What happened on Highway 87 near Curtner Avenue
Late Tuesday morning, just before 11 a.m., a fiery four-vehicle collision occurred on northbound State Route 87 near Curtner Avenue in San Jose. According to early statements from the California Highway Patrol and San José Fire Department, two vehicles caught fire and multiple people were transported to local hospitals. Tragically, an adult and a child traveling in a Lexus died at the scene. A second adult from the same Lexus was taken to a hospital in unknown condition. One driver from a Tesla was also transported in unknown condition. The driver of a Toyota Sienna was able to leave the scene in their vehicle. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be factors at this time based on CHP’s preliminary comment.
Responders closed all northbound lanes of the Guadalupe Parkway portion of Highway 87 and diverted traffic at Curtner Avenue while firefighters extinguished flames and investigators documented the scene. Aerial footage showed three charred vehicles as crews worked to suppress the fire. Roadways in the surrounding neighborhoods, including the Curtner Avenue corridor near Communications Hill and the Willow Glen side streets, experienced significant delays as drivers were redirected.
Who was involved and current status
CHP reported the collision involved two Tesla vehicles, a Lexus, and a Toyota Sienna. The adult and child who died were passengers in the Lexus. Names were not released at the time of reporting, which is typical until next of kin notifications are complete. Hospital conditions for the surviving adult in the Lexus and a Tesla driver were not immediately known. Information about occupants of the second Tesla was not yet available.
When a crash results in fatalities and fire, the investigation timeline often expands. Specialized investigators may need to reconstruct events using physical evidence, witness statements, and electronic data from event data recorders. Fire damage can complicate but not necessarily prevent recovery of certain types of data.
Official response and closures
San José Fire Department indicated two vehicles were on fire, and crews made progress at the scene as northbound lanes remained closed. CHP San Jose announced closures and detours, diverting northbound traffic to Curtner Avenue with no early estimate for reopening. When a major closure like this occurs on Highway 87, it backs up traffic toward Capitol Expressway and Highway 85, often spilling onto surface streets near Alma Avenue, Almaden Expressway, and the VTA Curtner Station area.
Drivers already in the area described stop-and-go conditions and long delays. For those unfamiliar with SR-87, this corridor connects South San Jose with Downtown and the SAP Center area, and it typically carries heavy midday traffic.
Immediate steps after a multi-vehicle freeway crash
In a severe collision, an orderly approach helps protect both safety and rights. Here are general steps that often matter in the hours and days after an incident like this.
Seek medical care immediately even if injuries seem minor. Some serious injuries are not obvious right away. Keep all discharge summaries, imaging results, and follow-up instructions.
Preserve evidence. Photograph the vehicles, roadway, debris, tire marks, and any visible injuries if it’s safe. Save tow receipts, hospital wristbands, and any communications with first responders or insurers.
Identify witnesses. Secure names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Eyewitness accounts can clarify sequence of impacts in multi-vehicle events.
Do not repair or dispose of the vehicle until an inspection can be completed. Fire and impact damage may contain critical evidence about how the crash unfolded.
Be cautious with insurance statements. Before speaking with any insurer, consult an attorney for a free consultation about your rights. What is said to a claims adjuster can be used to limit recovery later.
Note public cameras and data sources. The Highway 87 corridor may have Caltrans cameras and VTA or city cameras near interchanges. Dispatch recordings and 911 calls can sometimes be requested.
Follow official updates from CHP San Jose and San José Fire Department as they release verified information.
How to obtain key records and reports in Santa Clara County
After a serious crash, certain records help families and injured people understand what happened and make informed decisions. Below are common records and where they typically come from.
Collision report from the California Highway Patrol
CHP prepares the primary traffic collision report for freeway incidents. The report usually includes a diagram, involved parties, vehicle information, witness statements, preliminary findings, and sometimes reference to evidence like skid marks or debris fields. Requesting the report generally involves identifying the date, time, location, and involved party details, then submitting a formal request to the CHP Area Office that handled the investigation.
To locate forms and instructions, visit the California Highway Patrol website and navigate to the section on collision report requests.
Autopsy report, cause of death, and death certificates
When there is a fatality, the county medical examiner-coroner typically completes the autopsy and identifies the medical cause and manner of death. For Santa Clara County, the Medical Examiner-Coroner manages these records. Families can request certified copies of death certificates through the county or the California Department of Public Health. State-level instructions for vital records are available through the California Department of Public Health.
Autopsy and coroner investigative reports are generally provided to next of kin. Procedures and timelines vary by county and case complexity. If a criminal or complex civil investigation is ongoing, some portions may be withheld until release is permitted.
Fire incident reports and records
Fire response records can include incident details, times, hazardous conditions, and images. For San José incidents, the San José Fire Department maintains records accessible through the City’s public records process. Visit the City of San José’s official site at sanjoseca.gov to find the public records portal and instructions.
