A school bus company has settled a civil lawsuit with the family of a Wausau area teen killed in a crash three years ago. The family of Brandon Pippenger of Rib Mountain settled the case out-of-court for $1.2 million. His parents broke their silence for the first time since the December 2005 accident.
"I just needed to get justice for Brandon because I know he didn't just slip and fall," says mother Patty Pippenger.
She witnessed the incident that occured when her 13-year-old son was running to catch the bus. She says it was easier to settle the case rather than go to trial, which would've been like living that day over and over again.
Attorney Christine Bremer Muggli says the accident could have been prevented if the driver had properly checked his mirrors.
The death prompted school buses companies to reinforce their safety procedure. Patty Pippenger supports changes that include moving bus stops more than 100 feet away from a street corner.
