In a tragic start to the new year, San Jose recorded its first traffic fatality of 2025 when a pedestrian was struck and killed while crossing Berryessa Road on Monday night. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in one of Northern California’s busiest metropolitan areas.
Incident Details
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 10:33 p.m. at the intersection of Berryessa and Sierra roads. According to the San Jose Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit, the pedestrian, an adult male, was attempting to cross Berryessa Road southbound when he was struck by an eastbound 2001 Toyota SUV.
Critical details in the investigation revealed that the pedestrian was walking just outside the marked crosswalk area when the incident occurred. The intersection, located in North San Jose’s bustling corridor, is known for its significant traffic volume and multiple lanes of travel in each direction. Weather conditions and visibility at the time of the incident remain under investigation, though the driver’s unobstructed green light signal has been confirmed by investigators.
Emergency Response and Outcome
Emergency crews promptly responded to the scene following reports of a pedestrian-involved vehicle collision. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Despite medical intervention, he was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. First responders, including paramedics and San Jose Fire Department personnel, arrived within minutes of the 911 call and implemented immediate life-saving measures at the scene.
While emergency medical technicians worked to stabilize the victim for transport, SJPD officers secured the crash site and began gathering crucial evidence. The rapid response of emergency services, while commendable, unfortunately, could not prevent this incident from becoming San Jose’s first traffic fatality of 2025.
Driver Cooperation and Investigation
The driver of the silver Toyota SUV, identified as an adult male, demonstrated full cooperation with law enforcement following the incident. Police confirmed that the driver remained at the scene and is assisting with the ongoing investigation. Initial reports indicate the Toyota had a green light when proceeding through the intersection. SJPD’s Traffic Investigations Unit is conducting a thorough analysis of the scene, including reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and collecting statements from potential witnesses.
As part of standard procedure in fatal collision investigations, the driver voluntarily submitted to sobriety testing and provided detailed statements about the events leading up to the incident. Investigators are particularly focused on determining factors such as vehicle speed, lighting conditions, and any potential visibility obstructions that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Pedestrian Safety Considerations
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder about the importance of using designated crosswalks and following traffic signals. While investigations are ongoing, the location of the collision – just outside a marked crosswalk – underscores the critical nature of pedestrian infrastructure and safe crossing practices.
The Berryessa-Sierra intersection, like many major San Jose intersections, features marked crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and dedicated crossing times designed to prevent such accidents. According to city traffic data, non-crosswalk pedestrian incidents are significantly more likely to result in severe injury or death compared to those occurring within marked crossing zones.
The City of San Jose’s Vision Zero program, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities, continues to emphasize the importance of utilizing designated crossing areas and maintaining awareness of traffic signals, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced.
Legal Implications
In cases involving pedestrian fatalities, various factors must be considered, including:
- Traffic signal timing and functionality
- Visibility conditions at the time of the incident
- Driver reaction time and speed
- Pedestrian behaviour and positioning
- Road design and safety features
The details of this case highlight the complex nature of pedestrian-vehicle accidents and the importance of both driver and pedestrian awareness in preventing such tragedies. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must exercise due care for pedestrian safety, even in cases where pedestrians may be outside marked crosswalks.
However, pedestrians also have a duty of care to use reasonable caution when crossing streets. In this incident, factors such as the driver’s adherence to traffic signals, the pedestrian’s proximity to the marked crosswalk, and any potential contributing circumstances will all play crucial roles in determining legal liability.
GJEL’s experienced legal team understands that these cases often require extensive investigation, including accident reconstruction, witness interviews, and analysis of surveillance footage to establish a complete understanding of the incident.
The Importance of Settlement Calculators in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Understanding the potential value of a pedestrian accident claim is crucial for both victims and their families. Fatal car accident settlement calculators serve as valuable preliminary tools in estimating compensation, though they should be viewed as starting points rather than definitive assessments.
In pedestrian accident cases like the recent Berryessa Road tragedy, multiple factors influence potential settlements. These include medical expenses, both immediate and long-term, loss of income, pain and suffering, and the impact on family members. While no calculator can capture the full human cost of such incidents, these tools help establish baseline expectations for negotiations with insurance companies and at-fault parties.
However, it’s important to note that pedestrian accident settlements often exceed standard calculator estimates due to several factors specific to these cases:
- Higher severity of injuries typically associated with pedestrian impacts
- Complex liability scenarios involving multiple parties
- Long-term medical care requirements
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress
- Impact on family members and dependents
- Municipal liability in cases involving road design or signal timing issues
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we combine advanced settlement calculation tools with decades of experience in pedestrian accident cases to ensure our clients receive fair and comprehensive compensation. While online calculators provide initial estimates, consulting with an experienced attorney who understands the nuances of Bay Area pedestrian accident cases often reveals additional compensation opportunities that basic calculators might miss. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the legal experts.
Moving Forward
“As someone who has represented Bay Area accident victims for over 40 years, my heart goes out to those affected by this tragic incident at Berryessa Road. While no amount of compensation can truly make up for such a loss, families must understand their legal rights during this difficult time. Even in cases where a pedestrian may have been outside a crosswalk, multiple factors can affect liability, including road design, lighting conditions, and driver behaviour. I strongly encourage anyone impacted by this accident to seek legal counsel promptly – not just to protect your rights, but to ensure you have a knowledgeable advocate who can handle the complexities of your case while you focus on healing and recovery. At GJEL, we’re committed to thoroughly investigating every aspect of accidents like these to secure the compensation families deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation; we’re here to help guide you through this challenging time.”- Andy Gillin, Founding Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one is impacted by a tragic pedestrian accident in North San Jose. For over 40 years, our experienced legal team has successfully advocated for accident victims throughout the Bay Area, securing the compensation they deserve. Recognized as leading attorneys in pedestrian accident cases, we fight tirelessly for our clients while providing compassionate, personalized legal guidance. Don’t wait – call us now at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Pleasanton office for your free consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case. GJEL Accident Attorneys: Your trusted advocates when it matters most.
Important Resources and Contact Information
For information about this incident or to provide additional details about the Berryessa Road collision, please contact:
San Jose Police Department
- Traffic Investigations Unit: (408) 277-4654
- Non-Emergency Line: (408) 277-8900
- Anonymous Tip Line: (408) 947-STOP
- Website: www.sjpd.org
San Jose Department of Transportation
- Traffic Safety Division: (408) 535-3850
- Report Traffic Signal Issues: (408) 535-3500
- Vision Zero San Jose Program: www.sanjoseca.gov/visionzero
- Traffic Calming Requests: (408) 535-3850
Additional Resources
- Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office: (408) 793-1900
- San Jose Police Department Records Unit (accident reports): (408) 277-4141
- CHP San Jose Area Office: (408) 467-5400
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.