William Huertas killed in Orangeburg pedestrian accident on Route 303

Driver hit man crossing roadway in Rockland County area

December 13, 2025 | Orangeburg, NY

A 45-year-old man from Haverstraw lost his life after being struck by a vehicle driven by an off-duty New York Police Department officer on Dec. 13 along Route 303.

William Huertas, 45, of Haverstraw, was killed after he was struck by a vehicle driven by an off-duty NYPD officer on Route 303 near Orangeburg.

What Happened in the Crash?

Authorities responded to the tragic incident near Orangeburg around 9:05 p.m. The victim, William Huertas, sustained severe injuries and received immediate care from the South Orangetown Ambulance Corps and Rockland Paramedics. He was rushed to Nyack Hospital but succumbed to his injuries there.

Key details include:

• Date and Time: Dec. 13, 2025, approximately 9:05 p.m.
• Location: Route 303 near Orangeburg, Orangetown, N.Y.
• Victim: William Huertas, 45, of Haverstraw
• Vehicle Involved: Driven by an off-duty NYPD officer
• Response Agencies: Orangetown Police Department, South Orangetown Ambulance Corps, Rockland Paramedics

The Orangetown Police Department Accident Investigation Team is spearheading the investigation, with the New York Attorney General’s Office launching a separate inquiry into the fatal collision. No details on charges or contributing factors have been disclosed yet.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian fatalities on U.S. roads are on the rise, and such incidents are often preventable with greater driver awareness. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), New York is one of the top five states for pedestrian deaths, alongside California, Texas, Florida, and Georgia.

Common contributing factors include:

• Excessive speed, which increases fatality risk dramatically, reaching 90% at 58 mph.
• Larger vehicles like SUVs obscure visibility.
• Alcohol impairment, involved in nearly half of all pedestrian crashes.

Drivers play a crucial role by remaining vigilant, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas.

Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes

In cases such as this, thorough investigations are vital to uncover negligence and support affected families. National legal analysts for Newsline provide perspective on handling these tragedies.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

Key takeaways from analyst insights:

• An accident reconstruction team may be essential to determine crash dynamics.
• Proper resources help prove liability and secure compensation for losses like medical bills, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
• Families may pursue wrongful death claims for income loss, companionship, pain, and suffering.

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”

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