San Jose, CA – In the late hours of Sunday, July 13, 2025, a person was killed in a fiery three-vehicle crash on the northbound side of State Route 87 near the Taylor Street off-ramp, according to CHP Fatal.
The collision occurred just before 11:30 PM. CHP reports that a black sedan veered off the roadway and caught fire. The incident quickly escalated into a multi-vehicle crash, involving a white Honda Civic and an additional unidentified vehicle, with cars coming to rest on both shoulders and off the roadway.
Emergency services were dispatched immediately. San Jose Fire Department units arrived and shut down the number 3 lane to battle the blaze, which engulfed at least one vehicle. CHP officers began diverting all northbound traffic off at Taylor Street, halting movement on the highway for several hours.
The Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the scene. The deceased individual’s identity has not yet been released, pending family notification.
By approximately 2:30 AM on July 14, the roadway was reopened. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
