A tragic DUI-related collision in San Jose has claimed the life of one woman and left another injured, highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired driving. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning on June 11, 2025, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by drunk drivers on California roadways.
Details of the Fatal Tully Road Collision
According to the San Jose Police Department, the deadly crash took place at approximately 1:50 a.m. on the 800 block of Tully Road near Galveston Avenue. The accident involved a blue 2015 Toyota sedan carrying three occupants – a male driver and two female passengers.
Police reports indicate that the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Tully Road when the driver lost control, veering off the roadway and colliding with a tree. The impact of the crash was severe enough to cause fatal injuries to one of the passengers.
The collision occurred during the early morning hours when traffic is typically lighter, yet the consequences proved devastating. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, but the severity of the impact had already sealed the tragic outcome. The tree collision appears to have been a single-vehicle accident, with no other cars involved in the crash sequence.
Victims and Injuries from the San Jose DUI Crash
Both female passengers were immediately transported to a local hospital following the collision. Tragically, one woman was pronounced dead upon arrival at the medical facility. The second passenger sustained injuries, though authorities have indicated these injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The driver was treated at the scene for his injuries before being arrested by San Jose police officers. He now faces serious criminal charges related to the fatal crash.
The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of family members, as is standard protocol in fatal traffic accidents. The surviving passenger’s condition remains stable, though she will likely face a long recovery process from both physical injuries and the emotional trauma of losing her companion in such a preventable tragedy.
DUI Charges Filed Against Driver
Law enforcement officials have taken the male driver into custody on charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. These serious criminal charges reflect the gravity of the situation and the driver’s alleged impaired state at the time of the collision.
Vehicular manslaughter charges in California can result in significant prison time, especially when combined with DUI charges. The case will likely proceed through the Santa Clara County court system, where the driver will face the full consequences of his alleged actions.
Under California Penal Code Section 191.5, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Given the fatal outcome and the presence of DUI allegations, prosecutors will likely pursue felony charges, which could result in up to 10 years in state prison if convicted.
The Ongoing Problem of DUI Crashes in Santa Clara County
This fatal accident adds to the concerning statistics of DUI-related crashes throughout Santa Clara County and the greater Bay Area. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement efforts, impaired driving continues to claim lives on local roadways.
The Tully Road corridor, where this crash occurred, is a busy thoroughfare with significant traffic throughout the day and night. The area’s mix of residential and commercial zones makes it particularly dangerous for drivers operating vehicles under the influence.
Statistics from the California Highway Patrol show that Santa Clara County consistently ranks among the top counties in the state for DUI-related fatalities.
The combination of dense population, numerous entertainment districts, and major roadways creates conditions where impaired driving incidents occur with alarming frequency, making public safety a continuing concern for local authorities.
Legal Rights of DUI Crash Victims and Families
When someone is killed or injured in a DUI crash, victims and their families have important legal rights under California law. These rights include the ability to pursue compensation through both criminal restitution and civil litigation.
It’s crucial for families to understand that they have a limited time to exercise these rights. California’s statute of limitations requires most personal injury and wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of the incident. Acting quickly also helps preserve vital evidence, witness testimony, and accident scene documentation, which can be critical to building a strong case.
Criminal Restitution vs. Civil Claims
While the criminal case against the drunk driver may result in restitution orders, these payments are often limited and may not fully compensate families for their losses. Civil lawsuits allow families to seek comprehensive damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Types of Compensation Available
Families affected by DUI crashes may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses for injured victims
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of companionship and support
- Punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving
Preventing Future DUI Tragedies
This latest tragedy on Tully Road underscores the critical importance of preventing impaired driving. Community members can help reduce DUI crashes by never driving after consuming alcohol or drugs, using rideshare services, public transportation, or designated drivers, reporting suspected drunk drivers to law enforcement, and supporting local DUI prevention programs and awareness campaigns.
The responsibility for preventing DUI tragedies extends beyond individual choices, including community-wide efforts. Local businesses, schools, and organizations play vital roles in promoting responsible drinking habits and providing education about the devastating consequences of impaired driving. When communities commit zero tolerance for drunk driving, the collective impact can save countless lives.
Resources for Traffic Safety in San Jose
The City of San Jose and Santa Clara County offer various resources to improve traffic safety and prevent DUI crashes. These include public education programs, increased enforcement during high-risk periods, and support for traffic accident victims.
Local law enforcement agencies continue to conduct sobriety checkpoints and patrol areas known for impaired driving incidents. The goal is to deter drunk driving and remove impaired drivers from the roads before they can cause harm.
The San Jose Police Department collaborates with organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the California Office of Traffic Safety to implement educational programs in schools and community centers.
These partnerships help reach diverse audiences with targeted messaging about the risks of impaired driving and the availability of safe transportation alternatives.
Getting Help After a DUI Crash
Families affected by DUI crashes often face overwhelming challenges in the aftermath of these preventable tragedies. Beyond dealing with grief and trauma, they must navigate complex legal and insurance issues while fighting for justice and compensation.
Experienced personal injury attorneys who handle DUI cases understand the unique challenges these cases present. They can help families understand their rights, investigate the crash thoroughly, and pursue all available sources of compensation.
Understanding DUI Settlement Calculators
DUI accident settlement calculators can give families preliminary estimates of potential compensation amounts by analyzing factors specific to their case. These tools consider elements such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering multipliers, and the severity of injuries to generate baseline settlement ranges.
While these calculators offer helpful starting points for understanding case value, they cannot account for unique circumstances like the victim’s age, earning potential, family dynamics, or the specific degree of the defendant’s negligence, making consultation with experienced legal counsel essential for accurate case evaluation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“When a drunk driver destroys your family’s life in a split second, you deserve more than empty promises – you deserve justice and the resources to rebuild. As someone who has fought for DUI victims for decades, I understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one or erase your pain, but holding negligent drivers accountable can prevent other families from experiencing this same heartbreak. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your loss or rush you into inadequate settlements. Your family’s future matters, and you have every right to pursue full compensation for your suffering.” – Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
The tragic loss of life on Tully Road serves as a sobering reminder that DUI crashes are entirely preventable. Through continued enforcement, education, and holding drunk drivers accountable, communities can work together to make roads safer for everyone.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a DUI crash in Santa Clara County, it’s important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Time limits apply to filing claims, and early action can help preserve crucial evidence and protect your family’s rights.
GJEL offers free consultations and charges no fees unless we win your case. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex aftermath of an accident.
At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Hayward office.
Key Resources and Contact Information
San Jose Police Department
- Main Office: 201 W. Mission Street, San Jose, CA 95110
- Non-Emergency Line: (408) 277-8900
- Traffic Division: (408) 277-4654
- Online Reporting: www.sjpd.org
- Traffic Safety Programs and Community Outreach Information
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
- Main Office: 55 W. Younger Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
- Non-Emergency Line: (408) 808-4400
- Traffic Enforcement Unit: (408) 808-4721
- Website: www.sccgov.org/sites/sheriff
California Highway Patrol – San Jose Area Office
- Address: 565 Rosemont Avenue, San Jose, CA 95117
- Phone: (408) 467-5000
- DUI Program Information: (408) 467-5020
- Traffic Incident Information System (TIIS): www.chp.ca.gov
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
- Customer Service: (408) 321-2300
- Website: www.vta.org
- Safe Transportation Alternatives and Public Transit Information
- Paratransit Services: (408) 321-2330
Additional Safety Resources:
- California Office of Traffic Safety: www.ots.ca.gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: www.nhtsa.gov
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): www.madd.org
- Santa Clara County Public Health Department – Injury Prevention: (408) 885-4000
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.