[05-30-2025] Santa Clara County, CA – Elderly Man in Wheelchair Killed, Woman Injured in Hit-And-Run Crash in San Jose

A 72-year-old man was fatally struck and a woman was injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian collision in San Jose’s South Almaden Avenue area early Friday morning, May 30, 2025.

According to authorities, Richard E. and his housemate, Julia A., were walking in the street near parked cars close to the intersection of South Almaden Avenue and West Virginia Street around 2:45 a.m.

The woman said they were walking in the roadway because the man used a motorized wheelchair, and the surface was easier to navigate than the sidewalk.

A speeding car reportedly struck both pedestrians, injuring the woman and forcefully throwing the man from his wheelchair. The woman’s hand was injured in the crash. The man was transported to the ICU, where he later died from his injuries.

Police stated that the driver fled the scene but was located shortly afterward in his driveway, just down the block from the crash site. He was arrested by San Jose police at his home.

The collision remains under investigation.

Call Our Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers In San Jose, CA

Being in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling anxious and unsure about what to do next. When the driver responsible for the crash leaves the scene, it adds more stress to an already difficult situation. You may have concerns about medical bills, insurance, and how to proceed.

Having the right legal support can help you better understand your options. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers in San Jose are available to review your case, explain your rights, and help you consider possible next steps. Even if the other driver is not identified, there may still be ways to pursue compensation.

If you’d like to talk about your situation, feel free to call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After Getting Hurt In A Hit-And-Run Accident

If you or someone you know gets hurt in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you can do:

1. Call The Police Right Away
   Tell the police about the accident as soon as you can. They will write a report and collect important information to help find the driver who left the scene.
2. Take Pictures Of The Scene
   If you can, take pictures of your injuries, the damage to your car, and anything else that might help, like tire marks or broken pieces on the road. This will help show what happened.
3. Talk To Witnesses
   If there were any people who saw the accident, ask them for their names and contact information. They might have helpful details about the driver or car.
4. See A Doctor
   Even if you think you’re not hurt badly, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries might not show up right away, and getting checked will help make sure you’re okay.
5. Talk To A Hit-And-Run Lawyer In San Jose
   A lawyer who knows about hit-and-run accidents can help you understand what to do next and support you as you go through the process.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics

In 2022, hit-and-run accidents were responsible for 2,932 traffic-related deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A large number of these fatalities involved pedestrians and cyclists.

Out of 7,522 pedestrian deaths that year, about 25% (1,910) were caused by hit-and-run drivers. Similarly, of the 1,105 cyclist fatalities, 24% (265) involved hit-and-run accidents.

The overall number of fatal hit-and-run accidents increased slightly by 0.5% compared to the previous year. Pedestrian deaths in these accidents rose by 79, marking a 4.3% increase. Cyclist fatalities jumped more significantly, with 40 additional deaths, reflecting an 18% increase.