A year after a tragic construction worker accident on the Washington Bridge, authorities have charged the the driver involved in the fatal crash that claimed the life of 41-year-old Herb Henry Alesna, a Maspeth resident and on-site worker.
According to the New York Police Department, Jesus Juarez, 36, turned himself in on December 10, 2025, and now faces charges including reckless driving, failure to yield to a pedestrian, and failure to exercise due care.
Timeline of the Fatal Washington Bridge Crash
The crash occurred on August 2, 2024, around 10:30 p.m., as Juarez was driving a Dodge Durango SUV across the Washington Bridge, which connects Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
Police say Juarez changed lanes and struck a Toyota Highlander before veering right and colliding with a parked construction truck, fatally hitting Alesna, who was standing nearby. He was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.
Juarez reportedly stayed at the scene, and no arrests were made at the time. Following a yearlong NYPD Collision Investigation, Juarez later turned himself in at the 5th Precinct with legal representation, as reported by Gothamist.
Construction Worker Accidents in New York: A Growing Concern
Construction zones remain among the most dangerous worksites in New York City. According to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), construction-related fatalities increased by over 40% from 2020 to 2024, often linked to improper worksite protection and driver inattention near active zones.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists struck-by incidents, such as those involving vehicles or heavy equipment, as one of the leading causes of construction worker deaths nationwide.
Meanwhile, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that New York State consistently ranks among the top five states for construction-related fatalities.
Legal Insight: Who Is Liable in Construction Zone Accidents?
When a construction worker accident occurs due to driver negligence, multiple parties may share liability, including drivers, contractors, and even municipal agencies responsible for traffic control near active sites.
In cases like this Washington Bridge crash, reckless or inattentive driving may establish grounds for civil claims under New York laws that protect workers against unsafe site conditions and inadequate safety protocols.
At William Schwitzer & Associates, our firm advocates for injured construction workers and their families affected by negligence, vehicle impacts, and unsafe work zones.
We work with investigators to reconstruct accidents, establish liability, and pursue justice for victims like Herb Henry Alesna.
Safety Reminder for Drivers and Work Crews
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) urges drivers to reduce speed, follow posted detours, and stay alert when traveling near active construction sites.
Even a moment of distraction can have fatal consequences, as seen in this case.
For ongoing safety statistics, visit the NYC DOT Construction Safety Dashboard and OSHA Construction Data Portal.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction worker accident, contact William Schwitzer & Associates at (212) 683-3800 for a free consultation.
