Minerva Martinez Killed in Chicago Hit-and-Run Car Accident

Wrongful Death - May 5, 2026

Minerva Martinez Died in Chicago Car Accident With Red Pickup Truck Along North Central Avenue

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (May 5, 2026) – A 65-year-old woman identified as Minerva Martinez has tragically died in a Chicago hit-and-run car accident on North Central Avenue.

Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:30 PM on Sunday. Minerva Martinez was walking in a crosswalk when she was hit by a red pickup truck.

The driver of that pickup truck allegedly fled down Central Avenue. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim.

Despite life-saving care, Minerva Martinez died due to the severe nature of her injuries. Surveillance footage from the scene of the accident helped police locate a person of interest.

That person has been placed in custody. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Chicago Hit-and-Run Car Accidents

All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. They must also use their horns when necessary and exercise the proper precautions to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. There are many ways that a driver may have acted negligently prior to hitting a pedestrian.

• Distracted Driving: A driver may have been distracted by looking at their phone or other objects.
• Blind Spots: A driver may have failed to check their blind spots before making a turn at an intersection.
• Intoxication: A driver may have been distracted by their use of alcohol or prescription drugs.
• Speed: A driver may have been traveling at a speed that would be unsafe given the prevailing road conditions.

If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian in the roadway, this could serve as evidence of negligence. When drivers flee the scene of an injury collision, they could also face criminal liability. Drivers are supposed to remain at the scene of any injury collision. Liability for a pedestrian accident could extend beyond any specific driver. This is particularly true if a truck was being used for commercial purposes at the time of a crash.

Steps to Take After Chicago Hit-and-Run Car Accidents

Far too many people are seriously injured or killed every year in accidents involving hit-and-run drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “There were 2,932 fatalities in traffic crashes involving hit-and-run drivers in 2022, an increase of 0.5 percent from 2,917 in 2021. Of the 7,522 pedestrian fatalities, 1,910 (25%) were involved in hit-and-run crashes in 2022. Of the 1,105 pedalcyclist fatalities, 265 (24%) were involved in hit-and-run crashes in 2022.” Several actions should be taken after any hit-and-run accident.

• All of the surveillance footage that may have captured the crash should be sought.
• Medical records related to injuries should be collected.
• Any person who may have witnessed the collision should be interviewed.
• The family of any person who died should seek an independent review by a team experienced in accident reconstruction.

The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are preventable. These incidents tend to involve drivers that are not adequately paying attention to the road ahead of them. Unfortunately, drivers and their insurance providers will almost never accept responsibility when they are involved in a fatal crash. It is important that the victims of these collisions and their surviving family members understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability and justice through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Chicago Hit-and-Run Collisions

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Minerva Martinez. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Many questions remain unanswered at this time.

Do you need more information about a Chicago hit-and-run collision? You may have legal recourse. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.