Lexus carrying the victims collided with two Teslas and Toyota Sienna north of Curtner Avenue
December 02, 2025 | San Jose, CA
A tragic multi-vehicle accident claimed the lives of 29-year-old Ivana Balistreri and her 1-year-old daughter on Dec. 2 along State Highway 87 in San Jose, according to authorities.
Ivana Balistreri, 29, and her 1-year-old daughter died in four-vehicle crash on State Highway 87 north of Curtner Avenue in San Jose.
- Date and Time: Approximately 10:50 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2025
- Location: North of Curtner Avenue on Highway 87
- Vehicles Involved: Two Teslas, a Lexus, and a Toyota Sienna
- Fatalities: Ivana Balistreri, mother, passenger in Lexus, and her infant daughter
- Injuries: The Lexus driver and one Tesla driver hospitalized
- Fire Involvement: Both Teslas and the Lexus caught fire post-collision
The crash unfolded when the vehicles collided, leading to intense flames that engulfed three of them. Balistreri and her child, traveling in the Lexus, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Two other individuals received medical attention for non-life-threatening wounds.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by Balistreri's sister seeks donations to cover funeral costs for the mother and daughter.
What Happened in the Crash?
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the incident involved at least four vehicles in a chain-reaction collision. The precise sequence remains unclear as investigators piece together evidence from the fiery scene. Witnesses described a sudden crash followed by explosions of fire, complicating rescue efforts.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Traffic incidents like this often stem from various factors, including speeding, impairment, and distractions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes a rise in fatalities, with 8,055 deaths recorded in motor vehicle crashes during the first quarter alone.
Factor |
Contribution to Fatalities |
Source |
|---|
Speeding |
29% of crashes |
NHTSA |
Distracted Driving |
8% of fatalities |
CDC |
DUI |
30% of road deaths |
Federal Highway Administration |
Multi-Vehicle Pileups |
Often exacerbated by poor visibility or weather |
CHP Reports |
This table highlights common contributors, underscoring the need for vigilant driving.
Legal Insights
Newsline consulted national legal analysts for perspective on multi-vehicle crashes.
“In cases such as this, an independent investigation by a knowledgeable attorney can uncover critical details beyond initial police findings,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “This includes re-examining witnesses, reviewing video footage, and securing communication records from involved parties to establish liability swiftly.”
Key takeaways:
- Prompt evidence collection is vital to preserve facts before they fade.
- Families should engage professionals to navigate complex investigations.
- Time-sensitive actions help avoid delays in understanding crash causes.
“Losing family in a negligence-related accident brings profound emotional and financial burdens,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Pursuing a wrongful death claim can address losses like companionship and suffering, but insurers often undervalue these cases without experienced advocacy.”
- Wrongful death suits may cover emotional distress and economic consequences.
- Legal guidance prevents lowball settlements from insurance providers.
- Comprehensive reviews ensure all liable parties are held accountable.
The CHP continues its inquiry into the crash's origins, urging tips from the public by calling the San Jose office at 408-961-0900.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).