What Is The Average Settlement For A School Bus Accident?

The average settlement for school bus accident in the United States is $249,367 and the median settlement amount is $19,750, which more accurately represents the typical settlement. Factors that affect the settlement amount for a school bus accident includes the severity of injuries, medical expenses, and number of parties involved in the claim. Settlement data is based on 62 school bus accident settlements recorded by Thomson Reuters in the last 5 years (between 2019 and 2024).

Table of Contents

• Settlement Examples
• Settlement Factors
• Legal Help
• FAQs

Note: Average bus accident settlement data should not be interpreted as a guaranteed settlement amount for a school bus accident settlement. Data and settlement examples provided are intended for informational use.

• Median settlement = $19,750: The median is generally a better representation so the typical settlement payout because the calculation is less subject to skewing (unlike the average).
• Average settlement = $249,367: The average settlement amount is the sum of all school bus accident settlement amounts, which is then divided by the total number of settlements (62).
• Highest settlement = $12,500,000: A minor was a passenger on a school bus involved in an accident with a dump truck while on route for a field trip. The bus turned toward a median crossover, leading to a collision with the truck. The minor sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident. A lawsuit was filed, claiming negligence in the operation of the bus, as well as in the training, supervision, hiring, and oversight of the bus driver. The case also alleged that proper safety measures for the students were not taken. Additionally, the driver of the dump truck and their employer were included in the legal action due to claims related to the truck’s load and speed at the time of the accident.
• Lowest settlement = $6,500 A minor was a passenger in a school bus involved in an accident at an intersection in New Jersey. The bus, operated by an employee of a transportation company, reportedly failed to yield and collided with another vehicle. As a result of the accident, the minor sustained personal injuries. A lawsuit was filed against the bus operator and the transportation company, alleging negligence in failing to properly control the vehicle and yield the right-of-way. Additionally, the transportation company was accused of negligent hiring and entrusting the vehicle to the driver. The plaintiffs sought compensation for the minor’s injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. The case was settled, with the court approving the settlement, which included attorney fees and costs.

School Bus Accident Settlement Examples

Settlement examples under $100K

• $7K settlement: A minor was a passenger on a school bus involved in an accident in Chesapeake, Virginia. The bus driver was operating the vehicle when the collision occurred, and the minor sustained personal injuries as a result. A lawsuit was filed, alleging that the bus driver’s negligence caused the accident and the minor’s injuries. The bus driver was said to be acting within the scope of employment, leading to claims that the employer was also liable for the negligence. The defendants denied liability but offered a settlement. The insurance provider, Virginia Risk Sharing Programs (VRSA), proposed a settlement payment to cover the minor’s injuries and damages. The settlement was approved by the court, including payment to the minor’s parent on the minor’s behalf.
• $8K settlement: A minor was a passenger on a school bus involved in an accident with a vehicle. The minor sustained a knee laceration, which required sutures and resulted in slight scarring. A settlement agreement was reached between the parties, including the insurance provider for the vehicle involved, and court approval was sought for the settlement to cover the minor’s injuries.
• $15K settlement: A minor was a passenger on a school bus in New Jersey, when they were struck in the head by a foreign object, resulting in injury. A lawsuit was filed against the bus company, alleging negligence in the operation or maintenance of the bus. The plaintiffs sought damages for the minor’s injuries, pain and suffering, disabilities, impairments, loss of enjoyment of life, and other associated economic losses. The case was settled, and the court approved the settlement and the distribution of the proceeds.
• $40K settlement: A minor suffered a laceration to the forehead, requiring scar revision and resulting in permanent facial scarring, after being involved in an accident as a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a school bus at an intersection. The lawsuit alleged that the negligence of the vehicle’s driver, the vehicle’s owner, the school bus driver, and the bus company contributed to the accident and the minor’s injuries. A settlement was reached, with part of the settlement paid by the driver and owner of the vehicle and the remainder covered by the school bus driver, the bus company, and the associated school district.
• $70K Settlement: A minor was a passenger in a school bus involved in a multi-vehicle accident on an interstate. As a result, the minor sustained unspecified personal injuries. A lawsuit was filed against the drivers and owners of the vehicles involved, as well as the bus company and its driver, seeking damages for the minor’s injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related losses. The plaintiff also filed a claim against their own insurance provider, alleging wrongful denial of benefits. A settlement was reached between the parties, including the bus company, its insurance providers, and the plaintiff’s own insurance company. The court approved the settlement, which included attorney fees and costs.

Settlement examples over $100K

• $110K settlement: A minor riding a school bus on a group trip sustained herniated discs in the spine, resulting in permanent injury, when the bus veered off the freeway, struck a guardrail, and overturned. The bus was operated by a driver employed by a transportation company. A lawsuit was filed, alleging negligence in the ownership, operation, maintenance, and control of the bus, which led to the accident and the minor’s injuries. The defendants reached a settlement with the plaintiff.
• $211K settlement: A group of individuals were reportedly passengers in a school bus owned and operated by a transportation company when it was involved in an accident with other motor vehicles near an intersection. The bus driver allegedly failed to yield and attempted a turn, leading to a multi-vehicle collision. As a result, the individuals sustained personal injuries, including spine injuries and other medical issues. A lawsuit was filed against multiple parties involved in the accident, alleging negligence and seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. After legal proceedings, the parties reached a settlement agreement, and the court approved a total settlement amount, which included attorney fees and disbursements.
• $225K settlement: A minor, who was a passenger on a school bus operated by an employee of a transportation company, was involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle driven by an employee of another company. The individual sustained personal injuries as a result of the accident. The plaintiff claimed that the bus driver failed to stop or yield to traffic, leading to the collision. Additionally, the plaintiff alleged that the driver of the commercial vehicle was inattentive and driving at an excessive speed. The bus driver’s employer denied liability and sought contribution and indemnification from the commercial vehicle’s driver and their employer.