Hospital and EMS records
Emergency medical services and hospital records document injuries, treatments, and transport details. Families can request records from EMS agencies and hospital medical records departments with appropriate authorizations. If minors are involved, a parent or legal guardian typically makes the request.
911 audio, dispatch logs, and traffic camera data
911 calls and dispatch logs provide timing and sequence information. Public agencies sometimes release these through public records requests, subject to privacy and investigatory restrictions. Traffic cameras managed by Caltrans may have stills or limited video, though many cameras are for real-time traffic management rather than historical storage. For Caltrans, start at dot.ca.gov for contact information.
Vehicle inspection and downloads
Many modern vehicles contain event data recorders that may capture pre-crash speed, braking, throttle, and seat belt status. Tesla vehicles can store multiple layers of data, and other manufacturers like Lexus and Toyota typically have EDR modules. Fire damage can complicate access, but not always. It is important to preserve the vehicle and coordinate with qualified inspectors before any repairs or salvage.
Understanding potential civil liability in multi-car freeway collisions
A four-vehicle crash with fire raises several civil liability considerations. Investigators and reconstruction professionals typically evaluate:
Sequence of impacts. Which vehicle struck first, and where subsequent impacts occurred. Chain-reaction dynamics can shift responsibility among multiple drivers.
Speed, following distance, and lane changes. Whether drivers maintained safe distances and conducted merges or lane changes safely.
Road conditions and visibility. Weather, lighting, roadway grade, and any hazards on or near the lanes.
Mechanical issues. Tire failure, brake issues, or other defects can contribute to loss of control or fire severity.
Vehicle fire origin. Fire can start from ruptured fuel systems or high-energy battery components. Origin analysis matters for liability and product-related claims, though such investigations require specialized protocols and should avoid speculation.
California uses comparative fault in civil injury cases. This means responsibility can be apportioned among multiple drivers based on percentages, and each party’s recovery can be reduced by their share of fault. Families often encounter complex questions when more than two vehicles are involved, especially when some vehicles can still be driven away and others are totaled by fire.
In collisions involving a child passenger, the law places strong duties on drivers to use appropriate restraints. Whether restraints were used is a sensitive and fact-specific topic that investigators review, but any discussion outside verified reports should avoid assumptions. The focus should remain on the full picture of causation and the actions of all involved parties.
Insurance issues that commonly arise
Insurance questions become more complicated when multiple vehicles and severe injuries are involved. The following coverage types often come into play:
Bodily injury liability coverage from at-fault drivers is typically the first source for medical costs and damages.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on a victim’s policy can apply if at-fault limits are inadequate or a responsible driver lacks coverage.
Medical payments (Med-Pay)Â coverage can help pay medical bills regardless of fault, subject to the policy terms.
Property damage coverage addresses vehicle repair or total loss, towing, rental car, and diminished value where allowed.
Umbrella coverage may sit above auto limits in severe injury or wrongful death cases.
In a multi-vehicle case, insurers may quickly seek statements, which can unintentionally minimize recovery if phrased poorly. It is sensible to consult an attorney before any recorded statement, meeting, or signature. Adjusters may ask broad questions about speed, distraction, or seat belt use that can be misinterpreted later. A brief, no-cost consultation helps clarify rights and strategy before those conversations.
Deadlines that can affect California claims
California imposes strict time limits on civil claims. While specific situations can alter deadlines, the following general timelines are commonly relevant:
Wrongful death and personal injury: The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the incident in California. See California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 on the state’s official code site at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
Claims involving public entities: If a government agency could be implicated, a written claim must usually be filed within six months. See California Government Code § 911.2 on the state code site at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
DMV accident report: California requires drivers to report certain crashes to the DMV within 10 days when there is injury, death, or property damage above a set threshold, using the SR-1 form. General information is available at the California DMVÂ site.
Because exceptions and special rules can apply, particularly for minors or claims that may involve a public agency, it is prudent to confirm the exact deadlines for any specific situation as early as possible.
Safety notes for the Highway 87 corridor
Residents know that Highway 87, especially between Capitol Expressway and downtown, is a busy connector with frequent lane changes near interchanges like Curtner Avenue and Alma Avenue. The proximity to VTA stations, the Guadalupe River Park corridor, and ramps to and from surface streets creates weaving dynamics during midday traffic. A few general reminders for this corridor:
Leave space. Keep a safe following distance that allows for unexpected braking. Multi-car rear-end sequences are more likely in tight spacing.
Commit to lane changes. Use turn signals early and execute lane changes decisively when safe. Avoid lingering in the lane divide where others may be merging.
Scan beyond the next vehicle. On a fast-moving corridor, look several vehicles ahead to anticipate slowdowns, emergency lights, or debris.
Know escape routes. Be aware of shoulders and ramps, but only use them if instructed or absolutely necessary for safety.
These reminders will not eliminate risk, but they can reduce the chance of chain reactions in busy segments of the Guadalupe Parkway.
