Bronx Legal Insight: Seeking Justice After 3-Year-Old Pedestrian Suffers Traumatic Brain Injury in Sidewalk Hit-and-Run

A shocking and heartbreaking hit-and-run accident in Williamsbridge, Bronx, has left 3-year-old Mylah Rojas with a fractured skull after a reckless moped driver struck her on the sidewalk and fled the scene. This tragic event highlights the urgent need to address the dangers posed by reckless drivers, even on sidewalks where pedestrians should feel safe.

The Accident

The accident occurred on Friday afternoon around 1 p.m. on Holland Avenue as Mylah walked with her mother, Mariel Rojas. A blue moped with black stripes sped onto the sidewalk, striking the toddler and dragging her several feet. Surveillance footage later captured the driver limping away from the scene, but he remains at large as of this writing.

Mariel described the horror of the moment, saying, “It was a regular day… the scooter just came out of nowhere.” After the crash, Mylah was left bleeding profusely, with a severe split on her forehead and a fractured skull. The driver’s callous decision to flee instead of rendering aid only compounds the tragedy.

Reckless Behavior on Sidewalks

This incident underscores the rising issue of reckless moped and scooter drivers in New York City. Sidewalks, designed as safe spaces for pedestrians, are increasingly being invaded by careless drivers, endangering children, families, and seniors. The lack of accountability and enforcement for such behavior puts all New Yorkers at risk.

Legal Rights of the Victim

Mylah and her family have the right to pursue justice for the trauma and injuries caused by this accident. In hit-and-run cases, victims can often seek compensation through multiple avenues:

Identifying the Perpetrator: If the moped driver is apprehended, they can face civil liability for medical bills, emotional distress, and other damages in addition to criminal charges.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: If the family has UM coverage as part of their auto insurance, it may provide compensation when the at-fault party is unknown or uninsured.

Navigating these options requires skilled legal representation to ensure all potential sources of recovery are explored.

The Impact on Families

A child’s injury in an accident of this nature has profound consequences. Beyond the immediate physical harm, families must deal with emotional distress, mounting medical bills, and potential long-term effects on their child’s well-being. These families deserve an advocate who will fight for their rights and hold negligent parties accountable.

Preventing Future Tragedies

City officials must take stronger steps to curb reckless behavior on sidewalks and enforce traffic laws for mopeds and scooters. This includes:

Enhanced surveillance and enforcement in high-risk areas.
Public awareness campaigns about the legal consequences of reckless driving.
Improved safety measures such as barriers between sidewalks and streets.

Our Commitment to Justice

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, we stand with families who have suffered due to reckless drivers. Our experienced Bronx Auto Accident Attorneys are dedicated to securing justice for victims and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.

If your family has been affected by a similar incident, you don’t have to face it alone. We are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation your family deserves.