A serious multi-vehicle crash accident on San Jose’s Almaden Expressway on Tuesday afternoon February 18, resulted in critical injuries and significant traffic disruption. The incident highlights the ongoing safety concerns along this major thoroughfare.
Incident Details and Location
The crash occurred on February 18, 2025, at approximately 1:35 p.m. on Almaden Expressway, in the segment between Hillsdale Avenue and Branham Lane. This location, situated just north of State Route 85, is a heavily trafficked area that serves as a crucial artery for San Jose commuters.
This section of Almaden Expressway is particularly challenging due to its high traffic volume and multiple access points from surrounding commercial and residential areas. The expressway typically experiences peak congestion during afternoon hours when the accident occurs, as it serves as a major corridor for both local traffic and commuters connecting to State Route 85. GJEL Accident Attorneys has handled numerous cases along this stretch of roadway, where the combination of merging traffic, multiple lanes, and varying speeds can create hazardous conditions for drivers.
Emergency Response and Medical Status
First responders quickly arrived at the scene, where they found one person with life-threatening injuries. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. By early evening, around 6:30 p.m., authorities reported that the patient’s condition had stabilized, though they remained in critical condition.
The rapid response of San Jose emergency services played a crucial role in this incident. Multiple emergency units were dispatched, including paramedics, fire crews, and specialized accident response teams. In severe crashes like this one, the “golden hour” – the first 60 minutes after a traumatic injury – is critical for patient survival.
Our experience at GJEL has shown that the quality and speed of emergency response often significantly impact not only patient outcomes but also the strength of subsequent injury claims. The fact that emergency teams were able to stabilize the patient speaks to the effectiveness of San Jose’s emergency response protocols in managing severe traffic accidents.
Traffic Impact and Road Closures
The severity of the incident necessitated a complete closure of Almaden Expressway in both directions:
- All southbound lanes were closed
- All northbound lanes were closed
- The closure extended from Branham Lane to Hillsdale Avenue
- The shutdown lasted approximately five hours
- Roads reopened to traffic by 6:30 p.m.
The extended closure of this major arterial route had significant ripple effects throughout San Jose’s south-side transportation network. Local traffic was diverted to parallel routes such as Meridian Avenue and Highway 87, causing substantial congestion on these alternate roadways during peak afternoon hours.
GJEL’s local experience shows that such extended closures on major expressways often lead to secondary accidents on alternate routes as drivers navigate unfamiliar streets or face unexpected congestion. The five-hour shutdown particularly impacted afternoon commuters and local businesses in the Almaden area.
Safety Considerations on Almaden Expressway
Almaden Expressway is known for being one of San Jose’s busier thoroughfares, particularly during peak hours. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of:
- Maintaining safe following distances
- Staying alert to changing traffic conditions
- Following posted speed limits
- Being prepared for sudden stops in heavy traffic
GJEL Accident Attorneys has observed a concerning pattern of accidents along this corridor, particularly where the expressway intersects with major cross streets. The combination of high-speed traffic, multiple lanes, and frequent lane changes creates heightened risk during peak hours.
Data from recent years shows this stretch of Almaden Expressway has become an accident hotspot, with a significant number of incidents occurring during afternoon rush hour. Drivers should be particularly cautious when merging or changing lanes, as limited visibility and aggressive driving behaviors often contribute to multi-vehicle collisions in this area.
Ongoing Investigation
The San Jose Police Department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision. In these complex multi-vehicle accidents, investigators must carefully piece together the sequence of events that led to the crash. SJPD investigators are examining vehicle positions and damage patterns to understand the collision dynamics while gathering critical witness statements from drivers and bystanders.
Traffic camera footage from nearby intersections could provide valuable insights into the pre-crash conditions and driver behaviors. Additionally, investigators are evaluating road and weather conditions at the time of the incident, as well as analyzing driver statements and actions leading up to the collision.
These comprehensive investigations typically take several weeks to complete, as investigators must cross-reference multiple sources of evidence to establish a clear understanding of liability. At GJEL, we work closely with accident investigators and often conduct our independent investigations to ensure our clients’ interests are protected during this critical phase.
