Arrest Made in Fatal Lower East Side Hit-and-Run: What Pedestrians and Families Should Know

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian lawfully crossing the street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. According to court filings and police statements, the victim had the walk signal when she was struck in the crosswalk at Stanton and Clinton Streets. The driver allegedly fled the scene, leaving the victim critically injured. She later died at Bellevue Hospital.

This case underscores a reality car accident attorneys in New York City confront far too often: hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians are among the most devastating—and legally complex—traffic cases in the city.

Hit-and-Run Crashes Are Not “Accidents”

When a driver leaves the scene after striking a pedestrian, the consequences extend far beyond the initial collision. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may disperse, and families are left without answers. Prosecutors in this case allege that surveillance footage captured the SUV stopping later, with the driver inspecting damage before continuing on—details that become critical in both criminal and civil proceedings.

From a civil liability standpoint, leaving the scene often strengthens a wrongful death claim. Flight can be powerful evidence of negligence and consciousness of wrongdoing, particularly where the pedestrian had the right of way.

Deep Experience With Pedestrian and Hit-and-Run Cases

Our car accident attorneys who regularly handle pedestrian fatalities are intimately familiar with the investigative steps required in hit-and-run cases, including:

Rapid preservation of surveillance footage from nearby buildings and businesses
Vehicle identification through traffic cameras, license-plate readers, and debris analysis
Coordination with law enforcement and accident reconstruction experts
Immediate assessment of potential insurance coverage, including no-fault, liability, umbrella policies, and MVAIC claims where applicable

These cases move quickly, and delays can irreparably harm a family’s ability to pursue justice.

Record Verdicts and Settlements for Pedestrians

New York juries consistently recognize the gravity of pedestrian deaths caused by negligent drivers—particularly when the driver flees. Over decades of litigation, our experienced trial lawyers have obtained record-setting verdicts and eight-figure settlements for pedestrians and families in cases involving:

Failure to yield at crosswalks
Turning vehicles striking pedestrians with the walk signal
Commercial and private vehicles leaving the scene
Fatal crashes involving SUVs and large vehicles

Insurance carriers understand which firms are prepared to take these cases to trial—and which are not. That distinction directly impacts case value.

Criminal Charges Do Not Replace Civil Accountability

While the driver in this case faces serious criminal charges, criminal proceedings do not compensate the victim’s family. A separate civil action is required to recover damages for wrongful death, conscious pain and suffering, and the full economic and non-economic losses suffered by surviving family members.

Critically, statutes of limitation and notice requirements can differ depending on the facts—especially if a municipal vehicle or public roadway defect is involved. Prompt legal action is essential.

A Persistent and Preventable Crisis

Fatal pedestrian crashes remain a persistent problem on Manhattan streets, particularly at busy intersections. Enforcement, street design, and driver accountability all matter—but for families affected by these tragedies, experienced legal representation is often the only path to answers and accountability.

If a loved one is killed in a hit-and-run while lawfully crossing the street, the law provides a remedy. The challenge is ensuring it is pursued decisively, thoroughly, and without delay. Contact our NYC Car Accident Attorneys for a free consultation at 212-943-1090.

Picture of the location of the accident: courtesy of Google Map