Boy Hero Helps Emergency Personnel in Fatal Arizona Bus Accident
Oscar Rodriguez, a bilingual fourth grader from Los Angeles, has emerged a wounded hero in the catastrophic Arizona bus accident on the Interstate 10 near Phoenix early morning on March 5, 2010, which killed six people and critically injured several others. According to an Associated Press news report, the 11-year-old Oscar, although injured in the crash himself, lay on an ambulance stretcher as he translated from Spanish to English and English to Spanish for busy emergency workers who were trying to save lives at the scene of the disastrous crash. Paramedic Kenneth Leslie tells the Associated Press: "The kid stayed calm and was brave more than any veteran that I've worked with."
A True Hero in the Face of Tragedy
Oscar was presented with gifts including a fireman's jersey, helmet and a certificate that reads "Hero of the Day." The bus was traveling from the central Mexican state of Zacatecas to Los Angeles. The bus driver apparently lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the roadway, overcorrected and then rolled. The roof of the bus caved in and its windows blew out. Oscar Rodriguez was one of 22 passengers aboard. He and 15 others sustained severe injuries including head injuries, broken spines and pelvises.
Oscar is thankfully said to be in "good" condition at a local hospital and is recovering from his injuries. I commend this young man for showing such extraordinary maturity, courage and calm during a time of chaos and fear. He could have been in tears and no one would have blamed him for it. He is, after all, only 11 years old! Oscar Rodriguez is a true American hero – a real trouper. I hope he did not sustain catastrophic injuries and wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.
Fault and Liability Issues
According to the news report, the bus owned by Los Angeles-based Tierra Santa Inc. was operating illegally. The company was told in April and yet again in December not to transport passengers across state lines. Apparently, those warnings went unheeded. The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the case and is expected to release the findings next week. Officials are looking into whether impairment or fatigue on the part of the bus driver caused this tragic accident. If that was the case, the bus company could be held liable for the fatalities and serious injuries caused here.
If you are a victim of this Phoenix bus accident, please contact Phoenix personal injury lawyers Mark and Alexis Breyer to find out more information about their legal rights and options. I would wholeheartedly recommend this husband and wife team, who are not only brilliant lawyers, but also care deeply about their clients.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
Comments
It is excellent that the young man was able to help save lives. I also hope that the state is able to sort out this illegal busing industry.
Posted by: Dog Bite Zee | March 12, 2010 12:58 PM