Bus accidents in Scottsdale are not just rare headlines. They are real events that disrupt lives in an instant.
In December 2023, a Paradise Valley Unified School District bus carrying students was struck in a three-vehicle crash near Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale Roads. Police confirmed that both the bus driver and one student were hurt, though fortunately their injuries were minor. The scene still forced road closures and left parents shaken over how quickly a routine trip home from school could turn dangerous.
Just months later, in May 2024, tragedy struck on the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway near Scottsdale. A Valley Metro bus, disabled in a lane, was rear-ended by a Ford Ranger pickup at milepost 7. Authorities reported the truck showed no signs of braking before impact, and the 61-year-old driver, Leslie Harriman of Phoenix, was killed in the collision.
These are not isolated events. They reflect the ongoing risks for passengers, students, and commuters in and around Scottsdale. At Thompson Law, we understand how overwhelming these cases can be. Our Scottsdale bus accident lawyers fight for victims and their families, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, don’t wait. Strict deadlines may apply, especially when a public transit agency or school district is involved.
Contact our Scottsdale bus accident lawyers now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Insurance companies rarely make fair offers right away. They often downplay injuries, dispute liability, or pressure victims into accepting low settlements. That’s where our firm steps in.
We pursue full compensation for:
Special damages include medical bills, lost wages, future income loss, and other out-of-pocket costs. These are actual financial losses you can document with receipts or statements.
These refer to non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. General damages are often harder to quantify but just as important to your case.
In rare cases involving reckless or malicious behavior, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and discourage similar conduct.
Our lawyers know how to calculate the true cost of a bus crash, using medical and financial experts to ensure every dollar of your losses is accounted for.
Contact our Scottsdale bus accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
We have built our reputation on delivering results and standing by our clients from the first call to the final resolution.
We’ve recovered over $1.9 billion for accident victims nationwide, and our results speak for themselves. From serious injury claims to everyday collisions, we fight to get our clients every dollar they’re owed. Our success is rooted in strong advocacy and relentless pursuit of justice.
Every accident is unique. We take the time to understand the details of your crash and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs. This approach ensures that your voice is heard and your case gets the attention it deserves.
With hundreds of 5-star reviews and a history of satisfied clients, Thompson Law is trusted throughout California for our results and responsiveness. Clients choose us because we communicate clearly, act quickly, and deliver results.
You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. It’s that simple. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no risk to you.
We’re available 24/7 to take your call. Once hired, we begin investigating right away to preserve evidence and build your case. Time matters after a crash, so don’t wait. Call our Scottsdale accident attorneys now for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Determining fault in a bus accident is far more complicated than a typical car crash. In Scottsdale, multiple parties may be legally responsible, depending on the circumstances:
Often, more than one party shares responsibility. Our Scottsdale bus accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations to ensure all liable entities are identified and held accountable. Talk to us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Not all buses are treated the same under Arizona law:
Claims often involve public school districts and are subject to strict government liability rules. Parents must act quickly due to shorter filing deadlines.
Valley Metro accidents involve government entities, requiring a formal Notice of Claim within 180 days.
These cases may involve out-of-state companies and complex insurance policies but follow standard personal injury rules.
Each type of bus accident comes with its own challenges. Our attorneys help you understand which rules apply and ensure deadlines are not missed. Contact our Scottsdale bus accident lawyers now for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Our team knows how to deal with transit authorities and insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation and straightforward legal help.
If a government-operated vehicle or agency is involved, Arizona law creates extra hurdles for victims:
For these reasons, government-related bus accident cases move quickly and require aggressive legal representation. Our Scottsdale bus accident lawyers are experienced in handling claims against city agencies and public school districts. Reach out now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
School bus incidents are every parent’s nightmare. If your child is injured in a crash:
These cases often involve short filing windows. Thompson Law helps parents navigate the system and fight for their child’s recovery. Contact our bus accident lawyers in Scottsdale now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
The process typically includes:
We guide you at every step, making sure you understand the process and your options.
Local traffic rules in Scottsdale go beyond general Arizona state law and can directly affect liability in a bus accident claim. Understanding these ordinances is crucial because violations often determine who may be held responsible.
