Chicago, IL (December 21, 2025) – A woman died on Friday morning, December 19, after a vehicle struck her along North Dearborn Street in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The deadly crash happened around 11:40 a.m., according to the Chicago Police Department.
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Investigators said a 62-year-old woman driving a Porsche sedan hit a pedestrian, identified as 35-year-old Wanda Mejia, as she stood near the sidewalk. Paramedics rushed Mejia to a nearby hospital for emergency care. Despite doctors’ efforts, she later died from her injuries.
The Porsche driver received a citation and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. The Chicago Police Department’s Major Accidents Unit continues to investigate what led to the tragic collision.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Wanda Mejia during this heartbreaking time.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois
Illinois sees pedestrian accidents almost every day, particularly in crowded areas like downtown Chicago. State reports show that hundreds of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured each year. These incidents occur most often in busy downtown areas and along heavily traveled streets where drivers and walkers share limited space.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Illinois include:
- Distracted Driving: Looking at a phone or adjusting controls causes drivers to miss people crossing ahead
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring traffic signals or crosswalks puts pedestrians in danger when they have the right of way
- Speeding: Driving too fast reduces control and makes it difficult to stop in time to avoid a crash
- Poor Visibility: Rain darkness or glare makes it harder for drivers to see people walking near the roadway
- Unsafe Turns: Rushing through intersections without checking for pedestrians often results in severe collisions
When a pedestrian crash turns fatal, the impact on the family is overwhelming. Beyond the emotional grief, families face sudden financial challenges, including medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income or companionship. Surviving relatives may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for these losses and help families find closure.
A compassionate wrongful death lawyer in Chicago can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
At Ankin Law, we are dedicated to helping grieving families across Chicago and throughout Illinois rebuild after tragedy. Our legal team understands how painful these moments are and fights to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
If your loved one died in a pedestrian accident, contact Ankin Law today at (844) 600-0000 for a free consultation. Let us guide you through the process and fight to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
