**Settlement Accepted by Family of Student Struck by Car While Boarding School Bus**
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In a significant turn of events, the family of a middle school student from Winnebago County, Illinois, has settled for $52 million following a tragic accident involving their daughter and a motor vehicle. The incident occurred in January 2025 as the student was crossing the street to board her school bus at approximately 6:55 a.m.
The sixth grader was on her way to Stephen Mack Middle School when she was struck by a car driven by 31-year-old Allen Pelton. Reports state that the girl was crossing Latham Road near La Harve Drive at the time, under the guidance of her bus driver, who had activated the school bus’s warning lights and extended its stop sign. Unfortunately, Pelton allegedly ignored these crucial safety signals.
Witnesses describe the harrowing moment when Pelton’s vehicle collided with the girl. The impact reportedly sent her launching nearly 100 feet into a ditch, leading to severe and ongoing injuries, as outlined in a complaint filed by her family. The child subsequently spent several months receiving intensive medical care as she fought to recover from her injuries.
The lawsuit names several parties as defendants, including Pelton, the Rockton School District, and First Student Inc., the company responsible for the bus service. Additionally, Helm Group Inc. and Civil Constructors Inc. were implicated, as Pelton was operating a Chevrolet Cruze owned by these companies on the day of the accident. The family’s legal action claimed that Pelton failed to observe proper safety precautions, leading to the grievous incident.
Details surrounding the accident have drawn attention within the community, as they highlight both the risks faced by students and the responsibilities of drivers in school zones. The Rockford Register Star and WIFR covered the story extensively, bringing to light the grave nature of the situation and the subsequent legal ramifications.
The settlement, which is noted to be the highest awarded in a pedestrian injury case in Winnebago County, was reached through negotiations between the girl’s attorneys and the insurance providers of the involved parties, including those representing Pelton and the construction firms tied to him. This substantial financial resolution aims to address the medical and emotional burdens faced by the young girl and her family as a result of the incident.
After the accident, Pelton was taken into custody by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and faced multiple charges, including aggravated reckless driving resulting in significant bodily harm, passing a stopped school bus, and operating a vehicle with a tinted front windshield. As of now, Pelton has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled for a court appearance on May 14.
The outcome of the legal proceedings and this substantial settlement underscores the serious nature of road safety around schools. It has prompted discussions about the importance of vigilance by drivers in proximity to school buses and children crossing the streets. Community members are now reflecting on the need for enhanced driver education and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
As the young girl continues her recovery, her family’s focus remains on healing and drawing attention to the vital issue of pedestrian safety, particularly for schoolchildren. The settlement may serve as a stark reminder for the local community about the responsibilities that come with driving, especially in areas frequented by students.