A pedestrian was killed in a collision with a vehicle in the early morning hours of May 1, 2023, in San Jose. KRON4-TV reported on the accident near Tully Road and Lanai Avenue. According to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD), a vehicle collided with the female victim, who was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. She was later pronounced dead, according to the police. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, who are still looking into the cause of the accident.
The accident closed the westbound lanes of Tully Road all the way to Highway 101, with significant delays being expected. Officials also confirmed that this is San Jose’s 10th fatal pedestrian accident in 2023.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in San Jose
Simply put, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to accidents with vehicles. As the above story illustrates, serious injuries and even death is often the result of these accidents. San Jose is no stranger to pedestrian accidents, and several factors contribute to them. These include:
- Distractions – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in San Jose and throughout California. When drivers are distracted by their phones, passengers or other distractions may not see pedestrians or react in time to avoid an accident.
- Speeding – Another major cause of pedestrian accidents in San Jose is speeding. When drivers move at high speeds, they have much less time to react to pedestrians and are more likely to cause serious injuries or fatal accidents.
- Lack of visibility – Like other areas, poor visibility can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night or in bad weather conditions in San Jose. Conversely, pedestrians wearing dark clothing or not using crosswalks may also be difficult to see.
- Failure to yield – Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections can cause serious accidents. In San Jose, pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, and drivers who do not yield can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages.
- Driving under the influence – An always dangerous act is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have slower reaction times and are more likely to act recklessly, which makes them more likely to cause pedestrian accidents.
- Road design – Poorly designed or maintained roads can also contribute to pedestrian accidents in San Jose. Roads without sidewalks or crosswalks or poor lighting can make it more difficult for pedestrians to navigate safely and for drivers to see them.
Often, various factors contribute to a pedestrian accidents in San Jose. Seeking medical attention and getting to safety should be your first priority should you be involved in one. After that, you can turn your attention to your legal options.
Legal Options For San Jose Pedestrian Accident Victims
When you’ve been injured in a San Jose pedestrian accident, you have a few options to hold the at-fault party accountable. Usually, this involves filing an injury claim with the responsible party’s insurance. This could be the driver of the vehicle that struck you or even the local government if the accident were caused by a road defect or something similar.
What a claim will allow you to recover in one of these accidents are certain “damages”, which are simply benefits and support that are designed to help you recover from any injuries or other damage you suffered. Normally, this includes things like:
- Medical expenses and bills
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Most likely, when you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, you’re facing mounting medical bills and psychological trauma relating to the incident. To protect your rights, consider speaking with an experienced team of San Jose pedestrian accident lawyers. They can advise you of your options and give you the support you need.
