San Jose, CA – According to KTVU, on the morning of Wednesday, April 3, 2024, a fatal hit-and-run collision at the intersection of Nieman Boulevard and Daniel Maloney Drive, resulted in the death of 59-year-old Nicandro Quintanilla.
The San Jose Police Department swiftly responded to the scene shortly after 4 AM, where they discovered Quintanilla had been struck by a black Chevy Camaro reportedly traveling at high speed. The driver of the Camaro, believed to be a juvenile, fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities.
The tragic loss of Quintanilla adds to a concerning trend of traffic-related fatalities in San Jose. This incident marks the 12th traffic death in the city this year alone. Responding to community concerns about safety at the intersection, the city of San Jose has announced plans to construct a roundabout at the site in 2025, which it is believed will greatly reduce similar collisions.
In the wake of Quintanilla’s untimely passing, his family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his burial arrangements in Mexico.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
While no amount of money can bring back those who lose their lives in a vehicular fatality, the emotional burden of their loss is often accompanied by a financial burden that falls on their surviving family members.
A wrongful death claim filed with the insurance provider of an at-fault driver can provide compensation to help cover medical expenses, burial costs, and even the loss of support for dependents of the deceased.
Those involved in a pedestrian collision should be aware that motorists are required to exercise an additional “duty of care” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, which more often result in pedestrian fatalities.
In cases where a driver is found responsible for a pedestrian fatality, the victim’s family may have grounds to initiate a wrongful death claim through the driver’s insurance provider.
Should the driver escape justice, compensation may be available from a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine what the best options are.
