She was struck by a silver Toyota Camry while walking outside a marked crosswalk
August 02, 2026 | San Jose, CA
What happened in the crash?
Heather Mata Baldock, 48, of San Jose, died after a silver Toyota Camry struck her near North Leigh Avenue and Patio Drive east of Campbell.
- Date and time: July 18 at approximately 10:30 p.m.
- Location: North Leigh Avenue and Patio Drive, east of Campbell
- Victim: Heather Mata Baldock, 48, of San Jose
- Vehicle: Silver Toyota Camry
- Outcome: Baldock sustained major injuries and died Aug. 2
The San Jose Police Department confirmed Baldock was walking outside a marked crosswalk when the vehicle struck her. She was taken to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries two weeks later. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Why do pedestrian crashes occur?
Road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting are among factors examined in these cases. Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows thousands of pedestrian fatalities occur annually on U.S. roads.
| Statistic | Source | Period |
|---|
| 3,304 pedestrian deaths | Governors Highway Safety Association | First half of 2024 |
Legal Insights
“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.”
— Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.”
— Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal
Key takeaways in cases such as this
- Thorough investigation of road conditions and visibility helps establish facts
- Accident reconstruction teams can assist in determining sequence of events
- Legal guidance supports families navigating insurance processes and compensation options
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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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