Passenger Killed, Several Injured in Suspected DUI Wrong-Way Crash on Highway 87 in San Jose – July
Accident Overview: In the early hours of July 21, 2025, tragedy struck on Highway 87 in San Jose when a wrong-way suspected DUI driver caused a deadly collision. Authorities reported that a 2017 Dodge Durango traveling northbound in the southbound lanes collided with a Nissan Altima just north of Taylor Street. Despite evasive maneuvers from both drivers, the vehicles struck front-right to front-right. A 36-year-old San Jose passenger inside the Nissan later died from his injuries, while multiple others were hospitalized. The Dodge’s driver, a 24-year-old from Mountain View, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Accident Type | Suspected DUI Wrong-Way Collision |
| Location | Highway 87 near Taylor Street, San Jose, CA |
| Date | July 21, 2025 – 2:18 a.m. |
| Parties Involved | 2017 Dodge Durango, Nissan Altima, multiple occupants |
| Injuries | Several occupants hospitalized, critical injuries reported |
| Fatalities | 36-year-old male passenger in Nissan |
| Law Enforcement | California Highway Patrol (CHP) San Jose |
| Legal Note | Potential wrongful death and personal injury claims under California law |
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🚨 What Happened
A Dodge Durango traveling the wrong way on Highway 87 collided with a Nissan Altima near Taylor Street. Both drivers attempted to swerve, but the vehicles struck front-right to front-right, resulting in multiple injuries and the death of a 36-year-old passenger.
🧑⚕️ Medical Response
- Passengers in both vehicles transported to the hospital with critical injuries
- One 36-year-old man later died at the hospital
- Drivers sustained minor injuries
🚔 Investigation Underway
The California Highway Patrol San Jose office is leading the investigation. CHP Official Website
🚦 Santa Clara County consistently ranks among the top 10 counties in California for DUI arrests, with thousands of impaired drivers stopped annually.
📉 Wrong-way crashes are rare but extremely deadly — they account for only 3% of accidents but nearly 12% of fatal crashes in California. (Source: NHTSA)
🛑 Alcohol-related crashes are four times more likely to result in death compared to other types of collisions.
⚖️ Legal Options
🏛️ Wrongful Death Claim
The family of the 36-year-old passenger may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.💡 Personal Injury Claims
Survivors with critical injuries can seek compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering.🚨 Punitive Damages
Because the crash involves suspected DUI, California law allows potential punitive damages to punish grossly negligent conduct.👨👩👧 Family Rights
Eligible family members (spouse, children, or dependents) can file civil claims even while criminal proceedings against the DUI driver are ongoing.💼 Past Case Results
💰 A San Jose family recovered $5 million settlement after a drunk driver caused a head-on crash that killed a father of two.⚖️ In Los Angeles, a jury awarded $12 million verdict to survivors of a wrong-way DUI crash that left multiple passengers critically injured.
🚗 A Sacramento passenger’s family obtained a $3.2 million settlement after a suspected drunk driver caused a fatal freeway collision.
👨⚖️ “Fighting For You” Statement
At the Scranton Law Firm, we understand the devastation that follows DUI wrong-way crashes. With over 50 years of experience and more than $1 billion recovered for clients, we are committed to helping grieving families and injured survivors in San Jose and across California seek justice, accountability, and maximum compensation.❓Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in California?
Families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim in California courts.
Can injured survivors recover damages even if the at-fault driver faces criminal charges?
Yes. Civil personal injury claims proceed independently of criminal DUI charges, allowing survivors to seek compensation.
Are punitive damages possible in DUI crashes?
Yes. Courts may award punitive damages in DUI cases to punish reckless or intentional misconduct.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?
Spouses, domestic partners, children, and other financial dependents may have the right to pursue wrongful death claims.
Let's make sure you get the compensation you deserve
Don't wait—contact Scranton Law Firm now if you've been injured and need assistance. We fight for your rights, work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve, and support you through every step of the legal process. We're here to help you get back on your feet. Filling out this form is your first step toward receiving the help you need. Reach out to Scranton Law Firm, and let's take this important step together.
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The post Passenger Killed, Several Injured in Suspected DUI Wrong-Way Crash on Highway 87 in San Jose – July 21, 2025 first appeared on Scranton Law Firm.
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