A tragic pedestrian fatality occurred on Wednesday evening, October 22, 2025, in a DUI crash, when a suspected impaired driver struck and killed a man on the connector from northbound Highway 87 to northbound Interstate 280 near downtown San Jose. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding this deadly collision, which has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.
Details of the Fatal DUI Crash
The California Highway Patrol received reports of the collision at approximately 7:20 p.m. on the freeway connector linking northbound Highway 87 to northbound Interstate 280. According to CHP investigators, a 52-year-old man from San Jose was driving a 2021 Hyundai when he lost control of the vehicle. The Hyundai struck a pedestrian who was standing on the right shoulder of the connector at the time of impact.
The force of the collision proved fatal. The victim, believed to be in his early to mid-40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the injuries sustained were too severe for any life-saving measures to be effective. The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released as authorities await formal identification and notification of next of kin by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office. This process ensures that family members are adequately informed before any public disclosure is made.
The driver of the Hyundai remained at the scene and was arrested by CHP officers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. CHP Officer Ross Lee, who spoke about the incident, noted that investigators are still working to determine why the victim was walking along the freeway connector. Pedestrians are not typically permitted on freeway connectors, and understanding the circumstances that led to the victim’s presence on the shoulder remains a critical component of the ongoing investigation.
Emergency Response and Investigation Procedures
When the collision was reported at 7:20 p.m., multiple emergency response units were dispatched to the scene on Highway 87 to the Interstate 280 connector. California Highway Patrol officers arrived first to secure the area and begin preliminary investigations. San Jose Fire Department paramedics and personnel also responded to provide emergency medical assistance, though tragically, the victim’s injuries were not survivable.
CHP investigators immediately began documenting the crash scene, a process that involves photographing the roadway, measuring skid marks, documenting debris patterns, and collecting physical evidence. These details help reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the collision. Officers also conducted field sobriety tests on the Hyundai driver, which led to his arrest on suspicion of DUI. Blood or breath samples were likely collected to determine the driver’s blood alcohol concentration at the time of the crash, evidence that will be crucial in any criminal proceedings.
The investigation also focuses on understanding why the pedestrian was on the freeway connector. CHP Officer Ross Lee acknowledged this question remains unanswered. Investigators will review available surveillance footage, examine the victim’s personal effects for clues about his activities that evening, and interview any potential witnesses who may have seen the victim before the collision. Determining whether the pedestrian’s vehicle had broken down, whether he was in distress, or what circumstances led him to be standing on the shoulder will help provide a complete picture of this tragedy.
Traffic on the connector was significantly impacted during the investigation. CHP officers closed lanes or temporarily diverted traffic to allow investigators to work safely and thoroughly document the scene. These closures, while inconvenient for motorists, are essential for gathering the evidence needed to understand exactly what happened and to build a potential criminal case against the driver.
Understanding DUI Pedestrian Accidents and Legal Implications
Driving under the influence remains one of the most preventable yet persistent dangers on California roadways. When impaired drivers lose control of their vehicles, the consequences can be catastrophic, particularly for vulnerable road users like pedestrians. In this case, the driver allegedly lost control of his 2021 Hyundai while under the influence of alcohol, resulting in the death of a man who was standing on the shoulder of the connector.
California law is unambiguous about the illegality and dangers of impaired driving. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a), it is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of alcohol to drive a vehicle. Section 23152(b) makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. When impaired driving results in injury or death, the legal consequences escalate dramatically. The driver in this case faces potential felony charges, including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, charges that carry substantial prison sentences.
Beyond the criminal consequences, the driver and potentially other parties may face civil liability for the victim’s death. The victim’s family may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of companionship and guidance, and the emotional suffering caused by their loved one’s death. In cases involving DUI, courts may also award punitive damages, designed to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
The investigation will also examine whether any factors beyond the driver’s impairment contributed to the collision. Questions about roadway lighting, visibility conditions, the condition of the Hyundai, and the circumstances that led the pedestrian to be on the freeway connector will all be thoroughly explored. However, the driver’s alleged impairment will likely be the central focus of both criminal prosecution and civil litigation.
