The daughter of Greyhound bus driver James Jewett, who was killed in a bus accident that also killed five others and injured many more, is defending her father amid allegations that he may have been speeding moments before the July 22, 2010 collision. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, Jewett has been named in a personal injury lawsuit filed by six bus passengers who were injured in the crash.

The fatal accident occurred when the bus collided with an overturned SUV on Highway 99. Investigators have determined that the three SUV occupants were alive when the bus hit their vehicle and that the 19-year-old driver of the SUV, Sylvia Lopez Garay, was intoxicated at the time. Garay and two other female passengers in the SUV also died in the collision.

The Issue of Unsafe Speed

Attorneys for the plaintiffs allege that Jewett was rushing and traveling at an unsafe speed moments before the crash because the bus, which was on its way from Los Angeles to Sacramento, was running late. One of the victims who sustained personal injuries in this crash also told the media that Jewett simply did not "look right" to him. Other passengers have come forward to say that the bus was traveling at more than 70 mph in a 65-mph zone moments before the collision. One passenger says he even left his seat to ask Jewett to slow down.

Toxicology reports released by California Highway Patrol officials have revealed that Jewett was not under the influence at the time of the collision. Authorities are still looking into the speed of bus. Greyhound has not said much about the crash other than Jewett was their long time employee and will be missed. It is also not clear whether the bus was equipped with a speed-tracking device. Jewett's daughter has defended her father saying that he would never speed, not even in his personal vehicle.

Protecting Victims' Rights

In any bus accident case, it is important that injured victims or families of deceased victims get an experienced California personal injury lawyer on their side immediately. Investigations of such cases can be complex. As we speak, accident investigators in this case are looking into whether speed, impairment, driver fatigue or vehicle maintenance were issues here. The official investigation could take months to be completed. However, it is in the best interests of the victims and their families to have a knowledgeable attorney working for them and ensuring their legal rights and best interests are protected.

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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.