A woman was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on the Lower East Side late Thursday night, marking another devastating NYC pedestrian accident in one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods. Source Streets Blog NYC.
According to the NYPD, the woman, whose identity has not been released, was crossing Stanton Street in the the crosswalk when the driver of a large SUV turned right from Clinton Street and hit her before fleeing the scene.
Emergency crews transported the victim to Bellevue Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Arrest Made After Deadly Hit-and-Run
Police confirmed that Julio Cachago, 54, of Queens, was arrested on Sunday and charged with criminally negligent homicide, a rare charge in fatal pedestrian crashes.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on December 18, in an area well-known for heavy pedestrian traffic. A digital message board placed at the scene Friday morning warned passersby of the deadly crash, underscoring the city’s ongoing struggle with pedestrian fatalities.
Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise
The NYC Open Data Motor Vehicle Collisions Portal shows that the Lower East Side alone has recorded 478 crashes in 2025, injuring 235 people, including 60 cyclists and 46 pedestrians.
According to the city’s crash visualizer, from January through November 2025, New York City recorded more than 77,000 reported crashes, resulting in over 45,000 injuries and more than 400 fatalities across the five boroughs. That’s around 223 crashes daily and 130 injuries per day.
The data, which includes collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, shows that driver inattention and failure to yield remain among the top contributing factors citywide.
Officials continue to emphasize that these numbers highlight the urgent need for safer intersections and better driver accountability.
If you want to read more about NYC pedestrian accident news. Read our blog post “27-Year-Old Killed in NYC Pedestrian Accident After Driver Goes the Wrong Way“
Legal Perspective: Holding Hit-And-Run Drivers Accountable
Hit-and-run crashes are not just illegal, they are among the most devastating cases WSAT Law handles. Families are often left searching for justice after preventable pedestrian deaths like this one.
At William Schwitzer & Associates, our attorneys represent victims and families affected by pedestrian accidents, hit-and-run collisions, and wrongful deaths caused by negligent drivers. We work closely with investigators to uncover evidence, locate witnesses, and pursue justice against those responsible.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our legal team for a confidential consultation at (212) 683-3800.
Safety Reminder
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges both drivers and pedestrians to stay alert at intersections, especially during low-light evening hours when most fatalities occur.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, avoid speeding in residential areas, and remain vigilant when turning at intersections.
Important:
This information is only a general guide and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Each case is different.
Images used are conceptual illustrations and do not depict actual events or clients.
The best option is to call our offices for specialized help. Call (212) 683-3800 to contact William Schwitzer & Associates for legal assistance.
