A devastating crash on Interstate 10 near Marana, Arizona on April 1, 2025, left several individuals hospitalized after a suspected impaired driver collided with a school bus, causing it to flip onto its side. The crash sent four people to the hospital with critical injuries—one victim suffered a traumatic hand amputation—and left dozens of others shaken, including students from the Kingman Unified School District.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, 40 students and chaperones were on board the bus when Nicolas Rodriguez, the driver of the passenger vehicle, struck the side of the bus while driving toward Oro Valley. The impact caused the school bus to overcorrect and roll into the median of I-10, forcing authorities to shut down the highway for several hours.
Impairment and Accountability
Court records reveal Rodriguez showed signs of impairment at the scene and later tested positive for cannabis in a preliminary saliva test. He reportedly admitted to using marijuana two days prior to the collision. He was arrested at the scene and remains in custody on a $100,000 bond, facing serious charges in connection with the crash.
School district officials described the emotional toll on students and staff as significant. Superintendent Gretchen Dornercalled the crash “traumatizing,” emphasizing that the school bus was traveling safely and responsibly when the incident occurred.
“We have strong feelings of anger… this was a needless act,” said Dorner.
Legal Perspective: Victims Deserve Justice
Collisions involving suspected impairment are not just tragic—they are often entirely preventable. When drivers make the reckless decision to get behind the wheel while impaired, the consequences can be devastating. Victims of such accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing rehabilitation or surgeries
- Loss of income and future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
In cases of catastrophic injury, including amputations, or wrongful death, victims and their families may pursue full legal accountability against the at-fault driver. At Catastrophic Injury Attorneys, we believe in fighting for those whose lives have been forever changed by negligent or impaired drivers.
Serving Clients in Marana, Tucson, and Across Arizona
Our firm represents clients throughout Arizona—including Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, and the East Valley cities of Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and Scottsdale. We provide aggressive legal representation for individuals and families facing serious injury or loss caused by reckless driving and impaired motorists.
Let Us Help You Seek Justice
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, we are here to help you hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the justice you deserve.
Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Address: 3850 E Baseline Rd, Suite 111, Mesa, AZ 85206
Phone: 480.272.3522
Website: catastrophicinjuryattorneys.com
Instagram: @cialawfirm
You focus on healing. We’ll focus on the fight for justice.
