Lawsuit alleges operator entrusted bus to driver with three prior charges for driving on a suspended, revoked or canceled license

PHOENIX, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The family of Angelica Davila has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging bus operator Transdev Services, Inc. entrusted a Valley Metro bus to a driver with three prior charges for driving on a suspended, revoked or canceled license.

According to the complaint, driver Ana Maria Rivas was looking left as she steered the bus to the right and struck Davila, who was crossing in a marked crosswalk with the walk signal. Rivas continued driving for seven seconds after impact, dragging Davila underneath the bus and killing her, the complaint alleges.

Phoenix trial attorneys Jonathan O’Steen and Matthew MacLeod of O’Steen MacLeod Combs represent Davila’s family in the lawsuit filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.

“Angelica did everything right. She was in the crosswalk. She had the walk signal. She was simply trying to get to work,” said O’Steen. “We’re fighting for her family and demanding answers about the decisions that led to her death.”

Davila was struck and killed early on May 28, 2026, at 59th Avenue and Van Buren Street. She was changing buses on her way to work at the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her children were 20 and 18 when she was killed.

According to the complaint, Rivas had been charged three times with driving on a suspended, revoked or canceled license. Her driving history also included speeding and an unsafe lane change. The complaint cites failures to appear in court that led to arrest warrants, as well as a court-ordered 12-month license suspension.

According to the complaint, Rivas pleaded guilty on August 3, 2026, to causing death by a moving violation in connection with Davila’s death.

“Before handing someone the keys to a public transit bus, a company needs to know who it’s putting behind the wheel,” said MacLeod. “We will hold Transdev accountable for the decisions that cost Angelica her life.”

The lawsuit alleges Transdev was negligent in hiring, supervising and retaining Rivas, and in entrusting her with the bus. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Davila’s son, Salvador Velazquez, brings the action on behalf of her surviving statutory beneficiaries, including Davila’s daughter, husband, and parents.

Media resources:

The complaint and police reports are available. Interviews with Velazquez, O’Steen, and MacLeod can be arranged.

About O’Steen MacLeod Combs

O’Steen MacLeod Combs is an Arizona trial law firm representing individuals and families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. You can learn more about the firm at www.omclawyers.com.

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SOURCE O’Steen Macleod Combs