Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash in San Jose Claims Two Lives

Fatal, Fiery Multi-Vehicle Crash on Highway 87 Near Curtner Avenue in San JoseA tragic multi-vehicle collision on northbound Highway 87 just north of Curtner Avenue in San Jose claimed two lives, including a child, on the morning of Tuesday, December 2, 2025. According to preliminary statements from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred around 10:49 AM and involved four vehicles: two Teslas, a Lexus, and a Toyota Sienna. The collision sparked fires in both Teslas and the Lexus. An adult and a juvenile traveling in the Lexus suffered fatal injuries, and despite rapid response from emergency personnel, lifesaving measures were not successful. One Tesla driver was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation, while the driver of the Toyota Sienna remained at the scene, cooperated with investigators, and was later released.Authorities temporarily closed northbound Highway 87, diverting traffic onto Curtner Avenue for several hours while firefighters and investigators worked to secure the scene, suppress vehicle fires, and assess hazards. Early indications from CHP suggest that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors, though the investigation remains ongoing. The loss of life, particularly the death of a child, has deeply affected the community, first responders, and all families involved.What We Know So Far- Time and location: Approximately 10:49 AM on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, northbound Highway 87 near Curtner Avenue in San Jose.- Vehicles: Two Teslas, a Lexus, and a Toyota Sienna were involved.- Injuries and fatalities: Two occupants of the Lexus—an adult and a juvenile—suffered fatal injuries. The driver of one Tesla was hospitalized with injuries under evaluation.- Fire: The Teslas and the Lexus caught fire following the crash.- Road closure: Northbound Highway 87 was shut down for several hours, with traffic diverted to Curtner Avenue while crews responded.- Impairment: Preliminary observations from CHP indicate no apparent involvement of alcohol or drugs; however, full cause and fault determinations are pending.How Investigators Approach Multi-Vehicle CrashesMulti-vehicle collisions require careful reconstruction to determine how the crash unfolded and whether multiple factors contributed. Investigators typically examine:- Physical evidence: Skid marks, gouge marks, debris patterns, vehicle resting positions, fire patterns, and roadway conditions.- Vehicle data: Event Data Recorder (EDR) information (often referred to as “black box” data) and, for certain makes and models, advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) logs that may record speed, braking, steering, and collision warnings before impact.- Witness accounts and videos: On-scene statements, surveillance footage, traffic cameras, dashcam video, and 911 recordings.- Environmental conditions: Sun glare, visibility, lane closures, construction zones, and signage.- Mechanical and product issues: Tire blowouts, brake failures, airbag performance, battery fire behavior in electric vehicles, and potential recalls.In crashes involving electric vehicles and post-impact fires, investigators also assess whether battery damage, thermal runaway, or compromised high-voltage systems contributed to the severity of injuries. While fire does not indicate wrongdoing by any party on its own, it can affect the scope of injuries and damages and can be a factor in product liability evaluations if a defect is suspected.Wrongful Death and Comparative Negligence in CaliforniaCalifornia follows a comparative negligence system. This means responsibility for a crash can be shared among multiple parties, including more than one driver, and in rare cases, entities responsible for roadway design or maintenance. Even if a loved one’s actions are determined to be partially at fault, families may still be able to recover a portion of their damages based on the other parties’ percentage of fault.A wrongful death claim allows certain surviving family members to seek compensation for losses caused by a negligent party. In California, eligible claimants typically include a surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and, in some situations, other dependents or heirs under the state’s wrongful death statutes. Recoverable damages can include:- Funeral and burial expenses- Loss of the decedent’s expected financial support- Loss of benefits or gifts the heirs would have received- The value of household services the decedent would have provided- Loss of love, companionship