Two people were rushed to the hospital following a serious hit-and-run collision on Highway 85 in Santa Clara County during the early morning hours of Friday, May 30, 2025. The California Highway Patrol continues investigating the incident and searching for the fled driver.
Details of the Highway 85 Collision
According to California Highway Patrol officials, the crash occurred before 5:00 a.m. on southbound Highway 85 near Blossom Hill Road. Two vehicles were involved in the collision, with one sustaining significant damage that required both occupants to be transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Fortunately, authorities have indicated that both victims are expected to make full recoveries from their injuries. However, the incident highlights the serious dangers hit-and-run drivers pose on California highways.
Investigation Underway for Fleeing Driver
California Highway Patrol officers discovered the second vehicle involved in the crash abandoned and unoccupied near the accident scene. CHP officials are actively working to identify and locate the driver who fled the scene after the collision.
Hit-and-run incidents present unique challenges for law enforcement, as investigators must piece together evidence from the scene, witness statements, and vehicle examination to track down the responsible party.
The investigation will likely involve forensic analysis of both vehicles to determine the exact sequence of events and impact patterns. CHP investigators also review any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras that may have captured the incident or the fleeing vehicle.
Legal Consequences of Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death are legally required to remain at the scene. Fleeing the scene of an accident with injuries is considered a felony offense that can result in:
- Up to four years in state prison
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Potential civil liability for damages and injuries
The penalties increase significantly if the accident results in serious bodily injury or death. Beyond criminal penalties, hit-and-run drivers face enhanced civil liability, including punitive damages that punish particularly egregious conduct.
California courts often award substantial punitive damages in hit-and-run cases, recognizing that fleeing the scene demonstrates a callous disregard for human life and safety. Additionally, insurance companies typically deny coverage for criminal acts, leaving hit-and-run drivers personally responsible for all damages awarded to victims.
Highway 85 Safety Concerns
Highway 85, the West Valley Freeway, connects San Jose to Mountain View and carries heavy traffic volumes throughout Silicon Valley. The stretch near Blossom Hill Road has been the site of multiple accidents over the years, often attributed to:
- High traffic speeds during off-peak hours
- Limited lighting conditions during early morning hours
- Challenging merge patterns and lane configurations
- Distracted or impaired driving
The California Department of Transportation has implemented safety measures along Highway 85, including improved signage, enhanced lighting at key interchanges, and regular pavement maintenance to address skid resistance.
However, the combination of Silicon Valley’s around-the-clock work schedules and the freeway’s role as a central commuter corridor presents ongoing safety challenges, particularly during the pre-dawn hours when this recent collision occurred.
Rights of Hit-and-Run Accident Victims
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in California have several legal options available to them, even when the at-fault driver initially flees the scene:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Most California drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage that can compensate when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks adequate insurance coverage.
California Victims of Crime Program
The state’s victim compensation program may assist with medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to violent crimes, including hit-and-run accidents.
Civil Recovery When Driver is Found
If law enforcement successfully identifies the hit-and-run driver, victims can pursue civil claims for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, taking immediate action can protect your safety and legal rights:
Immediate Safety Measures:
- Move to a safe location if possible
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance
- Document the scene with photos if you’re able
- Gather information from any witnesses present
Important Documentation:
- Note any details about the fleeing vehicle (make, model, color, license plate)
- Record the exact time and location of the accident
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses
It’s crucial to seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured immediately, as adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms of serious injuries like concussions or internal trauma.
Many hit-and-run victims experience a delayed onset of pain and symptoms hours or even days after the initial impact. Additionally, having immediate medical documentation creates a critical record linking your injuries directly to the accident, which can be vital for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
Working with Law Enforcement
California Highway Patrol and local police departments take hit-and-run investigations seriously, particularly when injuries are involved. Providing authorities with any available information about the fleeing vehicle or driver can significantly assist their investigation efforts.
Modern investigative techniques include analyzing traffic camera footage, examining debris and damage patterns, and using witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the collision.
Victims and their families should communicate regularly with the investigating officers and request periodic updates on the case status. While investigations can sometimes take weeks or months to resolve, staying engaged with law enforcement demonstrates the ongoing impact of the crime and ensures the case remains a priority.
