Jeremy L. Yela
August 13, 2025
Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. Obtains $307,933.00 Recovery
As published in Verdict Search: Yafar vs Paramus BOE VS report
A bus crash can be surprisingly serious, resulting in costly injuries and financial losses that affect your life in many ways. If you have been a victim of a bus crash in New Jersey, you need a bus accident lawyer who will take your accident and injuries seriously and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., our New Jersey bus accident attorneys have a track record of success in obtaining fair settlements for our clients. In a recent case our firm handled, we achieved justice for an injured client following injuries from a bus collision.
The Case: Yafar v. Paramus Board of Education, et al.
On May 17, 2018, plaintiff A.Y., 11, was a passenger on a school bus that was traveling westbound on Route 80 in Mount Olive for a field trip. A.Y., a student at East Brook Middle School in the Paramus School District, was sitting next to his close friend, fellow student M.V. A.Y. was originally sitting by the window, but switched seats with M.V. before leaving the school.
Hudy Muldrow was operating the bus along the entrance ramp of westbound Route 80 and coming off Route 206 South. He attempted to cross three lanes of travel to reach an opening in the median and make a U-turn into the eastbound lanes. It was later determined that he had missed an exit for the intended destination.
Carlos Rodriguez-Miranda was operating a dump truck owned by Mendez Trucking in the center westbound lane. Rodriguez-Miranda struck the side of the bus as it was traveling across the road. The bus split in half and rolled onto its side.
M.V. and a teacher died in the accident. A.Y. claimed abdominal, leg and pelvic injuries. Dozens of other students on the bus were injured, as well.
A.Y.’s father, Payman Yafar, acting as his son’s parent and natural guardian, sued the Paramus Board of Education, Mendez Trucking and the two drivers. The lawsuit claimed that Muldrow and Rodriguez-Miranda were negligent in the operation of their respective vehicles. The lawsuit further contended that the Paramus Board of Education was vicariously liable for Muldrow’s actions and that Mendez Trucking was vicariously liable for Rodriguez-Miranda’s actions. Yafar also made negligent hiring and retention claims against both Mendez Trucking and Paramus Board of Education, and he made a negligent supervision claim against the Paramus Board of Education.
The estates of M.V. and the deceased teacher filed similar lawsuits, as did numerous other passengers who were injured in the collision. Both Rodriguez-Miranda and Mendez Trucking additionally sued Muldrow and various Paramus defendants. The cases were all consolidated.
A.Y.’s counsel argued that Muldrow negligently attempted a U-turn on the highway. Counsel also noted that Muldrow had a history of driving infractions prior to the accident. Counsel further contended that the Board of Education had a duty to keep the children safe, yet failed to do so.
A.Y.’s counsel also maintained that Rodriguez-Miranda failed to pay attention to the roadway. Counsel concluded that Rodriguez-Miranda should have braked to avoid the turning bus.
Counsel for the truck defendants contended that Rodriguez-Miranda could not have avoided the collision. His counsel maintained that Muldrow’s sudden, unexpected and unlawful intrusion into the truck’s travel lane constituted a sudden emergency.
In an opposition to the truck defendants’ motion for summary judgment, Paramus/Muldrow’s counsel contended that the Emergency Doctrine did not negate any liability by Mendez nor Rodriguez-Miranda..
Injuries and Damages
A.Y. lost consciousness as a result of the crash. He was carried off the bus and transported to Hackettstown Medical Center. He was then transferred to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he remained for several days.
A.Y. was diagnosed with a pelvic hematoma, abdominal tenderness, abdominal and hip abrasions and leg lacerations. He was discharged from the hospital with instructions to use a walker and/or cane when ambulating. He then underwent physical therapy that ended in 2018. A.Y. was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and sought psychological therapy. He was still receiving this treatment sporadically at the time his case resolved. A.Y. claimed that he experienced anxiety, nightmares and sleep deprivation after the accident. He feared riding in vehicles, as well.
A.Y. said that the accident additionally affected his social life. Besides losing M.V., he also had to deal with his other classmates becoming more withdrawn in the aftermath of the crash.
Physically, A.Y. continued to experience right leg, groin and hip pain. He claimed this limited his ability to run, swim and bike. He sought recovery of damages for his past and future pain and suffering.
The orthopedic surgery expert retained by the truck defendants opined that A.Y.’s ongoing groin and left hip pain were not related to the accident.
The Settlement
A.Y.’s case settled for $307,933, with Paramus’ insurer contributing $298,000 and Mendez’s insurer contributing $9,933.
Trust Our New Jersey Bus Accident Lawyers With Your Case
At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we understand how to fight for fair compensation in bus accident cases and have a proven track record of success in obtaining full compensation for our clients. Contact us today online or by calling (201) 588-1500.
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