Settlement examples between $500K and $1M

• $550K settlement: In an accident at an intersection, an individual suffered cervical radiculopathy and neck pain, necessitating total disc arthroplasty and discectomy with fusion. The individual’s vehicle was struck by another exiting a parking lot, leading to claims of negligence due to the opposing driver’s failure to yield and maintain a proper lookout. Liability and the extent of the damages were disputed by the defendant.
• $700K settlement: In a significant impact collision, an individual suffered a neck injury with disc protrusions and bilateral stenosis requiring surgical intervention, as well as a fractured rib. Initially, only the rib fracture was diagnosed and treated; neck symptoms developed later, leading to a diagnosis of disc pathology after an MRI. Despite initial conservative treatments including chiropractic care and spinal injections, the individual eventually underwent a cervical fusion surgery, which resolved some symptoms but left residual issues. The defendant argued the delay in reporting neck injuries suggested they were unrelated to the accident, but the individual countered that the initial focus was on the more immediate rib pain.
• $350K settlement: An incapacitated individual was reportedly a passenger in a school bus operated by a transportation company employee when the bus rear-ended a vehicle that had stopped behind other vehicles waiting for another school bus to discharge passengers. The individual, who was wearing a seatbelt, was thrown forward during the collision and struck their mouth on the seat in front of them. The individual sustained injuries including a fractured area in the upper jaw, avulsion of two teeth (one chipped), and a cut lip. The injuries required the individual to wear a brace and undergo reconstructive oral maxillofacial surgery. Additionally, the individual suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), memory loss, and was later diagnosed with a post-traumatic seizure disorder, which led to a grand mal seizure. The plaintiff claimed negligence due to failure to observe properly and traveling at an excessive speed.
• $405K settlement: A minor and a 14-year-old individual were passengers on a school bus operated by an employee of a school district when it was involved in an accident with another vehicle at an intersection. The 14-year-old sustained injuries, including a fractured clavicle, spine injuries, head contusions, a hip contusion, and a concussion with loss of consciousness.
• $1.3M settlement: A minor, who was a passenger on a school bus operated by a transportation company, was dropped off at an incorrect location by the bus driver on two consecutive days. Despite informing the driver that the usual drop-off point was different, the minor was again dropped off at the wrong corner. While attempting to cross the road in front of the bus, the individual was struck by a hit-and-run driver who ignored the bus’s stop arms and flashers. As a result of the accident, the individual suffered personal injuries. The plaintiff claimed that the bus driver and the transportation company were negligent in failing to follow the proper drop-off location, leading to the accident. The transportation company admitted the driver was their employee but disputed liability, arguing that their responsibility was limited to ensuring a reasonably safe drop-off location and that the accident was caused by the unforeseen actions of a third party.

Factors That School Bus Settlement Amounts

Severity of Injury: The more severe the injuries, the higher the potential settlement. Severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or permanent disabilities, often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Settlements typically cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and ongoing care costs.

Medical Expenses: Medical expenses include hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical needs. The settlement must account for both past and anticipated medical costs.

Pain & Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This is subjective and varies based on the circumstances and severity of the injuries.

Impact on Quality of Life: If the injuries from the accident result in permanent disability or long-term impairment, affecting the individual’s quality of life, the settlement could be higher.

Loss of Earnings: If the injured party or parent is unable to work due injuries resulting from a bus accident, the settlement may include compensation for lost wages.

Liability: The degree of fault in the accident significantly impacts the settlement amount. If the bus driver or transportation company is fully liable, the settlement is likely to be higher. Comparative negligence may reduce the settlement if the injured party shares responsibility for the accident.

Insurance Coverage: The available insurance coverage for both the school bus company and any other involved parties affects the maximum settlement amount. Higher policy limits can result in higher payouts.

Legal Representation: The quality and experience of legal representation can impact the outcome of a settlement. A skilled attorney can negotiate more favorable terms, ensure that all damages (medical, emotional, financial) are accounted for, and help maximize the compensation.

These variables work together to determine the final settlement amount in school bus accident cases, often with the help of attorneys, insurance adjusters, and, if necessary, the court.

Maximize Your Settlement After A School Bus Accident

Each school bus settlement is unique, and payouts for individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of a bus accident can vary based on many case factors. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable for damages.

Getting started with your case is easy. Just request a free case evaluation online, and a legal team in our network will reach out to you regarding your case. Our network of attorneys includes a team of over 250+ legal professionals throughout the United States with over $1 billion recovered for clients, including those who have suffered injuries from bus accidents.

⚖️ All of our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees or costs — you only pay if you win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How are herniated disc injury settlements calculated?

How school bus accident settlements are calculated based on factors such as the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and liability. The settlement also considers available insurance coverage, the long-term impact on the injured party’s quality of life, and the effectiveness of legal representation. These variables help determine the total compensation for the injured party.

How long do I have to file a school bus injury claim?

The time limit to file a school bus injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years from the date of the accident. If the claim involves a government entity, such as a school district, shorter deadlines may apply, sometimes as little as 6 months. It’s important to consult an attorney promptly to ensure timely filing.

How long will my school bus accident settlement take?

The timeline for a school bus accident settlement can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, the cooperation of the involved parties, and whether the case goes to trial. Settlements typically take several months to over a year, but if the case involves extensive medical treatment or disputes over liability, it could take longer. Working with an experienced attorney can help expedite the process.