A 15-year-old bicyclist sustained injuries after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene on Alum Rock Avenue in San Jose on February 8, 2026. The hit-and-run collision occurred in the late morning hours near the intersection of Kentucky Place and McCreery Avenue, prompting an immediate emergency response from the San Jose Fire Department’s Engine 34 and other first responders.
The young victim was left injured on the roadside as the driver responsible for the collision abandoned the scene without stopping to render aid or provide identifying information—a criminal act under California law that compounds the trauma of an already serious accident.
Details of the Alum Rock Avenue Hit-and-Run Collision
According to initial reports, the incident was documented on February 8, 2026, at approximately 11:51 AM PST. The collision took place on Alum Rock Avenue near the intersection with Kentucky Place, a busy corridor in East San Jose that sees significant vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout the day.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene after witnesses reported the hit-and-run involving a bicyclist. Fire Engine 34 from the San Jose Fire Department was among the first units dispatched to provide medical assistance to the injured teenager. The extent of the young cyclist’s injuries has not been publicly disclosed, but any collision between a vehicle and a bicycle has the potential to cause serious harm, given the vulnerability of cyclists on the roadway.
Perhaps most troubling is that the driver who struck the 15-year-old fled the area without stopping, leaving the victim without immediate assistance and investigators without crucial information about the responsible party. San Jose Police continue their investigation into the incident, working to identify the vehicle and driver involved in this criminal hit-and-run.
The Serious Danger Hit-and-Runs Pose to Young Cyclists
Hit-and-run collisions represent a particularly devastating category of traffic accidents, especially when the victims are children or teenagers. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, they not only commit a crime but also prevent the injured party from obtaining immediate assistance and critical information needed for insurance claims and legal action.
For a 15-year-old cyclist, the physical injuries from being struck by a vehicle can range from scrapes and bruises to broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or internal organ damage. Young people may also experience significant psychological trauma from such incidents, particularly when the responsible party abandons them at the scene.
California law requires all drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury to immediately stop at the scene, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance to injured parties. Failing to do so constitutes a criminal offense that can result in felony charges, particularly when the collision causes injury or death.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Jose
Bicycle accidents in urban areas like San Jose occur for numerous preventable reasons, including:
Driver negligence and inattention: Motorists who fail to watch for cyclists, especially at intersections or when turning, create dangerous situations that can lead to serious collisions.
Failure to yield right-of-way: Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to cyclists who have the legal right-of-way, particularly in crosswalks or bike lanes.
Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on phones, or otherwise distracted may not see cyclists until it’s too late to avoid a collision.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to cyclists and dramatically increases the severity of injuries in collisions.
Unsafe passing: Drivers who pass cyclists too closely or without adequate clearance violate California’s “three-foot passing law” and put cyclists at serious risk.
Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have diminished reaction times and judgment, making them more likely to strike cyclists.
Poor visibility conditions: Dusk, dawn, and nighttime hours pose additional challenges for driver visibility, though motorists remain legally responsible for watching for vulnerable road users.
The decision to flee the scene after striking a cyclist suggests additional factors may have been at play—the driver may have been impaired, driving without a license or insurance, wanted by law enforcement, or simply panicked after causing the collision.
Legal Rights of Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident Victims in California
When a young cyclist is injured in a hit-and-run collision, California law provides several avenues for pursuing compensation and justice:
Uninsured motorist coverage: If the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified or located, victims may be able to recover compensation through the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on their family’s auto insurance policy. This coverage is designed for situations where an at-fault driver cannot be held directly accountable.
Personal injury claims: If the responsible driver is identified through the ongoing investigation, victims can pursue a claim against that driver for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages (for working teens), and other damages.
Crime victim compensation: California’s Victim Compensation Board provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run collisions, which can help cover medical bills, counseling costs, and other expenses.
Civil penalties for criminal conduct: Hit-and-run drivers face both criminal prosecution and civil liability. The criminal nature of fleeing the scene may also support claims for punitive damages in civil court.
For families of injured minors, pursuing these claims requires careful attention to legal deadlines and procedural requirements. California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, but special rules apply to minor victims that can extend this deadline until the victim’s 19th birthday.
