San Martin, CA – In the early hours of Sunday, September 13, 2026, a pedestrian collision resulted in a fatality at West San Martin Avenue and Colony Avenue, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 2:50 AM at a rural intersection in the unincorporated community of San Martin, south of San Jose.
Authorities said a caller reported a vehicle facing the wrong way and a man down on the ground at the scene. Santa Clara County Roads was contacted for a hard closure at San Martin Avenue’s intersections with both Colony Avenue and Harding Avenue, with an estimated arrival of 15 to 20 minutes. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist with the investigation.
No additional details regarding the identity of the deceased had been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Santa Clara County Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers to exercise an extra duty of care toward pedestrians, remaining vigilant and prepared to stop even in low-visibility nighttime conditions on rural roadways. When a pedestrian collision results in a fatality, investigators with California law enforcement examine visibility, speed, and driver attentiveness to determine the cause and whether the driver may bear liability.
Because a witness reported the involved vehicle was facing the wrong way after the crash, the vehicle’s final position and any physical evidence at the scene could help investigators reconstruct exactly how the collision occurred. The family of the pedestrian who lost his or her life may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
