Hicksville, NY (November 24, 2025) – Police in Hicksville identified a pedestrian who died after a crash on Saturday, November 22. Authorities said 45-year-old Orlando Yanes tried to cross Jerusalem Avenue near Gem Court when a sport utility vehicle struck him. The collision happened just after 7:30 p.m.
Officers and emergency crews responded to the scene within minutes. They found Yanes badly hurt on the roadway. Paramedics attempted to help him, but he died from his injuries at the location.
Police said the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the initial investigation. As of Sunday night, officials had not released more details about what led to the crash or whether any charges may follow.
The New York State Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends grieving this sudden loss.
Pedestrian Fatalities in New York
A pedestrian death leaves a family dealing with heartbreak and unanswered questions. In busy communities like Hicksville, people often cross main roads to reach homes, stores, or bus stops. Even when a driver remains at the scene, a fatal crash can still raise difficult issues about visibility, speed, and reaction time.
These cases also remind everyone how exposed pedestrians are compared to people inside vehicles. An SUV or car can weigh several thousand pounds, while a pedestrian has no physical protection at all.
After a fatal pedestrian crash, families may face sudden financial strain on top of their grief. Funeral costs, medical expenses from emergency care, and the loss of a loved one’s income can hit at once. Families also carry the emotional weight of losing companionship, guidance, and daily support.
When the evidence shows that a driver’s carelessness caused or contributed to the death, New York law may allow the family to file a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death cases can help surviving relatives seek damages tied to both financial and personal losses. Depending on the situation, compensation may include the costs of funeral and burial services, medical bills related to the final injury, and the loss of future earnings the deceased would have provided.
A claim may also address the value of household services and support the victim offered, such as childcare, transportation, or care for older relatives. In some cases, families may seek damages for the loss of parental guidance or the loss of a spouse’s companionship, as the law permits.
These cases often depend on careful investigation. A wrongful death attorney may gather crash reports, interview witnesses, review any available surveillance footage, and work with reconstruction experts to understand exactly how the collision occurred.
That process can reveal whether speed, distraction, poor visibility, or another factor played a role. It can also help families avoid being pressured by insurance companies into quick decisions before all facts are known.
If your family is coping with the loss of a loved one after a pedestrian crash in New York, you do not have to face this alone. We understand how painful and confusing this time can be. At Metro Law, we help families pursue answers and accountability with care and determination.
We will explain your rights clearly, handle the legal burden, and fight for the support your family deserves. Call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to arrange a free consultation with our wrongful death attorney today.
