Traffic Collision on US 101 in San Jose Involves Elderly Driver

A traffic collision involving two vehicles occurred on the southbound lanes of US 101 near the State Route 85 interchange in San Jose on October 18, 2024, at approximately 12:40 PM. The incident involved a tan sedan that came to a stop in the third lane, with airbags deployed, and another vehicle that managed to pull off the freeway. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene.

The collision involved an elderly male driver in the sedan, highlighting the potential vulnerability of older drivers in traffic incidents. The airbags’ deployment suggests a significant impact, though the extent of injuries remains unclear. The other vehicle involved was able to move to a safer location off the freeway, minimizing further disruption to traffic flow.

This incident underscores the importance of maintaining safe driving practices and being vigilant on the road, particularly in high-traffic areas like the US 101 and SR 85 interchange. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and be aware of potential hazards, especially when navigating busy freeway sections. Our thoughts are with those affected by this unfortunate event, and we hope for a swift recovery for any injured parties.

Potential Legal Considerations

When someone is hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, it’s called negligence. In a situation like a car accident, if a driver wasn’t paying attention or was driving too fast, they might be considered negligent. This means they didn’t act as carefully as they should have. The person who got hurt because of this can have personal injury rights. These rights allow them to ask for help with things like medical bills or other costs that happened because of the accident.

Victims of such accidents can often make insurance claims. This means they can ask the insurance company to help pay for the costs related to the accident. If the driver who caused the accident has insurance, the victim can file a claim with that driver’s insurance company. Sometimes, the victim might also use their own insurance, especially if the other driver doesn’t have enough coverage. It’s important for victims to report the accident to the insurance company as soon as possible and provide all the details they have.

In some cases, the insurance company might not want to pay the full amount the victim is asking for. When this happens, the victim might need to talk to a lawyer who can help them understand their rights and what they can do next. A lawyer can help make sure the victim gets the help they need and that the insurance company treats them fairly. It’s important for victims to know that they have options and support available to them after an accident.