Tragic Accident in Hopewell: Toddler Fatally Struck by Vehicle

Residential Crash on Riverboat Drive Results in Injuries

Tragic Accident in Hopewell: Toddler Fatally Struck by Vehicle has stunned our tight-knit community and left a family grappling with unbearable loss. On Monday evening, May 19, at approximately 5:49 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a call about a child struck by a motor vehicle in the 400 block of South 19th Avenue. Officers from the Hopewell Police Department arrived within minutes to find a two-year-old boy suffering from severe trauma. Despite the prompt efforts of first responders, the little boy was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to initial reports, the driver remained on the scene and fully cooperated with investigators. The circumstances leading up to the collision are still under active review by the Hopewell Criminal Investigations Unit. Critical questions remain, including whether speed, visibility, or driver distraction played a role. Officials have urged anyone with information—witness accounts, dash-cam footage, or other evidence—to come forward. You can reach Lead Detective Shawn Grant at 804-541-2284.

In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the child’s family faces not only the emotional devastation of losing a beloved son but also a series of practical and financial burdens. Medical transport, emergency care, and hospital expenses can mount rapidly, even in tragic fatalities. Funeral and burial costs, combined with lost future income and the immeasurable value of a child’s companionship, add to the family’s distress.

When negligent or reckless conduct causes a fatality, Virginia law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. We at Latham & Martin, P.C. understand that no amount of money can fill the void left by such a profound loss. However, securing full compensation is vital to alleviate the crushing financial strain on the family. Potential damages at stake include:

Medical and Emergency Expenses: Costs incurred from ambulance transport, emergency room care, and any pre-death medical treatment.
Funeral and Burial Costs: Reasonable funeral, burial, and memorial service expenses.
Loss of Financial Support: The economic contributions the child would have provided over a lifetime, including education and future earnings.
Emotional Distress and Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the family’s pain, suffering, and the loss of parental guidance and companionship.
Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct—such as intoxicated or reckless driving—additional punitive awards may deter similar conduct and hold the responsible party accountable.

At Latham & Martin, P.C., we pride ourselves on compassionate advocacy and relentless pursuit of justice. When you entrust us with your case, you gain a team of seasoned wrongful death attorneys who will:

Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We’ll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, analyze police reports, and canvas witnesses to pinpoint liability.
Manage All Legal Proceedings: From filing the initial complaint to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, trying your case before a jury.
Provide Personalized Support: We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and honoring your child’s memory.
Offer Contingency Representation: You pay nothing upfront—our fees come only if we secure compensation.

At Latham & Martin, P.C., we stand by our clients every step of the way. We conduct thorough investigations—interviewing witnesses, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and obtaining critical police and medical records. Our team aggressively negotiates with insurance companies to secure full and fair settlements, and we’re prepared to litigate when insurers refuse to honor their obligations. We work on contingency, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case. We protect your rights from initial consultation through trial or settlement and help you rebuild your life.

Disclaimer: This article is provided by Latham & Martin Law and is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to ensure accuracy, some details have been sourced from external sources, and we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. If you notice any inaccuracies, don’t hesitate to contact our office so we can correct them. Content will be removed upon request.

Please note that the information shared here is not intended as legal or medical advice, nor does it serve as a solicitation for business. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, we strongly recommend seeking immediate medical attention. Additionally, the photo accompanying this article is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the incident.