Legal Implications for Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-vehicle crashes often present complex liability scenarios that require careful investigation and legal expertise to resolve. When multiple vehicles are involved, determining fault becomes more challenging as each driver may bear different degrees of responsibility. Based on GJEL’s extensive experience with chain-reaction accidents, we strongly recommend taking specific actions to protect your legal rights.
If you’re involved in such an accident and it’s safe to do so, document the scene thoroughly with photos and videos. Gathering contact information from witnesses is crucial, as their testimonies often provide vital perspectives on how the accident unfolded. It’s essential to report the incident to your insurance company promptly but be cautious about giving recorded statements without legal representation.
Seeking immediate medical attention is critical not only for your health but also for documenting any injuries related to the accident. Given the complexity of multi-vehicle accident claims and the potential for multiple insurance companies to be involved, consulting with an experienced accident attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Understanding Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculators
Catastrophic injury settlement calculators serve as valuable tools in estimating potential compensation values, though they should be viewed as general guidelines rather than definitive assessments. While these calculators consider factors like medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care costs, they can’t fully capture the profound impact of catastrophic injuries on a victim’s life.
At GJEL, our experience shows that catastrophic injury settlements typically range far higher than calculator estimates suggest, often due to factors that calculators can’t quantify – such as the psychological impact of permanent disability, loss of life experiences, and family relationships.
For instance, in a recent case involving a traumatic brain injury, the initial calculator estimate suggested a settlement range of $500,000 to $750,000. Still, our detailed assessment of lifetime care needs and quality of life impacts ultimately secured a $2.8 million settlement. This demonstrates why professional legal evaluation is crucial for accurately valuing catastrophic injury claims beyond basic calculator estimates. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney, call us now at +1 415-986-4777.
Moving Forward
“As someone who has helped accident victims for over 40 years, I understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a serious crash can be, especially one as severe as this Almaden Expressway incident. If you or a loved one were injured, please seek medical care first and foremost – your health is the priority. Once you’re stable, document everything you can remember about the accident and keep all medical records. Multi-vehicle crashes like this often involve complex liability issues and multiple insurance companies, each trying to minimize their responsibility. Don’t feel pressured to accept any early settlement offers, as the full extent of injuries may not be immediately apparent. Our team at GJEL is here to help protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. I invite you to reach out to us for a free consultation so we can evaluate your case and explain your options.”- Andy Gillin, Founding Partner GJEL Accident Attorneys
Don’t face the aftermath of a serious accident alone. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we’ve helped thousands of California residents secure the compensation they deserve, with a 99% success rate and over $950 million recovered for our clients. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of multi-vehicle accidents and catastrophic injury cases, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.GJEL Accident Attorneys today offers a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us 24/7 at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Hayward office.
Remember, you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case. Let our award-winning attorneys help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. GJEL serves the San Francisco Bay Area and all Northern California communities
If you or a loved one has been involved in this or any multi-vehicle accident in San Jose, GJEL Accident Attorneys can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of multi-vehicle collision cases and can guide you through the legal process. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Additional Resources and Emergency Contacts
For information about this accident or to report additional details:
San Jose Police Department
- Traffic Investigations Unit: (408) 277-4654
- Non-Emergency Line: (408) 277-8900
- SJPD Traffic Website: www.sjpd.org/traffic
- Follow SJPD on Twitter: @SanJosePD for real-time traffic updates
Traffic Resources:
- San Jose Department of Transportation: (408) 535-3850
- Report a Traffic Signal Problem: (408) 535-3500
- Almaden Expressway Maintenance: (408) 494-1355
- Santa Clara County Roads and Airports: (408) 494-2760
Emergency Services:
- Emergency: 911
- CHP San Jose Office: (408) 467-5400
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center: (408) 885-5000
Stay informed about San Jose traffic conditions:
- 511.org for Bay Area traffic updates
- Caltrans District 4 Real-Time Traffic: quickmap.dot.ca.gov
- San Jose DOT Twitter: @SanJoseDOT
For accident reports and documentation:
- Request Traffic Collision Report: www.sjpd.org/records
- Traffic Court Information: www.scscourt.org/traffic
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.