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SALT LAKE CITY — A Japanese couple injured in a tour bus crash in southern Utah has now filed a lawsuit seeking damages for the impact on their marriage.
The lawsuit, filed in 3rd District Court by Kei and Mai Maeda, alleges that Kei Maeda was paralyzed in the Aug. 9, 2010, crash that left three dead and others seriously injured.
The Utah Highway Patrol says bus driver Yosushi Mikuni, 26, fell asleep driving the 15-passenger van Aug. 9 on I-15 near Cedar City. The couple names four travel and transportation companies located in both Utah and Japan, as well as the driver of the bus, in the lawsuit.
The Maedas are seeking unspecified damages in any amount above $10,000, to compensate for past and anticipated future medical expenses, loss of wages caused by the crash, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and "diminished quality and enjoyment of life."
Mikuni has been charged in 5th District Court with 10 counts of operating a vehicle negligently causing death or injury, a third-degree felony, and other misdemeanor charges.
In the lawsuit, the couple accuses Mikuni of not only being under the influence of marijuana, but also of driving too fast while sleep-deprived. They also allege he failed to wear corrective lenses "as required by his driver's license" and repeatedly left the roadway while dozing off prior to the crash.
Another couple — who lost their 20-year-old son in the crash — has also filed a lawsuit against Mikuni.
The Maedas initially filed suit in U.S. District Court but will pursue it in state court for reasons relating to jurisdiction, said Scott Brown, the couple's attorney.
Email:emorgan@ksl.com