In July 2025, Scottsdale adopted Ordinance No. 4680, adding new restrictions on electric bicycles and motorcycles:
These rules are important in bus crash cases involving alternative transport devices like e-bikes or scooters. If an accident occurs near a bus stop or loading area, compliance (or lack of compliance) with these laws may influence fault.
Scottsdale ordinances also clarify responsibilities for smaller vehicles that frequently share the road with buses:
If a bus crash involves one of these vehicles, liability may shift depending on compliance with Scottsdale’s specific safety requirements.
The City has authority to establish Transportation Safety Zones, areas where special restrictions are in place to protect pedestrians, transit riders, and vehicles-for-hire in dense parts of town such as Old Town Scottsdale. Within these zones:
Violations inside Transportation Safety Zones can complicate liability in a crash. For example, if a bus accident happens because a vehicle-for-hire stopped illegally in a through lane, that violation may directly impact who is held responsible.
Bus crashes often happen in crowded areas with overlapping forms of transportation. Scottsdale’s ordinances provide a framework that governs how buses, cars, bikes, scooters, and alternative devices interact on the road. When someone ignores these rules, whether it’s a driver parking in a bus stop, a scooter rider operating illegally, or a for-hire vehicle stopping in a restricted lane, it can create dangerous conditions that lead to liability disputes.
If your bus accident involved one of these situations, our Scottsdale bus accident lawyers will review all applicable city codes to strengthen your case and hold the right parties accountable. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Certain intersections in Scottsdale are known for heavy traffic and repeated accidents:
If your accident happened at one of these intersections, additional evidence like traffic camera footage may be available. Talk to our Scottsdale bus accident lawyers now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
A police report provides crucial evidence for your case. It typically includes officer observations, witness accounts, and any citations issued.
Ways to request a report:
Scottsdale Police Department provides online access to collision reports through its records system. You will need the last name of a party involved, the date of the accident, and the Departmental Report Number (DR#). A small fee is required for processing.
Complete the official Report Request Form and mail it to the Records Division at the Scottsdale Police Department, 8401 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Include the required fee by check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Visit the Records Division at the same address, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with valid photo identification and the required fee.
Our legal team can request the report for you to ensure it is filed correctly and obtained quickly.
Contact our Scottsdale accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
After a crash, getting medical attention right away is crucial both for your health and for creating an official record of your injuries. Scottsdale has several hospitals and emergency centers equipped to handle accident-related injuries:
This hospital features a Level I Trauma Center, advanced critical care units, and specialized services for stroke and cardiac emergencies. It is often the primary destination for patients with severe crash injuries.
Providing 24/7 emergency care, this hospital is prepared for pediatric emergencies, orthopedic injuries, strokes, and heart attacks. Its designations for cardiac and stroke care make it a trusted resource for accident victims.
With a Primary Stroke Center and a 24/7 emergency department, this facility offers orthopedic and surgical care as well as rehabilitation services that can support long-term recovery.
Seeking immediate treatment not only protects your health but also creates essential medical records that can serve as evidence in your case. Reach out to our Scottsdale injury lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Collisions with vehicles often lead to severe or long-term injuries, including:
Prompt medical care and thorough documentation are essential for both recovery and protecting your legal rights. Contact our Scottsdale accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Bus accidents require fast, informed legal action. Don’t leave your future to chance or allow insurers to control your outcome.
You don’t have to face this alone. Our Scottsdale bus accident lawyers will give you clarity, direction, and peace of mind. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and outline the next steps.
Don’t delay. Call today to schedule your FREE CASE REVIEW with Thompson Law.
You may still have a strong claim. Pedestrians and cyclists often face unique injuries, and fault can still be proven even if you weren’t on the bus.
Yes. Civil liability is based on negligence, not police citations. Other evidence like video, witnesses, or expert testimony can prove fault.
Arizona follows comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover damages even if partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Generally, two years. However, if a government entity is involved, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 180 days.
No. We work on a contingency basis, which means no fees unless we win. Your consultation is always free.
Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.