Comprender los valores de liquidación de accidentes de bicicleta
The compensation available in bicycle accident cases depends on numerous factors specific to each incident. For a hit-and-run collision involving a 15-year-old cyclist, relevant considerations include:
Medical expenses: All costs associated with treating the injuries, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment needs.
Future medical needs: Young victims may require continued medical care, follow-up procedures, or treatment for long-term complications from their injuries.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma caused by the collision and the driver’s abandonment.
Lost educational opportunities: If injuries cause the victim to miss school, extracurricular activities, or impact their academic performance.
Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent visible injuries can have a significant impact on a young person’s self-esteem and social development.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the victim’s inability to participate in activities they previously enjoyed.
To better understand the potential value of a bicycle accident claim, our settlement calculator can provide an estimate based on your case’s specific circumstances.
Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident Settlement Calculators: Understanding Your Claim’s Value
A hit-and-run bicycle accident settlement calculator is a valuable tool that helps victims and their families gain a preliminary understanding of potential compensation amounts before formally pursuing a claim. These specialized calculators take into account multiple factors specific to hit-and-run bicycle collisions, including documented medical expenses, the severity and permanence of injuries sustained, lost wages or educational opportunities for the victim, pain and suffering endured both physically and emotionally, property damage to the bicycle and personal belongings, and the psychological trauma associated with being abandoned at the scene by the responsible driver.
For cases involving young victims like the 15-year-old injured on Alum Rock Avenue, the calculator also considers factors unique to minors, such as impact on physical development, long-term scarring or disfigurement during formative years, interference with school and extracurricular activities, and potential future medical needs as the child continues to grow.
The calculator provides an estimated range rather than a guaranteed amount, as each case’s ultimate value depends on specific circumstances, the strength of available evidence, insurance policy limits, and whether the hit-and-run driver is eventually identified. By inputting details about medical treatment received, the nature and extent of injuries, time missed from school or work, and other relevant damages, families can better understand what constitutes fair compensation and make informed decisions about pursuing legal action.
While settlement calculators offer helpful preliminary guidance, they cannot replace the detailed case evaluation provided by an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can assess unique factors such as liability issues, available insurance coverage (including uninsured motorist policies), the victim’s credibility, the quality of medical documentation, and local jury verdict trends.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we offer both online settlement calculators and comprehensive free consultations where our attorneys provide personalized assessments of your hit-and-run bicycle accident claim, explain the full range of recoverable damages under California law, and outline a strategic approach to maximizing your compensation, whether through insurance negotiations or litigation. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Help Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident Victims
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the unique challenges faced by families when a young cyclist is injured in a hit-and-run collision. Our team has extensive experience representing bicycle accident victims throughout the Bay Area and knows how to navigate the complexities of these cases.
When a driver flees the scene after striking a child on a bicycle, they leave behind not just physical injuries but profound emotional trauma. These families are facing medical bills, recovery challenges, and the frustration of not knowing who is responsible. Our job is to pursue every available avenue for compensation and to hold the responsible party accountable when they’re identified.
Our approach to hit-and-run bicycle accident cases includes:
Immediate investigation: We work quickly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain traffic camera footage, and coordinate with law enforcement to help identify the responsible driver.
Insurance claim management: We handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring that uninsured motorist claims are properly filed and aggressively pursued when the hit-and-run driver cannot be located.
Medical documentation: We work with medical providers to thoroughly document all injuries and treatment needs, ensuring that the full extent of damages is captured in any claim.
Advocacy for young victims: We understand the special considerations involved when representing injured minors and work to protect their long-term interests throughout the legal process.
Contingency fee representation: We handle bicycle accident cases on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning our clients pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for them. This ensures that financial concerns don’t prevent families from accessing experienced legal representation when they need it most.
Coordination with criminal proceedings: When hit-and-run drivers are identified and face criminal charges, we coordinate with prosecutors while simultaneously pursuing civil claims on behalf of our clients.
