HASTINGS, N.Y.— Aunamarie Mahnken, age 12, suffered critical injuries on March 31 in an accident near Central Square Middle School in Hastings.
New York State Police reported the accident occurred around 2:44 p.m. on U.S. Route 11. Mahnken was crossing the road from the school when she failed to notice a vehicle traveling southbound and was struck.
Emergency responders transported Mahnken to Upstate Medical University Hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Police identified the driver as a 22-year-old Central Square resident, who cooperated fully with investigators.
Authorities stated the driver is not expected to face charges. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Aunamarie Mahnken critically injured in Oswego County accident
April 02, 2025
Incident Location
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians face danger every day. While all of us need to exercise care, the burden of responsibility falls mainly on drivers.
In 2018, motor vehicles injured an additional 150,000 pedestrians, according to the National Safety Council.
Pedestrian crashes often are caused by distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield to a pedestrian.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Accident Injury News.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” added Bond. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
Bond stressed, “In most instances, pedestrians possess the right-of-way when crossing an intersection or a street, regardless if they are in a marked crosswalk. A driver must yield to any pedestrian.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Aunamarie Mahnken may have the right to pursue a personal injury suit pending an investigation.
Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.”
“Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with mounting expenses that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” Formica added.
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in serious injury pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News 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 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
