Spring Valley, NY (June 18, 2025)– A tragic pedestrian crash in Rockland County over the weekend claimed the life of a 4-year-old girl and left three others injured, including two young boys.
The incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, as a group of four pedestrians was walking on the sidewalk after leaving a park along Old Nyack Turnpike in Spring Valley. According to local authorities, a vehicle veered onto the sidewalk and struck the group.
Responding officers and EMTs found a severely damaged car on the sidewalk with the driver trapped inside. All four pedestrians—an adult male and three children ages 4, 5, and 2—were transported by ambulance to Westchester Medical Center with injuries ranging in severity.
The 31-year-old man and the 4-year-old girl suffered life-threatening injuries. Despite emergency medical efforts, the young girl later died from her injuries at the hospital.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
We want to offer our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim.
New York Pedestrian Accidents
New York City’s fast pace and dense traffic make it one of the most dangerous places in the country for pedestrians. Each year, hundreds of people are killed or seriously injured while walking on city streets. In 2023 alone, the state recorded thousands of pedestrian-involved crashes—many of them fatal. Urban boroughs like Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan see the highest numbers, where crowded intersections, distracted drivers, and aggressive traffic patterns converge.
Fatal pedestrian accidents often occur in places many people consider familiar and safe—crosswalks, sidewalks, bus stops, or residential areas. Tragically, even a brief lapse in driver attention can lead to irreversible consequences.
Here are some of the leading causes behind fatal pedestrian collisions in New York:
- Failure to Yield to Pedestrians: Many fatal crashes happen when drivers ignore crosswalks or make turns without checking for people in the intersection. In areas with heavy foot traffic, like downtown Queens or near transit hubs, this oversight can be deadly.
- Speeding in Residential Zones: Excessive speed increases both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries. Pedestrians struck at higher speeds face a much greater risk of death, especially children and the elderly.
- Distracted and Impaired Driving: Drivers who are texting, checking GPS, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol often fail to notice pedestrians until it’s too late. These behaviors are preventable but remain a serious threat on New York’s streets.
- Poor Visibility and Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and nighttime driving reduce visibility, especially in poorly lit areas. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing or crossing mid-block are especially vulnerable under these conditions.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be overwhelmed by grief, confusion, and questions about what comes next. While no legal action can undo such a tragic loss, holding the responsible party accountable can offer financial relief and a sense of justice.
At Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, our wrongful death lawyers represent families throughout New York who are coping with the devastating aftermath of fatal pedestrian accidents. Our legal team handles the complexities of wrongful death claims so you can focus on what matters most—healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
We offer compassionate guidance, aggressive legal representation, and a commitment to seeking maximum compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. If you’re facing this kind of tragedy, don’t go through it alone.
Call Keith D. Silverstein & Associates at 646-813-3922 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here 24/7 to listen to your story and help you understand your rights.
Notes: The information in this accident news post is gathered from secondary sources, including official police and fire department reports, media coverage, and eyewitness statements. Our team at Keith D. Silverstein & Associates has not independently verified all details. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact us so we can make prompt corrections. Should you wish for this post to be removed, we will honor your request as quickly as possible.
Disclaimer: These posts are meant to highlight the dangers of serious accidents in our region and promote safer driving. Photos used are not from the actual scene. This content is not legal or medical advice and is not intended as a solicitation for business.
