San Jose, CA — According to NBC Bay Area, authorities have located the driver suspected to have been involved in a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run on Monday evening, November 18, 2024.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene at Bird and Coe Avenues around 8:45 PM after reports of a man being hit by a vehicle that fled. Police said the pedestrian had been attempting to clear a large tree branch from the roadway when he was struck.
The suspect vehicle, identified as a 2019 red Chevy pickup, was later located. The driver told officers he did not realize he had hit a person and left the scene to seek treatment for injuries sustained during the crash.
The pedestrian was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead. The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The victim’s identity will be released by the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office once family members have been notified.
Police confirmed that alcohol or drugs did not appear to be factors in the incident. They did not disclose whether the driver was taken into custody.
This marks San Jose’s 45th traffic-related death in 2024 and the 18th involving a pedestrian. The investigation remains ongoing.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
