[01-27-2023] Santa Clara County, CA – Two People Dead After Solo Fiery Car Crash in San Jose

Two people were killed following a single-vehicle crash that caused the car to catch fire in South San Jose on Friday morning, January 27, 2023.

According to the San Jose Police Department, the fatal crash occurred shortly before 4:20 a.m. along Cottle Road on the on-ramp to Blossom Hill Road.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said a 2018 Hyundai Sedan was reported stolen on Thursday, driven by a young male driver along with two passengers. They drove through northbound Cottle Road at high speed before veering off and catching fire after crashing into a light pole on the on-ramp’s southeast corner going to Blossom Hill Road.

The driver sustained minor and non-life-threatening injuries. One of the passengers, a woman, was sent to the hospital, eventually dying from her wounds. The other passenger, a man, was declared dead on the spot.

The driver was detained in Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall and charged with auto theft and two counts of vehicular manslaughter. Their identities have not been made public.

Fatal Reckless Accident Statistics

Careless drivers cause the vast majority of catastrophic highway accidents yearly in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines “reckless driving” as “a driving behavior that places others in immediate danger that the driver knows has a significant risk of causing an accident.”

A 2009 AAA study found that such behavior played a role in 56% of accidents that occurred between 2003 and 2007. According to the Fatal Accident Reporting System maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is one of the leading causes of death on American roadways.

Selfish motorists endanger the safety of everyone else on the road. In the event of a crash brought on by reckless driving, fast action is required. All cars have insurance that should pay for any damage the drivers incur.

What to Do After an Accident and How to Get a Police Report

Make sure the police are called when an accident has occurred. Be truthful if questioned about it but don’t make any assumptions. Victims are often in a state of shock and worry and may apologize profusely even if they were not at fault. Your insurance company may use your good faith to reject a claim on the grounds that you accepted blame for the incident.

If you require a police report, contact the local police station. Otherwise, we can always ask for one on your behalf. Simply use the online form. Once we receive your report request, we will initiate the free claims procedure for you. Have faith that we won’t stop trying to get your claim processed until we’ve received all we need.

Reckless Accident Victim Lawyers in San Jose

Unsurprisingly, unsafe driving habits are a major cause of car crashes. In California, personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits generally center on establishing the driver’s “negligence per se” or legal liability.

Victims may sue the at-fault motorist in civil court for damages if they can prove that the other driver’s negligence caused their injuries or death. California law prohibits reckless behavior in all contexts, including behind the wheel. Get in touch with an experienced California reckless driving accident attorney if these things ever occur to you.

Our award-winning San Jose reckless accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have years of experience and the expertise needed to advocate for accident victims. Our clients have been granted compensation totaling $500 million so far.

Contact (888) 488-1391 or click the “Do I Have a Case?” on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.