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Winnebago Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois Family Wins $52M Settlement After Sixth Grader Hit by Car Boarding School Bus
The student suffered severe, permanent injuries when struck crossing the street to her bus stop.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:19pm
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The family of an Illinois middle school student who was struck by a car as she was attempting to board her school bus has accepted a $52 million settlement. The sixth grader was crossing the street to board her bus to Stephen Mack Middle School in Winnebago County in January 2025 when she was hit by a driver who allegedly ignored safety signals.
Why it matters
This settlement marks the highest amount awarded in a case with an injured pedestrian in Winnebago County, highlighting the serious consequences of drivers failing to stop for school buses and the need for greater safety measures around student transportation.
The details
The 31-year-old driver, Allen Pelton, was arrested and charged with aggravated reckless driving causing great bodily harm, passing a stopped school bus, and other offenses. The girl was launched 100 feet into a ditch and sustained severe, permanent injuries, spending months in intensive care. Pelton, the bus company First Student Inc., the school district, and the companies Pelton was driving for were all named as defendants in the civil suit.
- The incident occurred in January 2025 as the student was crossing the street to board her bus.
- Pelton is next scheduled to appear in court on May 14.
The players
Allen Pelton
A 31-year-old driver who allegedly struck the student as she was crossing the street to board her school bus.
First Student Inc.
The bus company contracted by the Rockton School District to operate the student's bus.
Rockton School District
The school district that the student attended and whose bus she was attempting to board.
Helm Group Inc. and Civil Constructors Inc.
The companies for which Pelton was driving the vehicle on the morning of the incident.
What’s next
Pelton is next scheduled to appear in court on May 14 after pleading not guilty to the charges against him.
The takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the critical need for greater safety measures and driver awareness around school buses to protect students, as well as the devastating consequences that can result when drivers fail to follow the law.
