A Tesla sedan struck him east of Copperfield Drive in San Jose
July 14, 2026 | San Jose, CA
What happened in the crash?
Fidel Guzman, 72, died after a 2018 Tesla sedan struck him east of Copperfield Drive near Capitol Expressway in San Jose.
- Date: July 14
- Time: 8:56 p.m.
- Location: East of Copperfield Drive near the Capitol Expressway, San Jose, CA
- Victim: Fidel Guzman, 72
- Vehicle: 2018 Tesla sedan
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at the scene; investigation ongoing
Why do pedestrian crashes happen?
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the state’s pedestrian fatality rate is almost 25% higher than the national average. Approximately 1,158 pedestrians were killed in California in 2022, accounting for 26 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state.
| Factor | Description | Source |
|---|
| Speeding | Excessive vehicle speed reduces reaction time | Federal Highway Administration |
| Distracted driving | Driver inattention to surroundings | CDC |
| Impaired driving | Alcohol or drug influence | CDC |
| Road conditions | Poor lighting, signage, or visibility | Federal Highway Administration |
Legal Insights
Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal, noted that in cases such as this, independent investigation helps protect the rights of those affected.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined.”
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added that relatives of those involved in such incidents may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of.”
Key takeaways
- Thorough review of road conditions and visibility factors is essential
- Families may pursue compensation for emotional and financial losses
- Timely legal guidance supports navigation of official investigations
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. 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).
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