Vehicle struck pedestrian on roadway in Waterbury
December 28, 2025 | Waterbury, CT
Waterbury police are actively seeking the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on Dec. 28.
Sabrina Starky, 43, of Waterbury, died after a vehicle struck her in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash on Reidville Drive in Waterbury.
A vehicle struck 43-year-old Sabrina Starky on Reidville Drive around 9:15 p.m. She was transported to a local hospital but unfortunately, passed away from her injuries.
The at-large driver fled the scene immediately after the collision. Authorities urge anyone with details to contact investigators at 203-346-3975 or provide an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 203-755-1234.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: Dec. 28, 2025, around 9:15 p.m.
- Location: Reidville Drive, Waterbury, Connecticut
- Victim: Sabrina Starky, 43, local resident
- Vehicle Involved: Unidentified motor vehicle
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, and the victim was pronounced dead at the hospital
- Suspect Status: Driver fled, and the investigation is ongoing
This tragic crash underscores the dangers pedestrians face on urban roadways, particularly during evening hours when visibility can be reduced.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers' fear of legal consequences, impairment, or distraction. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), such crashes represent about 11 percent of all vehicle collisions nationwide.
In Connecticut, pedestrian fatalities rose sharply in recent years. GHSA data shows an estimated 60 pedestrians lost their lives on state roads in 2024, marking a 20 percent increase from the prior year.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
National Hit-and-Run Crash Percentage |
11% of all crashes |
GHSA |
Connecticut Pedestrian Fatalities (2024) |
60 |
GHSA |
Year-over-Year Increase in CT Pedestrian Deaths |
20% |
GHSA |
Common Causes: Distracted Driving |
Contributes to 25% of pedestrian incidents |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
These figures highlight the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures, including better lighting and stricter enforcement.
Legal Insights
Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, emphasizes the complexities of investigating motor vehicle accidents like this one.
“It becomes essential to reconstruct the accident to identify all the parties involved and determine the circumstances that led to the incident,” Finkelstein stated. “Insurance companies are never on the side of those affected in such crashes.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on hit-and-run cases:
- Fleeing the scene constitutes a serious offense, potentially leading to criminal charges alongside civil liabilities.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims to seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and financial effects.
- Engaging a qualified attorney early can significantly increase recovery amounts—studies from the Insurance Research Institute indicate represented victims receive 3.5 times more than those without legal help.
- Avoid direct statements to insurers, as they often aim to minimize payouts by shifting blame.
“In cases such as this, the aftermath involves profound mental and physical consequences for survivors and families. A skilled attorney can advocate effectively against powerful insurance entities,” added Finkelstein.
Pending investigation results, Starky's family could explore options for holding responsible parties accountable.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a hit-and-run driver, our national legal analyst Andrew G. Finkelstein is available to provide a free, no-obligation 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).