It’s also important to promptly provide investigators with additional information that may come to light after the initial report, such as delayed witness accounts or previously overlooked vehicle damage that could provide crucial evidence.
Seeking Legal Representation
Hit-and-run accident cases often involve complex insurance issues and require a thorough investigation to identify all available sources of compensation. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure victims receive full compensation for their injuries and damages.
An attorney can assist with navigating insurance claims, communicating with law enforcement, and pursuing legal action if the hit-and-run driver is eventually identified and located.
Time is critical in hit-and-run cases, as evidence can deteriorate and witness memories can fade with each passing day. Personal injury attorneys have the resources to conduct independent investigations, hire accident reconstruction experts, and preserve crucial evidence before it’s lost.
They can also handle the complex paperwork and deadlines associated with insurance claims and legal filings, allowing victims to focus on their recovery while ensuring their rights are protected.
Highway Safety Awareness
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of defensive driving practices, particularly during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced and traffic patterns differ from peak commute times. Drivers should remain vigilant, maintain safe following distances, and avoid distractions while operating vehicles on highways like Highway 85.
The California Highway Patrol continues investigating this hit-and-run collision and encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact their offices. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on ensuring the victims receive appropriate medical care and that the responsible driver is held accountable for their actions.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Settlement Values
Hit-and-run settlement calculators serve as useful preliminary tools for victims to estimate compensation based on medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. These calculators typically consider the severity of injuries, duration of recovery, impact on daily activities, and available insurance coverage to provide rough settlement ranges.
However, it’s essential to understand that these online tools offer only general estimates and cannot account for the unique complexities of individual cases, such as multiple insurance policies, uninsured motorist coverage limits, or the specific circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run incident.
While settlement calculators can provide helpful baseline information for victims to understand potential compensation categories, they should never replace consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney who can accurately assess all available sources of recovery and navigate the intricate legal and insurance issues that hit-and-run cases present. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is devastating on multiple levels – not only are you dealing with physical injuries and property damage, but you’re also grappling with the frustration and injustice of someone fleeing the scene instead of taking responsibility. I want you to know that you’re not powerless in this situation. Even when the at-fault driver initially escapes, there are still avenues for recovery and justice. Your uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation, and law enforcement is working diligently to identify the responsible party. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or rush you into a quick settlement while you’re still recovering. Contact our team immediately if you or a loved one was injured in this Highway 85 collision or any hit-and-run accident. We’ll fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Time is critical in these cases, so please don’t wait to protect your rights.” – Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, don’t face the legal complexities alone. GJEL Accident Attorneys has successfully recovered millions for hit-and-run victims throughout California. Call us today for a free consultation.
We also work on a contingency fee, meaning we don’t get paid unless you win. Contact GJEL now and let our experienced team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Pleasanton office for free legal advice.
Resources and Emergency Contacts
California Highway Patrol
For information about this specific Highway 85 incident or to report additional details:
- CHP San Jose Area Office
- Address: 315 Renz Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020
- Non-Emergency Phone: (408) 848-2324
- Emergency: 911
- Online Reporting: www.chp.ca.gov
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
- Main Office
- Address: 55 W Younger Ave, San Jose, CA 95110
- Non-Emergency Phone: (408) 808-4400
- Emergency: 911
- Website: www.sccgov.org/sites/sheriff
Santa Clara County Roads and Airports Department
For traffic safety concerns and road condition reports:
- Traffic Engineering Division
- Address: 101 Skyport Dr, San Jose, CA 95110
- Phone: (408) 573-2434
- Website: www.sccgov.org/sites/rda
- Email: roads.admin@rda.sccgov.org
Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
For public transportation alternatives and traffic information:
- Customer Service
- Phone: (408) 321-2300
- Website: www.vta.org
- Address: 3331 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95134
Additional Resources
- California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 4
- Traffic Conditions: quickmap.dot.ca.gov
- Report Highway Issues: (510) 286-5900
- California Victim Compensation Board
- Phone: (800) 777-9229
- Website: victims.ca.gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Website: www.nhtsa.gov
- Phone: (888) 327-4236
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.