Porsche strikes woman standing near sidewalk in River North
December 19, 2025 | Chicago, IL
A tragic pedestrian incident claimed the life of Wanda Mejia, a 35-year-old woman, after she was struck by a Porsche in the River North neighborhood.
Wanda Mejia, 35, died after she was struck by a Porsche in the 700 block of North Dearborn Street in Chicago.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities reported that Mejia was standing near the sidewalk in the 700 block of North Dearborn Street when a Porsche driven by a 62-year-old woman hit her around 11:40 a.m. on Dec. 19. Mejia was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital but succumbed to her injuries there. The driver received a citation, though her identity remains undisclosed.
- Victim: Wanda Mejia, 35
- Location: 700 block of North Dearborn Street, River North, Chicago
- Vehicle: Porsche
- Time: Approximately 11:40 a.m.
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, and the victim was pronounced dead at the hospital
- Driver: 62-year-old woman, cited by authorities
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern in urban areas. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the U.S. saw 6,721 pedestrian fatalities in 2020, a 4.8% increase from the 6,412 deaths in 2019. Factors such as road conditions, visibility, and driver attentiveness often play roles in these incidents.
Year |
Pedestrian Deaths |
Change from the Previous Year |
|---|
2019 |
6,412 |
Not Available |
2020 |
6,721 |
+4.8% |
Data sourced from the Governors Highway Safety Association.
The Chicago Police Department's Major Accidents Unit is leading the investigation into this fatal crash.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on pedestrian incidents, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways:
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all times.
- Independent investigations help establish negligence through factors like road conditions, signage, and lighting.
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death to cover losses including companionship, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Having rights protected is vital, and a wrongful death lawyer can ensure updates from the official investigation while safeguarding legal interests.”
Pending investigation results, Mejia's family could be eligible for a wrongful death claim.
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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).