Teenager crosses street near home before vehicle strikes her in Howell Township
December 10, 2025 | Howell, NJ
A 13-year-old girl suffered critical injuries in a pedestrian accident on Route 547 near Maxim Road, according to the Howell Township Police Department.
Mia Martinez, 13, of Howell Township, suffered critical injuries when a vehicle struck her as she crossed Route 547 near Maxim Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred around 6 p.m. on Wednesday when a vehicle struck Mia Martinez as she crossed the street near her home. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital for urgent care.
- Date and Time: Dec. 10, 2025, around 6 p.m.
- Location: Route 547 near Maxim Road, Howell Township, NJ
- Victim: Mia Martinez, 13 years old
- Injuries: Critical, receiving hospital treatment
- Investigation: Howell Township Police Department is leading the investigation, and contact at 732-938-4575 for tips
Authorities urge witnesses to come forward with any details to aid the ongoing investigation.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Mia's family with medical and recovery costs. Support Mia's Recovery.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian incidents remain a significant concern nationwide, often stemming from driver inattention or environmental factors. In New Jersey alone, state data highlights the toll these crashes take.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatalities in NJ (2024) |
221 |
New Jersey State Police Report |
National Pedestrian Injuries (Annual Average) |
Over 60,000 |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Common Causes |
Distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
These figures underscore the need for heightened awareness at crosswalks and intersections.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
Newsline consulted a national legal analyst for a perspective on incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians.
“Driver negligence frequently contributes to these tragedies, whether from distractions like mobile devices, haste, or lack of vigilance. Such events lead to severe harm for those on foot,” said Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
- Reconstructing the scene is vital to pinpoint the fault and the involved parties.
- Victims or families should engage legal representation early to safeguard their interests.
- Avoid immediate statements to insurers post-accident to prevent undervaluing claims.
In cases such as this, pursuing a personal injury claim may address long-term effects on health, finances, and daily life.
“Those affected by pedestrian collisions endure profound physical and emotional suffering. For fatalities, the grief extends to loved ones. Securing counsel ensures rights are protected amid investigations,” Finkelstein added.
Pending investigation outcomes, options for legal recourse could emerge to support recovery efforts.
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Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Newsline''s national legal analyst Andrew G. Finkelstein is well-versed in serious pedestrian injury cases. If you or a loved one need assistance, he’s available for a free consultation to help guide you.
(Andrew G. Finkelstein, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices to help you, please call 855-976-8163 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).