 were injured in bus accidents during the same year.

Bus Driver Under Investigation

Based on this news report, Utah Highway Patrol officials are saying that the bus driver may have crashed because he was drowsy or distracted at the time. The driver was a 26-year-old Japanese exchange student from Las Vegas. He was on a work visa and was authorized to drive the bus that crashed, investigators say. But officials have also said based on their preliminary investigation that the man was "not focused on driving" when the bus went off the roadway. The bus driver escaped with minor injuries.

Liability Issues

If this accident was the fault of the bus driver, then the driver and his employer – the bus company – could be held liable for the accident, injuries and wrongful deaths in this case. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and other related damages. Families of deceased victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship and other related damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in this Utah bus crash, please contact Utah personal injury lawyerKenneth Christensen to get more information about how to pursue your legal rights.

I’m very particular about who I refer cases to. Kenny Christensen is on the top of our list for bus accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents and really any type of serious accident in Utah. I strongly recommend him to Utah personal injury victims because he is a great, young attorney who has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is fired up about representing his clients. Not only is he well-versed in personal injury law, but his commitment to his client’s cause is rarely seen in attorneys at any level.

Do you know anyone who has been injured in this bus crash?

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.