[10-16-2025] Santa Clara County, CA – Man Killed After Being Run Over by Truck on Bascom Avenue in San Jose

A man was killed after a garbage truck ran over him while he was sleeping in an alley in San Jose early Thursday, October 16, 2025.

According to the San Jose Police Department, the collision occurred around 4:05 a.m. in the 2800 block of Bascom Avenue, near a strip mall.

Investigators determined that the victim, described only as a man, was covered in blankets and lying in a driveway off Shamrock Drive when the driver of a Peterbilt garbage truck struck him.

The man was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries. His identity has not been released pending formal identification and notification of his next of kin by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office.

Police reported that the driver of the garbage truck stopped at the scene and is not believed to have been arrested or cited.

Authorities are investigating the collision.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers In San Jose, CA

Accidents involving commercial vehicles, particularly garbage trucks, can result in serious injuries or fatalities, leaving victims’ families facing emotional and financial challenges. Understanding your legal rights after such an incident is crucial for exploring your options and seeking compensation for damages.

Our truck accident lawyers in San Jose can help you review the circumstances of a pedestrian collision with a commercial vehicle. Legal support may include examining police reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how compensation may be pursued for funeral costs, medical expenses, and other damages. Early consultation can help clarify your options and ensure your rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, call our injury attorneys at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident Involving A Truck In San Jose, CA

Pedestrian accidents, particularly those involving commercial vehicles, can be devastating for families and loved ones. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence for future claims.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Report the accident to emergency services immediately and ensure that anyone injured receives medical care. Even minor injuries should be evaluated, as some injuries may not be immediately visible.
2. Document The Scene And Gather Evidence
   If it is safe, take photographs of the accident scene, visible injuries, and any damage to the vehicle. This documentation can be helpful for insurance claims and legal matters.
3. Gather Information From Witnesses
   Collect names and contact details from any witnesses to the accident. Their statements may provide valuable insight into how the collision occurred.
4. Consult With Accident Lawyers
   Accident lawyers in San Jose can explain your legal options, assist with insurance matters, and help ensure that time-sensitive evidence is preserved. Early legal involvement can help protect your rights and ensure your case is handled properly.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accident Statistics

Crashes involving large trucks continue to be especially dangerous for people in smaller vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), the majority of fatalities in these crashes involve occupants of passenger vehicles. Large trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a standard car and have higher ground clearance, which increases the risk of underride collisions.

In 2023, 4,354 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks. Of these fatalities, 16 percent were truck occupants, 65 percent were people in cars or other passenger vehicles, and 17 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.

Compared to 2009, when truck-related fatalities were at their lowest since 1975, the total number of deaths in 2023 was 38 percent higher. Truck occupant fatalities also rose by 58 percent.

These figures underscore the ongoing risks posed by large trucks, especially to occupants of smaller vehicles and other vulnerable road users, emphasizing the critical need for improved safety measures and awareness.