A school bus carrying eight students and a driver collided with a pickup truck on Wednesday afternoon in Buckeye, Arizona, prompting emergency response and temporary road closures. The incident occurred just before 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Yuma and Watson roads. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to evaluate the bus driver, a bus passenger, and the pickup truck driver for injuries. As a precautionary measure, three of the eight students were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. In response to the incident, authorities established a reunification center at the Buckeye Learning Center to safely connect students with their families. Local police implemented traffic restrictions in the immediate area, directing drivers to use alternate routes via Lower Buckeye and Watson roads while investigation efforts continue.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision site at Yuma and Watson roads represents a significant intersection in Buckeye, a rapidly growing community in the western Phoenix metropolitan area. This intersection serves as a crucial connection point for local traffic, including school transportation routes and residential access. The area has experienced increased traffic volume in recent years due to Buckeye's expansion and development. The intersection is equipped with standard traffic control signals and is situated near several educational facilities, including the Buckeye Learning Center. The surrounding roadway infrastructure typically accommodates both commercial and residential traffic, with designated school bus routes operating throughout the district during peak morning and afternoon hours.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Arizona law, school bus accidents involve specific legal considerations due to their classification as commercial vehicles and their transportation of minors. The state's statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims. Potential compensation may cover medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and other damages depending on the circumstances and extent of injuries. Insurance considerations typically involve multiple parties, including the school district's insurance, the pickup truck driver's coverage, and potential underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, which may affect compensation based on the determined responsibility of each party involved. Parents of affected students may have additional rights under specific educational and transportation safety regulations. An experienced Buckeye personal injury attorney(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services:
  • Buckeye Police Department: (623) 349-6400
  • Buckeye Fire Department: (623) 349-6700
  • Banner Health Medical Center - Buckeye: (623) 327-4000
• Traffic Safety Resources:
  • Arizona Department of Transportation Safety Portal
  • Buckeye Traffic Management Division
  • Maricopa County School Transportation Safety Program
• Support Services:
  • Arizona Crime Victim Rights
  • School District Transportation Department
  • Arizona Department of Public Safety Victim Services
• Legal References:
  • Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 (Transportation)
  • Arizona School Bus Safety Guidelines
  • Arizona Department of Education Transportation Division