Vehicle Collision and Fire Disrupt Traffic on SR85 in San Jose

A serious traffic collision occurred on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at approximately 4:21 PM on southbound State Route 85 near the El Camino Real exit in San Jose. The incident involved a white SUV that veered off the roadway and collided with a tree, subsequently catching fire. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, and the fire was reported to have been extinguished shortly after their arrival.

The collision resulted in significant damage to the vehicle and a nearby chain-link fence. Two individuals involved in the accident sustained facial lacerations but were able to exit the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames. The accident initially blocked the middle and slow lanes, causing traffic delays in the area. By 5:40 PM, one lane had been reopened to ease congestion.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution while traveling through the area as cleanup and repairs continue. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential hazards of distracted or impaired driving. Our thoughts are with those affected by this unfortunate event, and we wish them a swift recovery.

Potential Legal Considerations

When someone gets hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, it’s called negligence. In a situation like a car accident, if a driver isn’t paying attention or breaks the rules of the road, they might be considered negligent. This means they didn’t act as carefully as they should have, and their actions led to someone getting hurt. The person who got hurt, known as the victim, has the right to seek compensation for their injuries. This compensation can help cover things like medical bills and other costs related to the accident.

Victims of negligence can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This is because most drivers have insurance that covers accidents they cause. The insurance company might pay for the victim’s medical expenses, repair costs for damaged property, and sometimes even money for pain and suffering. However, insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, so it’s important for victims to know their rights and possibly get help from a lawyer.

In some cases, the victim’s own insurance might also help. For example, if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover all the costs, the victim’s insurance might cover the rest. This is called underinsured motorist coverage. It’s important for victims to report the accident to their own insurance company too, so they can explore all possible options for getting the help they need.

Overall, victims of negligence have rights that protect them and help them recover from their injuries. By understanding these rights and the role of insurance, victims can make sure they get the support they need to move forward after an accident.