By the numbers
Reliable, national and state-level data give context to the risks seen in a tragic event like this.
Child passenger safety. NHTSA reports that car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children in the United States. Proper restraints significantly reduce fatal injury risk. See resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at nhtsa.gov.
Impact of seat belts. National data consistently show that seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury for passenger vehicle occupants. NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Facts series provides annual summaries at nhtsa.gov.
California fatalities. California’s roadway fatalities have fluctuated in recent years, with multi-vehicle freeway crashes contributing to overall totals. Statewide safety information and grant programs are discussed by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the state portal at ots.ca.gov.
While statistics cannot capture the human cost felt by San Jose families, they highlight the importance of prevention, safe driving practices, and thorough investigations when tragedies occur.
Why timely action matters and what to do next
This section is intended to help readers understand why quick, organized steps are important after a severe freeway collision.
Secure time-sensitive evidence. Physical evidence on the roadway fades quickly, vehicles move to tow yards, and electronic data can be lost if a car is repaired, scrapped, or has its battery pack or modules removed. Acting early preserves key facts about speed, braking, point of impact, and fire origin.
Obtain official records while memories are fresh. Witnesses relocate or forget details. Early requests for the CHP collision report, 911 audio, and dispatch logs keep the timeline clear.
Clarify insurance coverage layers. Multi-vehicle collisions can implicate several policies. Early review of liability, UM/UIM, Med-Pay, and umbrella coverage helps prevent missed opportunities for recovery.
Meet critical deadlines. California’s statutes and administrative claim requirements are unforgiving. Starting early helps ensure the correct notices and filings occur on time.
Coordinate medical care and documentation. Hospitals and specialists produce records that may be essential later. Accurate documentation of symptoms and treatment creates a consistent medical story that supports healing and accountability.
Consider an attorney consultation before insurance statements. Insurers often request recorded statements soon after a crash. It is sensible to understand rights and risks first. What someone says early can be quoted later in ways that affect outcomes.
What should be done now, in practical terms
Preserve the vehicle and instruct the tow yard not to release, dismantle, or allow inspection without notice.
Write down everything remembered about lane positions, speeds, traffic, and events before and after impact. Include names of first responders if known.
Request copies of hospital discharge papers, imaging CDs, and EMS run sheets as soon as they become available.
Identify all potential insurance policies that may apply. This includes household policies, the vehicle’s policy, and any umbrella coverage.
Speak with a qualified attorney for a free consultation before engaging with insurance adjusters. This helps avoid missteps and preserves options.
Commentary from Gosuits San Jose, California Personal Injury Attorney
Our hearts are with everyone affected by the Highway 87 crash near Curtner Avenue. An adult and a child lost their lives, and others were hospitalized. For San Jose families who drive this corridor every day, this is a painful reminder of how quickly a routine trip along the Guadalupe Parkway can change. The thoughts here are for general information and education. They are not a substitute for advice about any specific case.
From the civil injury perspective, multi-vehicle freeway collisions usually require a careful, methodical approach. The presence of two Teslas, a Lexus, and a Toyota Sienna, along with a significant post-collision fire, suggests investigators will need to reconstruct a sequence of impacts and assess how the fire began and spread. Electronic data recorders, camera footage, and physical evidence all matter. It is important not to jump to conclusions while CHP completes its work, but it is equally important that evidence is preserved in the meantime.
Insurance companies and corporate stakeholders often move fast after a high-profile crash. Adjusters may request recorded statements, push quick settlements, or focus attention on select snippets of data. That can leave families at a disadvantage. Without a full set of records, a complete medical picture, and a timeline assembled from multiple sources, critical details can be missed. We regularly see how pressure to settle before the facts are developed can reduce accountability and undercut a family’s long-term needs.
A free consultation can help people understand their rights, the order of steps to take, and how to avoid common pitfalls. It provides a chance to discuss preserving vehicles for inspection, obtaining the CHP collision report, coordinating with the coroner’s office for necessary documentation, and identifying all potential insurance coverages. Even a short conversation before speaking with an insurer can make a difference, because what is said early can be used later.
For those navigating the aftermath here in San Jose, near Curtner Avenue, Tamien, and Willow Glen, know that support systems exist. Official resources like the California Highway Patrol, the City of San José, and state agencies such as the California DMV and CDPH provide the documentation that a thorough civil investigation requires. When in doubt, reach out for guidance, ask questions, and take the time necessary to understand the process before making commitments that could affect the future.
This article is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such, particularly by individuals affected by the incident discussed. Reading this article does not create, nor is it intended to create, an attorney–client relationship.
An attorney–client relationship with our firm can only be established through the execution of a written contingency fee agreement signed by both the client and the law firm. If you are a victim of this incident, you should not interpret the information herein as legal advice. Instead, we strongly encourage you to contact an attorney of your choice to obtain a proper consultation tailored to your specific situation.
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