Vehicle struck a 65-year-old woman on Suffolk Drive in Janesville
November 28, 2025 | Janesville, WI
A 65-year-old woman lost her life following a pedestrian accident that occurred at the intersection of East Milwaukee Street and Suffolk Drive.
Susanne Eddy, 65, died from injuries suffered when a vehicle struck her at East Milwaukee Street and Suffolk Drive in Rock County.
- Victim: Susanne Eddy, 65, of Rock County
- Date of Incident: Nov. 18, 2025
- Time: Approximately 5 p.m.
- Location: East Milwaukee Street and Suffolk Drive, Janesville, WI
- Outcome: Eddy succumbed to injuries on Nov. 28 after hospitalization
- Investigating Agency: Janesville Police Department
What Happened in the Crash?
Susanne Eddy was walking when she was hit by a vehicle at the busy intersection. Emergency responders transported her to a local hospital, where she fought for her life for over a week. The Rock County Medical Examiner's Office determined through autopsy that her death stemmed directly from the injuries sustained in the collision.
The Janesville Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including factors like speed, visibility, and driver attention. Details on charges or citations remain pending release.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Happen?
Pedestrian fatalities have surged across the United States, outpacing other traffic death increases. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths rose by 77% from 2010 to 2021, highlighting a pressing public safety issue.
Common contributors include:
- Distracted driving, such as smartphone use
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Poor lighting or road conditions at intersections
- Higher speeds in urban areas
Factor |
Impact on Pedestrian Safety |
Source |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
Increases crash risk by 23% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Speeding |
Pedestrians 4x more likely to die at 40 mph vs. 20 mph |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Nighttime Crashes |
Account for 75% of pedestrian fatalities |
GHSA |
Urban Intersections |
Site of 60% of pedestrian incidents |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
This data underscores the need for heightened awareness and infrastructure improvements to protect vulnerable road users.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
In cases such as this, independent investigations play a crucial role in establishing fault and supporting affected families.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on motor vehicle incidents:
- Drivers must prioritize scanning for pedestrians, especially in residential or commercial zones.
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death to cover losses like medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering.
- Early legal consultation can prevent lowball settlements from insurers seeking quick resolutions.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
An attorney can provide compassionate guidance during this challenging period, ensuring rights are protected and fair compensation is pursued.
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Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).