What Happens When a Car Passes a School Bus and Hits a Child?

As a parent, few fears are greater than the thought of your child being struck by a vehicle. Unfortunately, this nightmare becomes a reality for some Illinois families when reckless drivers ignore stopped school buses. Despite strict traffic laws, flashing red lights, and stop-arm signals, some motorists still illegally pass school buses, putting children at grave risk.

If your child has been injured because a driver ignored a stopped school bus, you may be dealing with shock, anger, and uncertainty about what to do next. This blog will help you understand the dangers of these crashes, the laws that are meant to protect children, and the legal steps you can take to protect your child’s rights.

The Dangers of Passing a Stopped School Bus

Every school day, children across Illinois rely on school buses for safe transportation. But getting on or off the bus is often the most dangerous moment of their trip.

The Illinois State Board of Education reports that nearly 2 million motorists nationwide illegally pass stopped school buses each day. This dangerous behavior often happens in the blink of an eye, but can result in life-altering injuries or even death.

For parents, these numbers are alarming. They mean that even if your child is cautious and follows all safety rules, their life can still be in danger because of another driver’s negligence.

Illinois Laws Protecting Children Around School Buses

Illinois has strict laws designed to prevent school bus passing accidents. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1414, drivers must stop when a school bus is stopped with its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. The law applies whether the driver is behind the bus or approaching from the opposite direction, unless there is a median or barrier separating lanes.

Violations come with harsh penalties:

A minimum fine of $300 for a first offense and a three-month driver’s license suspension.
For a second offense within five years, a minimum $1,000 fine and a one-year license suspension.

Still, these penalties do not prevent every tragedy, and when they fail, it’s children and their families who pay the price.

Statistics on Children Struck by Passing Vehicles

Passing a stopped school bus is more than a traffic violation, it’s a public safety crisis.

Studies show over 242,000 violations recorded nationwide in a single day of observation in 2023.
The Illinois State Police regularly cite drivers for failing to stop for school buses, with hundreds of citations issued each year.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2011 and 2020, 42% of school-age pedestrians killed in school bus-related crashes were struck by vehicles other than the school bus itself.

These numbers show that even though school buses themselves are one of the safest forms of transportation, the moments before and after a bus ride remain dangerous.

Why These Crashes Happen

Drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses may be:

Distracted by their phones or other devices
Running late and ignoring traffic rules
Unaware of Illinois school bus laws
Driving aggressively or impatiently

For parents, understanding the “why” may not make the tragedy any easier to bear — but it does underscore the fact that these incidents are preventable.

Injuries Children Often Suffer in School Bus Passing Accidents

When a child is struck by a moving vehicle, their smaller size and developing body make them especially vulnerable to severe injuries. Common injuries in these crashes include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Severe lacerations or disfigurement

The medical and emotional toll can be enormous, often requiring months or years of treatment and rehabilitation. Parents may also face lost income if they must take time off work to care for their child.

What to Do If Your Child Is Struck By a Vehicle Passing a School Bus

If your child has been injured by a vehicle passing a stopped school bus, you should:

Call 911 immediately to ensure police and medical help arrive as quickly as possible.
Get medical attention, even if your child seems fine. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, are not immediately obvious.
Document the scene, if possible. Take photos of the bus, the roadway, and any visible injuries.
Get witness contact information, including the bus driver, other parents, or nearby pedestrians.
Contact an experienced child injury attorney who understands Illinois school bus laws and can protect your child’s rights.

Your Legal Rights as a Parent

Illinois law allows you to pursue compensation on behalf of your injured child. This may include:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Pain and suffering
Loss of normal life
Emotional distress
Future care needs

If the driver’s actions were especially reckless, punitive damages may also be available. An attorney can also work to secure compensation for your own losses, such as lost wages from missing work to care for your child.

How an Illinois Bus Accident Attorney Can Help Your Family

A skilled attorney will:

Investigate the crash and gather evidence, including bus camera footage.
Work with accident reconstruction experts.
Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Take the case to trial if necessary to secure justice for your child.

“When a child is injured because a driver ignored a stopped school bus, it’s more than just breaking the law, it’s breaking a parent’s trust in their community’s safety. Our job is to hold these drivers accountable and ensure families get the justice and resources they need to help their child heal.” – John J. Malm, Naperville bus accident lawyer

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois School Bus Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

No parent should have to watch their child suffer because of a driver’s reckless decision to pass a stopped school bus. These accidents are entirely preventable — and when they happen, families deserve both answers and justice.

At John J. Malm & Associates,we understand the emotional and financial challenges parents face after such an incident. Our compassionate, experienced team will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the compensation your family needs for medical care, emotional recovery, and your child’s future.

If your child has been struck by a vehicle passing a stopped school bus in Illinois, call us today at 844-MALMLAW or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and stand by your side every step of the way.