Jihang Ortaga Killed in Astoria Pedestrian Accident
The 55-year-old woman was struck in a marked crosswalk just around the corner from her home
Jihang Ortaga, 55, of Astoria, was killed in a pedestrian crash at 34th Avenue and 38th Street in Astoria, New York, on June 14, according to the NYPD.
A 58-year-old woman driving an eastbound 2019 Chevrolet Malibu stopped at a red light before turning right to head south, striking the woman as she crossed east to west in the southern marked crosswalk. Paramedics rushed the critically injured pedestrian, Ortaga, to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The driver remained at the scene, and no arrests have been made as the Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad continues its review.
The fatal collision occurred just around the corner from the victim's home, prompting local residents to call for increased safety measures at the intersection.
Why did the Chevrolet fail to yield on 34th Avenue?
Victims like Ortaga are killed in pedestrian accidents across our country, and it is often not their fault. While preliminary reports note the driver was turning on a green light, investigators will examine whether weather-related factors or poor visibility contributed to the failure to yield in the crosswalk.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Crosswalks are supposed to give people on foot a reasonable expectation of safety, and that expectation gets violated too often."
"When a crash happens at a marked crossing, a legal team digs into signal records, driver history, and whether the roadway met basic safety standards, all to make sure surviving families have the full picture," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrians accounted for 3% of all people injured in traffic collisions nationwide in 2024.
What legal options exist for pedestrian accident victims in Astoria?
While the cause and liability of the collision are being investigated, it is important that a competent attorney handles investigations into cases such as this to ensure the rights of the victim and their family are protected. The crash has deeply impacted the local community, as the fatal collision occurred just steps from the victim's home.
Insurance adjusters often contact injured parties within days of a collision, before the full extent of the loss is known. Individuals involved in pedestrian accidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
New York wrongful death statute
Under N.Y. EPTL § 5-4.1, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. New York applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of parental guidance, funeral expenses, and the decedent's conscious pain and suffering.
"Navigating the wrongful death process while managing profound personal loss is an enormous undertaking for any family. Serving as an advocate, an attorney provides steady guidance at every turn, ensuring surviving relatives understand where matters stand and what follows next," explained Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.