Woodlawn, VA (January 31, 2025) – A mother lost her life, and her young child was hospitalized after a hit-and-run crash in Fairfax County. Authorities are now searching for the driver responsible.
On Wednesday, January 29, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Fairfax County Police responded to the intersection of Richmond Highway and Buckman Road, where 33-year-old Erica Tibbs and her 5-year-old child were struck by a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban while crossing the road.
The impact left both victims severely injured in the roadway. The driver abandoned the SUV a short distance away and fled on foot before officers arrived. Tibbs and her child were rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her child remains in stable condition as of Thursday night.
The Crash Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation. Officials urge anyone with information about the driver’s whereabouts to contact Fairfax County Police immediately.
Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the Tibbs family and all affected by this tragic incident.
Pedestrian Accidents in Virginia
Pedestrian crashes in Virginia are a significant concern, with hundreds of fatalities and severe injuries occurring annually. Data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles shows that pedestrian-related accidents accounted for over 10% of all traffic deaths in recent years. Many of these incidents occur on high-traffic roadways, especially during nighttime hours.
Understanding the dangers of pedestrian accidents can help in raising awareness and preventing future tragedies. Below are some common causes of these incidents:
- Driver Inattention – Many pedestrian crashes happen because drivers fail to pay attention, whether due to distractions like texting or simply not watching for people crossing the street.
- Failure to Yield – Some drivers do not obey traffic signals or stop signs, leading to dangerous collisions at crosswalks and intersections.
- Speeding – Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of injuries when a collision occurs.
- Poor Visibility – Nighttime conditions, bad weather, and inadequate street lighting contribute to many pedestrian accidents. Reflective clothing and proper road lighting can help mitigate risks.
- Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drug use remain significant factors in pedestrian-related crashes, affecting both drivers and pedestrians.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Our Woodlawn wrongful death lawyers at Blank & Marcus are here to help you understand your rights and options. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, and legal assistance can make a significant difference in obtaining justice and compensation.
At Blank & Marcus we understand how life-changing pedestrian accidents can be. Our experienced Richmond-based attorneys have decades of experience handling personal injury cases, securing multimillion-dollar settlements for our clients. Recognized for our legal achievements, we have been featured in Virginia Super Lawyers and hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell.
If you need legal support, we are here to help. Contact our team today for a free consultation at (866) 207-9823. Let us put our experience to work for you in pursuing justice and fair compensation.
Note: The details provided in this article regarding the reported incident have been compiled from publicly available sources. Blank & Marcus has not independently confirmed all aspects of the event. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing details, please notify our team immediately. We are committed to maintaining the accuracy of our reports and will swiftly update any errors to ensure the most reliable information is presented. Furthermore, requests for content removal will be respectfully addressed upon receipt.
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