Queens, NY (March 13, 2026) – A woman died after a hit-and-run crash Wednesday afternoon, March 11, along Jamaica Avenue in Queens. Emergency units responded around 3 p.m. after reports that a pedestrian had been struck while crossing the street. When crews arrived, they found a woman suffering from severe injuries to her head and body.
Authorities later identified the victim as 57-year-old Suzanne Schmieder. She had been walking across Jamaica Avenue when a 2001 Lincoln LS struck her in the roadway.
The driver did not stop after the crash and continued driving. New York Police said the vehicle was last seen heading toward the nearby Van Wyck Expressway.
Emergency responders provided aid at the scene before transporting Schmieder to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for treatment. Doctors later pronounced her dead at the hospital due to the injuries she suffered in the crash.
Investigators have not announced any arrests in connection with the incident. Authorities continue to search for the driver involved and are reviewing evidence related to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time.
Legal Options Families Have After a Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident in New York
Families may have several legal options after a fatal hit-and-run accident in New York. In many cases, surviving relatives can pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for financial losses linked to the crash. If the driver cannot be identified or does not carry insurance, families may also explore coverage through uninsured motorist policies or other available insurance protections.
Hit-and-run crashes present unique challenges because the responsible driver leaves the scene. These cases often require careful review of traffic cameras, witness statements, and vehicle evidence to identify the driver. Law enforcement agencies work to locate the person responsible, but the legal process for families may move forward through insurance claims or civil actions when appropriate.
Fatal pedestrian accidents can also lead to significant financial burdens for surviving family members. Medical treatment before death, funeral expenses, and the loss of financial support may affect a household’s stability. New York wrongful death laws allow certain family members to seek compensation related to these economic losses, including lost wages and services the person would have provided to their family.
Documentation plays an important role in these cases. Records such as medical bills, hospital reports, funeral invoices, and employment income details help demonstrate the financial impact of the loss. Organized records may help attorneys and insurance representatives better understand the damages connected to the fatal collision.
Legal guidance may also help families understand how insurance coverage applies in hit-and-run incidents. Uninsured motorist coverage, for example, sometimes provides benefits when a driver leaves the scene and cannot be identified. A wrongful death attorney can review policy details and explain what types of compensation may be available under state law.
Our team at Metro Law has extensive experience reviewing accident-related questions and explaining legal options under New York law.
If you would like more information about possible next steps, you can speak with our attorneys at Metro Law at (800) 469-6476. We can explain how insurance claims, documentation, and legal procedures may apply after a fatal hit-and-run accident.