When someone makes the reckless decision to drive under the influence, they’re not just breaking the law—they’re gambling with innocent lives. This San Jose family has lost a loved one because of another person’s completely preventable choice. No family should have to endure this kind of devastating loss, especially when it could have been avoided entirely. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this impossibly difficult time, and we hope they receive the justice and support they deserve as they navigate the road ahead.
Legal Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims’ Families
When a pedestrian is killed due to another person’s negligence or criminal conduct, California law provides the victim’s family members with the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. This civil action is separate from any criminal case the state may bring against the responsible driver and serves to provide financial compensation for the immense losses the family has suffered.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, certain family members have the legal standing to file wrongful death claims. These typically include the deceased person’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and, in some cases, other dependent family members. The wrongful death claim can seek compensation for economic damages such as medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of financial support and benefits the deceased would have provided. The claim can also seek non-economic damages for the family’s loss of companionship, guidance, and the emotional suffering they’ve endured.
In addition to wrongful death claims, the deceased person’s estate may pursue a survival action. While wrongful death claims compensate the family for their losses, survival actions seek damages for what the deceased person experienced before death, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings from the time of injury until death. Together, these legal avenues can provide significant financial recovery for families devastated by preventable pedestrian fatalities.
Time is a critical factor in these cases. California’s statute of limitations generally requires that wrongful death claims be filed within two years of the date of death. However, building a strong case requires immediate action. Evidence from the crash scene can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and crucial documentation must be secured quickly. Families dealing with the overwhelming grief of losing a loved one benefit tremendously from having experienced legal representation handle these complex matters while they focus on healing.
The unique circumstances of this case—encompassing a freeway connector, questions about the pedestrian’s presence on the shoulder, and the driver’s alleged impairment—will necessitate a thorough investigation and the expertise of legal professionals. Families should not have to navigate insurance companies, criminal proceedings, and civil litigation alone during such a difficult time. Experienced personal injury attorneys can manage all aspects of the legal process, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies to pursuing litigation if necessary.
Calculating Compensation in Fatal Pedestrian Accident Cases
Understanding the potential value of a wrongful death claim following a pedestrian fatality involves examining multiple categories of damages. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, financial recovery can help families maintain stability during a challenging period and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Economic damages in wrongful death cases typically include funeral and burial expenses, which can range from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the services selected. The claim also seeks compensation for lost financial support, calculated by considering the deceased person’s age, earnings, career trajectory, and life expectancy. For a victim in his early to mid-40s, this loss of financial support over his remaining work-life expectancy could represent hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in lost income and benefits that would have supported his family.
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses families suffer. The loss of companionship, love, guidance, and emotional support from a spouse, parent, or family member represents profound damage that California law recognizes as compensable. These damages are often substantial in cases involving younger victims who would have had many years ahead to share with their families. Courts consider factors including the nature of the family relationship, the deceased person’s role in the family, and the depth of the emotional bonds that have been severed.
In DUI cases, punitive damages may also be available. Unlike compensatory damages that aim to make the family whole, punitive damages are specifically designed to punish the defendant for egregiously reckless conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. Driving under the influence and causing a death represents precisely the type of conduct that California courts view as deserving of punitive damages. These damages can be substantial, often equaling or exceeding the compensatory damages awarded.
Several factors influence the ultimate value of these cases. The strength of evidence showing the driver’s impairment and responsibility for the collision is paramount. The deceased person’s age, health, and earning capacity directly impact economic damage calculations. The existence of dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support substantially increases claim values. The defendant’s ability to pay, available insurance coverage, and the skill of legal representation also play crucial roles in determining final recovery amounts.
Fatal DUI Crash Accident Settlement Calculator
Estimating the value of a wrongful death claim involves considering multiple factors unique to each case. While every situation is unique, families can gain a general understanding of potential compensation by considering several key categories of damages. Funeral and burial expenses typically range from $7,000 to $15,000, covering the immediate costs of laying a loved one to rest.
Lost income calculations based on the deceased’s age, earnings, and work-life expectancy often total hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, representing the financial support the victim would have provided over their remaining years. Courts also place high value on the loss of companionship and guidance for surviving family members, particularly in cases involving younger victims who would have had many decades to share with their loved ones. Medical expenses incurred before death, if applicable, are also recoverable.
