San Jose, CA – A tragic incident occurred late Sunday night, January 12, 2025, when a pedestrian lost his life after being hit by a vehicle in San Jose. According to reports from NBC Bay Area, the driver was taken into custody shortly after leaving the scene.
Officers arrived at approximately 10:50 PM following a report of an accident involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Lonus Road. Investigators determined that the driver, a man behind the wheel of a 2014 white Acura SUV, was heading north on Lincoln Avenue when he struck the pedestrian, who was crossing outside of any designated crosswalk. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The police apprehended the driver while he was departing the scene, and he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). He was subsequently booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter. This incident marks the second fatal collision and the second traffic-related death in San Jose for this year, also reflecting the second pedestrian fatality.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pedestrian, as they await notification of the family.
According to California DUI Law Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC), it is illegal for any driver to “operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
In addition, California law mandates that drivers involved in an accident must stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with other parties involved. Failing to do so is deemed a “hit-and-run,” which is categorized as a misdemeanor for property damage incidents and a felony when injuries occur.
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly at risk during traffic incidents. This duty includes being attentive to pedestrians crossing roadways and ensuring that, in the unfortunate event of a fatal accident, they remain with the victim, alert emergency services, and cooperate with authorities investigating the incident.
For families who have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, pursuing a Wrongful Death claim with help from an experienced attorney may provide financial support to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and other related damages. Additionally, if the driver at fault evades legal repercussions, compensation might still be accessible via a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can offer clarity on the best course of action in such situations.