SEATTLE -- The family of an Auburn man killed by a Metro bus has settled a wrongful death lawsuit against King County for $1.5 million.

The 21-year-old pickup driver, Michael Dahlquist, was killed in an April 2007 in a collision on Highway 164.

Police said the bus driver may have been speeding when she swerved to avoid a vehicle that slowed in front of her and slammed head-on with Dahlquist.

"It was the hardest day of my life. The worst day of my life," said Michael’s dad, Jeff Dahlquist.

The Dahlquist family is still angry at the bus operator, who was cited for negligent driving, paid a $250 ticket and eventually lost her Metro job.

"My ultimate goal was to see her behind bars," said Michael’s mom, Sabrina Dahlquist.

They were stunned to learn that the wrongful death laws in Washington State wouldn't allow them to sue Metro for the loss their son because he was an adult over 18. The Dahlquists could only project what Michael would earn in his lifetime, subtract expenses, and claim an economic loss of just $359,000.

"It's a formula which they use which is pathetic," Jeff Dahlquist said.

King County Metro voluntarily settled for much more than that, a total of $1.5 million.

"We do recognize that Metro did go over and beyond what they were legally bound. No amount could ever replace his hugs, his kisses, his 'I love yous.' And no amount of money could ever make this right," Sabrina Dahlquist.

The Dahlquists are now working for changes in wrongful death laws that would allow parents to sue for the loss of adult children.

A spokeswoman for Metro said, "Metro and King County extend their sincerest regrets for this tragic accident."

Metro also said it's focusing on accident prevention. There's a new retraining program for drivers who've had two or more accidents in one year.

The lawyer for the Dahlquist family, Stephen Bulzomi, said the driver had a record of accidents and the county transit agency was negligent in allowing her to continue to drive.