Recent Death Marks 11th San Jose Pedestrian Accident Fatality In 2018

As the first three quarters of 2018 wind to a close, San Jose authorities are struggling to come to grips with an alarming statistic. A recent accident involving a man who was killed after being struck by a dump truck off Monterey Highway marks the 11th pedestrian death to occur in San Jose this year. While pedestrian accidents in general tend to result in more serious personal injuries, this recent rash of fatalities has both residents and community leaders concerned. 

Seventy-One-Year-Old Killed By Dump Truck in Pedestrian Accident

In late July, 2018, The Patch reported on a fatal accident which occurred in a recycling yard in the 1900 block of Monterey Highway, claiming the life of an older San Jose resident. A 71-year-old man was walking through the recycling yard parking lot just before 2:30 p.m. on July 19th when he was suddenly struck by a dump truck and fell to the ground. Not seeing the man, the dump truck driver ran over the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Police state that the driver is cooperating with authorities in the investigation and that drugs and alcohol use do not appear to have been a factor in the accident. The tragedy marks yet another in a string of pedestrian accident fatalities to plague San Jose, the 11th since the beginning of 2018. 

Protecting Yourself Against Pedestrian Accidents

The high number of pedestrian accidents in San Jose, particularly those involving fatalities, is alarming. Unfortunately, it is also in keeping with yearly trends. According to statistics from the San Jose Police Department (SJPD), our area averages roughly 20 of these types of tragic deaths each year. Key factors in these accidents typically include reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Unfortunately, police say that pedestrians themselves also share a portion of the responsibility. To help avoid these types of accidents and injuries, it is important to be alert and take the steps needed to protect yourself, including:  

• Always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals rather than attempting to cross the street between intersections. 
• Wear light, bright colored garments to increase visibility, particularly when walking at night. 
• Avoid distractions, such as using headphones or texting and talking on cell phones. 
• If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, take a cab or Uber rather than attempting to walk home. 
• Use sidewalks when possible and walk facing traffic. 
• Pay attention in parking lots and be alert for drivers who may be pulling in or out of entrances and exits. 

Reach Out to a San Jose, CA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

When a pedestrian accident leaves you or a loved one suffering severe and potentially life-threatening injuries, the Jachimowicz Law Group is here to help. Contact our passionate San Jose personal injury attorneys to request a free consultation today. We will provide the legal representation you need to hold drivers accountable for the losses and damages you and your family have suffered. Call us at 408-246-5500 or toll-free at 800-576-4210.

Sources:

https://patch.com/california/milpitas/san-jose-man-identified-accident-victim

http://www.sjpd.org/boi/vcuweb/autoped-stats.html