Passenger dies after BMW collides with Ford sedan at Rancho Drive intersection
October 08, 2025 | San Jose, CA
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A tragic collision involving a suspected impaired driver resulted in the death of a 39-year-old man from Calaveras County on Monterey Road, as detailed by San Jose authorities. This event highlights the ongoing dangers posed by driving under the influence in California.
Jerome Michael Castro, 39, of Calaveras County, was killed when the blue 2013 BMW coupe he was riding in as a passenger collided with a silver 2007 Ford sedan at the intersection of Rancho Drive and southbound Monterey Road in Santa Clara County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Police investigations indicate that the accident involved a driver suspected of alcohol impairment who initiated a crash between two cars.
- Date and Time: October 08, 2025, approximately 5:35 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Rancho Drive and Monterey Road, San Jose, Santa Clara County, California
- Vehicles Involved: Blue 2013 BMW coupe traveling northbound on Monterey Road, Silver 2007 Ford sedan turning left from westbound Rancho Drive to southbound Monterey Road
- Victim: Jerome Michael Castro, 39-year-old passenger in the BMW from Calaveras County
- Incident Details: The Ford moved into the oncoming BMW's path, leading to a collision that sent the BMW into the center divider and then into southbound traffic lanes.
- Outcome: Castro died from his injuries at the location. The drivers of both vehicles received hospital treatment. The Ford operator is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol.
- Investigation Status: San Jose Police Department continues to examine the case, which may include blood-alcohol level assessments.
Why Do DUI Accidents Happen?
Such crashes frequently arise from diminished decision-making, delayed responses, and poor motor skills due to alcohol intake. Minimal alcohol levels can greatly elevate accident probabilities, according to information from trusted entities like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These occurrences lead to numerous avoidable fatalities each year across the nation.
DUI Accident Statistics
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities (2023) |
12,429 |
NHTSA |
Percentage of total traffic fatalities involving alcohol (2023) |
Approximately 30% |
NHTSA |
Annual arrests for driving under the influence |
Approximately 1 million |
CDC |
Alcohol-impaired driving fatality rate per 100,000 population (2023) |
3.7 |
Responsibility.org |
Decrease in alcohol-impaired fatalities from 2022 to 2023 |
Approximately 8% |
NHTSA |
Expert Insights
Legal experts at the national level provide broad advice on the consequences of crashes linked to DUI, stressing responsibility and rights for those affected in similar situations.
“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,” explained Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “Separate from criminal charges, the family of a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that drunk drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions,” added Bond.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal.
“When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Impaired operators encounter criminal penalties and possible civil accountability.
- Relatives of those lost may initiate wrongful death suits for reimbursements covering costs like healthcare, burials, and distress.
- Conducting a separate probe is vital to collect proof, including alcohol test outcomes, to bolster claims.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Fatal DUI Crash?
Following a deadly incident tied to DUI, families impacted can seek wrongful death actions to ensure accountability. This might encompass recoveries for monetary and psychological harms. Engaging experts in vehicular mishaps can assist in managing these intricate matters.
A distinct examination commonly uncovers essential elements, like intoxication degrees, that fortify arguments.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(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).