Driver flees after vehicle strikes man unloading luggage near Van Buren Avenue
December 01, 2025 | Milwaukee, WI
A 26-year-old Lyft driver, Abed Zaanoon, is fighting for his life in a coma following a hit-and-run incident near Knapp Street and Van Buren Avenue.
Authorities arrested a 24-year-old woman from New Berlin in connection with the crash.
Abed Zaanoon, 26, a Lyft driver, suffered severe injuries after being struck in a pedestrian hit-and-run near Van Buren Avenue in Milwaukee.
What Happened in the Crash?
Abed Zaanoon was outside his vehicle unloading luggage when an oncoming car struck him and fled the scene. The crash caused severe trauma, leaving him with critical injuries.
- Date of Incident: Dec. 1, 2025
- Location: Intersection of Knapp Street and Van Buren Avenue, Milwaukee
- Victim Details: Abed Zaanoon, 26, Lyft driver
- Suspect: 24-year-old woman from New Berlin
- Injuries: Brain bleeding, abdominal organ damage, coma
- Vehicle Involved: Unspecified make and model, driven by suspect
Police tracked the suspect to her parents' home using key evidence, including a filed insurance claim, a fabricated police report, and surveillance video showing her vehicle returning after the crash. Initially, she claimed her car was damaged at work, but her family later admitted the story was untrue. The video also showed her walking unsteadily post-incident.
The woman faces hit-and-run charges, with potential additional counts based on Zaanoon's ongoing condition.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers fearing legal repercussions, but evidence like cameras and claims can lead to arrests. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these crashes account for a significant portion of road incidents.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of Crashes Involving Hit-and-Run Drivers |
Approximately 11% |
NHTSA |
Annual Hit-and-Run Incidents in the U.S. |
Over 2,000 fatalities |
CDC |
Common Contributing Factors |
Poor visibility, alcohol impairment, panic |
Federal Highway Administration |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving hit-and-run accidents, thorough investigations are essential to establish fault and support victims' rights.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on motor vehicle crashes:
- Independent investigations by attorneys can uncover hidden evidence like surveillance or witness statements.
- Victims should avoid quick settlements with insurers to ensure fair compensation for medical and lost income costs.
- Stress from injuries affects family, work, and finances, making professional guidance crucial.
“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company for a client,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Zaanoon may pursue a personal injury claim pending further investigation.
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If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).