In DUI cases specifically, punitive damages can equal or exceed compensatory damages, as courts seek to punish egregiously reckless behavior and deter future drunk driving. For a detailed evaluation of a specific case’s value, families should consult with experienced wrongful death attorneys who can assess all relevant factors and provide a more precise estimate based on the unique circumstances of their situation. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“When someone makes the senseless decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they put every person on the road at risk—including pedestrians who may be in vulnerable situations. This family is now facing an unimaginable loss because of one person’s reckless choice to drive under the influence. While we don’t yet know all the circumstances that led this victim to be on the freeway connector, what we do know is that an impaired driver failed to maintain control of their vehicle and took an innocent life. No family should have to endure this kind of devastating grief, especially when it stems from such a preventable act. If you’ve lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, please know that California law provides you with rights to seek justice and compensation during this impossibly difficult time. You don’t have to face the legal complexities alone—experienced attorneys can handle every aspect of your case while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.” –Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
Suppose your family has lost a loved one in this tragic pedestrian accident or any collision caused by a drunk driver. In that case, GJEL Accident Attorneys is here to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand that the last thing grieving families need is the burden of upfront legal costs, which is why we work exclusively on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.
This means there is absolutely no financial risk to you for seeking experienced legal representation during this difficult time. Our dedicated wrongful death attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the circumstances of the collision to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing maximum compensation for your family’s losses. Contact us today at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Fremont office for a free, no-obligation consultation. Alternatively, you can visit us at 111 North Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113. Let us fight for your family’s rights while you focus on healing and remembering your loved one.
Resources for San Jose Pedestrian Accident Victims’ Families
Families dealing with the aftermath of a fatal pedestrian accident in San Jose have access to numerous resources that can provide support, information, and assistance during this tough time.
California Highway Patrol San Jose Area Office serves as the primary investigating agency for this collision. Families can contact CHP for information about the investigation, to obtain a copy of the traffic collision report once it’s completed, and to receive updates on the criminal case against the driver. The San Jose Area CHP office is located at 125 Charcot Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131, and can be reached at (408) 467-5400. The CHP’s website, www.chp.ca.gov, provides additional resources and information on traffic safety.
Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office is responsible for formally identifying the victim and determining the cause and manner of death. Families working with this office can obtain death certificates needed for legal and financial matters. The Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office is located at 850 West Julian Street, San Jose, CA 95126, and can be contacted at (408) 793-1900. Their website, www.sccgov.org/me, provides information about their services and procedures.
Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office will likely prosecute the criminal case against the suspected DUI driver. Families of victims have the right to be informed about criminal proceedings and to provide victim impact statements. The District Attorney’s Victim Services Unit can be reached at (408) 792-2997 and provides advocacy and support to crime victims and their families. The office is located at 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110. Additional information is available at www.sccda.org.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) offers emotional support, victim advocacy, and guidance to families affected by impaired driving crashes. MADD’s 24-Hour Victim Helpline at 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435) connects families with trained advocates who understand the unique challenges of losing a loved one to a DUI crash. MADD also provides court accompaniment and assistance in navigating the criminal justice system. More information is available at www.madd.org.
California Victim Compensation Board provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime and their families, including those affected by DUI crashes. The board can help with expenses, including funeral and burial costs, mental health counseling, lost wages, and other crime-related expenses. Families can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-777-9229 or visiting www.victims.ca.gov. Applications must generally be filed within three years of the commission of the crime.
Grief counseling services in the San Jose area can provide crucial emotional support to families coping with sudden loss. The Hospice of the Valley offers grief support services at (408) 559-5600. The Center for Living with Dying, located at 4950 Almaden Expressway, Suite 220, San Jose, CA 95118, provides grief counseling and support groups and can be reached at (408) 243-0222. Many families also find support through faith-based communities and private counseling services.
Legal assistance from experienced wrongful death attorneys can help families understand their rights and pursue compensation while they focus on healing. GJEL Accident Attorneys has been representing California accident victims and their families since 1972. Our San Jose office is located at 111 North Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113. Families can reach us at (408) 288-8484 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning families pay no upfront costs, and we only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation. For more information about our services, please visit www.gjel.com.