The Investigation Continues
San Jose Police are actively investigating this hit-and-run collision and seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has knowledge about the vehicle and driver involved. Hit-and-run investigations can be challenging, but successful identification often comes from community tips, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences, and forensic evidence left at the scene.
Witnesses who saw the collision, the fleeing vehicle, or any suspicious activity in the area around 11:51 AM on February 8 near Alum Rock Avenue and Kentucky Place are urged to contact the San Jose Police Department immediately. Even seemingly minor details can prove crucial in identifying the responsible party.
For the injured 15-year-old and their family, the immediate focus is on recovery and healing. However, as the investigation progresses, legal options will become clearer. Whether the driver is identified or uninsured, motorist coverage becomes necessary, and experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.
If your child has been injured in a bicycle accident—whether hit-and-run or otherwise—the attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys are here to help. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights and options. We’ll review the circumstances of the collision, explain the claims process, and help you understand the best path forward for your family.
Actúa hoy: obtén la ayuda que mereces
“When a driver strikes a child on a bicycle and then flees the scene, it compounds an already traumatic situation with feelings of abandonment and injustice. As a parent myself, I understand the fear and anger families experience in these moments—you’re worried about your child’s recovery while also grappling with the reality that someone left them injured on the roadside. It’s important to know that California law provides multiple pathways to justice and compensation, even when the responsible driver hasn’t been identified. Your family’s own auto insurance policy likely includes uninsured motorist coverage specifically designed for hit-and-run situations, and we can help you navigate that process while investigators work to find the person responsible. The days immediately following a bicycle accident are critical—evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies may attempt early contact before you understand your rights. I encourage any family dealing with a hit-and-run bicycle accident to document everything, seek a thorough medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, and consult with an experienced attorney who can protect your child’s interests during this difficult time. At GJEL, we handle these cases on a contingency basis because we believe financial concerns should never prevent a family from accessing the legal help they need. Your focus should be on your child’s recovery—let us handle the pursuit of justice and fair compensation.”-Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If your child or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident or hit-and-run collision in San Jose or anywhere throughout the Bay Area, don’t face the insurance companies and legal complexities alone. The experienced bicycle accident attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for injured clients and have the knowledge, resources, and dedication needed to maximize your family’s compensation.
We understand that families dealing with a child’s injuries shouldn’t have to worry about expensive legal fees, which is why we handle all bicycle accident cases on a “no win, no fee” contingency basis—you pay nothing upfront, no retainer fees, and no out-of-pocket costs for our services. We only collect attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you, which means our interests are completely aligned with yours throughout the entire process.
Our contingency fee structure ensures that experienced, aggressive legal representation is accessible to every family, regardless of financial circumstances, leveling the playing field against insurance companies and their teams of lawyers. Time is critical in hit-and-run cases, as evidence must be preserved, witnesses must be interviewed while memories are fresh, and insurance claim deadlines must be met.
Call GJEL Accident Attorneys today at 1-866-218-3776 or visit our Sacramento office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review the details of your case, explain your legal rights and options, answer all your questions, and provide honest guidance on the best path forward—all at no cost to you. Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from pursuing the justice and compensation your family deserves. Contact us today and let our award-winning team fight for your child’s future.
Resources for Bicycle Accident Victims in San Jose
Families affected by the Alum Rock Avenue hit-and-run can access support and assistance through various local resources:
San Jose Police Department – Traffic Investigations Unit 201 West Mission Street San Jose, CA 95110 Non-emergency: (408) 277-8900 Emergency: 911 Website: https://www.sjpd.org Email: sjpdpio@sanjoseca.gov The Traffic Investigations Unit handles all major injury and fatal traffic collisions in San Jose. Anyone with information about this hit-and-run is encouraged to contact investigators who are working to identify the responsible driver. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers.
Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers P.O. Box 6127 San Jose, CA 95150 Tip Line: (408) 947-7867 (947-STOP) Website: https://www.svcrimestoppers.org Submit anonymous tips online or by phone about hit-and-run drivers or any criminal activity. Tipsters may be eligible for cash rewards for information leading to arrests.
California Highway Patrol – San Jose Area Office 101 Rodriguez Street San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 467-5400 Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov The CHP investigates traffic collisions on state highways and can provide accident reports and safety information for cyclists.
