Wrong-way accident on SR 85 near Saratoga Avenue claims two lives, authorities say
SAN JOSE, CA, (August 26, 2024) - A woman and a juvenile passenger in her Tesla were fatally injured in San Jose on Aug. 26 when a wrong-way driver hit them head-on, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Two San Jose residents—a 47-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy—were killed in a crash with a wrong-way driver along Highway 85 Monday afternoon, the Highway Patrol said.
The woman, 47, and the boy, 14, were both San Jose residents. Their identities were not available.
Based on preliminary information, a Toyota Tacoma driven by Florida resident Duncan McQuarrie was traveling in the wrong direction on northbound Highway 85, near Saratoga Avenue, around 3:40 p.m. when it collided with a Tesla at a high rate of speed.
McQuarrie was transported to the hospital for treatment, the CHP said. No charges have been announced yet.
Anyone with information was asked to call the CHP San Jose Area Office at 408-961-0900.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Deadly crashes such as this could be easily avoided if motorists are more careful on the roads and abide by traffic rules mandated by authorities.
NTSB statistics reveal that as many as 75% of all wrong-way crashes are the result of a driver getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney and a Managing Partner with Bond Legal.
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of the victims killed in the fateful crash may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).