Driver Killed, Two Passengers Seriously Injured in North San Jose Crash

A driver was killed and two passengers suffered major injuries in a solo-vehicle crash in North San Jose early Thursday morning, according to the San Jose Police Department.

First responders were dispatched at 3:26 a.m. on October 8 to Zanker Road and Daggett Drive. Police said the vehicle struck a concrete wall in the center median of Zanker Road.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities had not publicly released the driver's identity as of Thursday morning. The two passengers were taken to a hospital with major injuries and were later reported to be in stable condition.

Police temporarily closed roads in the area while investigators examined the scene. The make and model of the vehicle, the direction it had been traveling, and the cause of the crash had not been released. The collision remains under investigation.

How Injured Passengers Can Pursue a Claim

Passengers are rarely responsible for how a vehicle is driven, but they still need evidence showing what caused a crash and which insurance policies apply. A passenger may be able to bring a claim against a responsible driver, a vehicle owner, or another party whose conduct contributed to the collision. Available compensation can include medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering.

In a serious solo-vehicle crash, investigators may review roadway evidence, vehicle data, mechanical condition, surveillance video, phone records when legally available, and witness statements. The fact that only one vehicle was reported does not establish why the crash happened. An injured passenger can work with a car accident lawyer to obtain records and deal with insurance carriers while the police investigation continues.

What the Driver's Family Should Know

The driver's family may have a wrongful-death claim if the investigation eventually establishes that another person or entity was legally responsible. Police have not released evidence supporting that conclusion in this case, so it is too early to determine whether such a claim exists.

Families should preserve the vehicle, photographs, medical and funeral records, insurance documents, and any communications concerning the crash. Different claims can have different filing and notice deadlines, so legal review should not wait for every investigative report to be completed.