Valley Medical Center – Trauma Services 751 South Bascom Avenue San Jose, CA 95128 Emergency: (408) 885-5000 Main Line: (408) 885-5000 Website: https://www.valleymed.org Level I trauma center providing comprehensive emergency and ongoing care for serious injury victims, including specialized pediatric trauma services.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center – Pediatric Emergency Department 751 South Bascom Avenue San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 885-5000 Website: https://www.scvmc.org/clinics-and-locations/pediatrics Specialized emergency care for injured children and teenagers with a dedicated pediatric team experienced in treating young trauma patients.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford 725 Welch Road Palo Alto, CA 94304 (650) 497-8000 Website: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org Nationally ranked pediatric hospital providing comprehensive emergency care and specialized treatment for injured children throughout the Bay Area.
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition 519 N. Sixth Street San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 287-7259 Website: https://bikesiliconvalley.org Email: info@bikesiliconvalley.org Advocacy organization working to improve bicycle safety throughout Silicon Valley and supporting families affected by bicycle collisions. Offers education programs, safety resources, and community advocacy.
Santa Clara County Transportation Authority (VTA) 3331 North First Street, Building B San Jose, CA 95134 Customer Service: (408) 321-2300 Website: https://www.vta.org Email: customerservice@vta.org Provides information on bicycle safety programs, bike lane infrastructure, and Safe Routes to School initiatives throughout Santa Clara County.
Victim Witness Services – Santa Clara County District Attorney 70 West Hedding Street, West Wing San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 295-2656 Website: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/da/vw/Pages/home.aspx Comprehensive support services for crime victims, including hit-and-run collision victims. Provides crisis intervention, court accompaniment, assistance with victim compensation applications, and referrals to community resources.
California Victim Compensation Board P.O. Box 350 Sacramento, CA 95812-0350 Toll-Free: (800) 777-9229 Website: https://victims.ca.gov Email: info@victims.ca.gov State program providing financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run collisions. Can help cover medical bills, mental health counseling, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other costs not covered by insurance.
Safe Routes to School – San Jose Department of Transportation 200 East Santa Clara Street, 6th Floor San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 535-3850 Website: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/saferoutes Email: dot@sanjoseca.gov City program promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety for students, offering safety education, crossing guard services, and infrastructure improvements near schools.
San Jose Department of Transportation – Vision Zero 200 East Santa Clara Street San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 535-3850 Website: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/visionzero Email: visionzero@sanjoseca.gov City initiative working to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through engineering improvements, enforcement, and education. Accepts reports of dangerous street conditions.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Toll-Free: 1-888-327-4236 Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov Federal agency providing bicycle safety information, crash statistics, and educational resources for parents and young cyclists.
California Office of Traffic Safety 2208 Kausen Drive, Suite 300 Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 509-3030 Website: https://www.ots.ca.gov State agency offering traffic safety resources, grant programs for local enforcement, and educational materials on bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Bay Area Legal Aid 1735 Telegraph Avenue Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 250-5270 Website: https://baylegal.org Free legal assistance for low-income Bay Area residents, including help with insurance claims, crime victim compensation applications, and civil legal issues arising from accidents.
Santa Clara County Bar Association – Lawyer Referral Service 4 North Second Street, Suite 400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 971-6822 Website: https://www.sccba.com Referral service connecting accident victims with qualified personal injury attorneys. Initial consultation available at reduced rates.
Safe Kids Santa Clara County 751 South Bascom Avenue San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 885-5437 Website: https://www.safekidsscc.org Coalition dedicated to preventing childhood injuries, including bicycle safety education, helmet distribution programs, and community safety events.
BikesBelongFoundation – People for Bikes P.O. Box 2359 Boulder, CO 80306 Website: https://www.peopleforbikes.org National organization advocating for better bicycling infrastructure and providing resources for cyclists and families affected by bicycle crashes.
California Department of Motor Vehicles – Bicycle Safety Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/about/safety/bicycle Comprehensive information on California bicycle laws, safety requirements, and rules of the road for cyclists and motorists.
