Ford F-150 struck Des Moines resident on 31st Street near Drake University campus
December 23, 2025 | Des Moines, IA
A 40-year-old man from Des Moines lost his life in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in the Drake neighborhood.
What Happened in the Crash?
Robert David Given, 40, of Des Moines, died after being struck by a Ford F-150 in a hit-and-run at the intersection of 31st Street and University Avenue.
According to Des Moines police, Robert David Given was walking when a Ford F-150 struck him at the intersection of 31st Street and University Avenue, close to the Drake University campus.
- Date: Dec. 23, 2025
- Time: Evening
- Location: 31st Street and University Avenue, Des Moines, IA
- Vehicle Involved: Ford F-150 pickup truck
- Victim: Robert David Given, 40, Des Moines resident
- Outcome: Given was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries
The driver fled the scene before the arrival of emergency services.
Details of the Investigation
Authorities traced the vehicle to the vicinity of Beaver Avenue and Witmer Parkway, where they recovered the pickup truck. The investigation into the driver's identity and circumstances continues, with potential criminal charges pending for leaving the scene.
Hit-and-run incidents remain a pressing concern, occurring more than once per minute on U.S. roadways, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
Common factors include driver intoxication, lack of a valid license, or fear of legal repercussions. These crashes have seen a steady rise, with fatalities increasing by approximately 7% annually since 2009, per NHTSA reports.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Hit-and-Run Fatalities in the U.S. |
About 2,000 |
NHTSA |
Frequency of Hit-and-Run Crashes |
More than 1 per minute |
NHTSA |
Annual Increase in Hit-and-Run Deaths (since 2009) |
About 7% |
NHTSA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough independent investigation promptly is crucial to safeguard victims' families' rights.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. An attorney can also ensure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Independent investigations can uncover negligence in environmental factors like lighting and signage.
- Families may pursue compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
- Holding drivers accountable prevents future incidents and supports road safety.
Wrongful Death Claims
Should the investigation confirm negligence, the family of Robert David Given could pursue a wrongful death claim. Such actions address losses from unsafe driving practices, including hit-and-runs.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation 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).