Traffic Collision on US101 Leaves Driver Trapped in Vehicle

A traffic collision occurred on the southbound US101 at the Tully Road west offramp in San Jose on the evening of December 10, 2024. The incident was reported at approximately 7:11 PM, involving a driver who became trapped inside their vehicle due to the damage sustained in the crash. Emergency services were promptly notified, and the San Jose Fire Department was dispatched to the scene to assist.

The driver, who was able to communicate with responders, confirmed that they were trapped but declined the need for a tow truck. The situation prompted a swift response from emergency personnel to ensure the driver’s safety and extricate them from the vehicle. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, and no further details about other vehicles or injuries have been released at this time.

Motorists traveling in the area are advised to exercise caution and expect potential delays as emergency crews work to clear the scene. The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is currently unavailable on US101 from Ellis Street to Monterey Road, which may impact traffic management efforts. Our thoughts are with the individual involved in this incident, and we hope for their safe recovery.

Potential Legal Considerations

When someone is hurt because of another person’s carelessness, it is called negligence. In these cases, the person who got hurt might have the right to get money for their injuries. To prove negligence, the injured person must show that the other person had a duty to be careful, did not act carefully, and caused harm as a result. For example, if someone is driving a car, they have a duty to follow traffic rules and drive safely. If they don’t and someone gets hurt, the driver might be responsible for the injuries.

Victims of negligence can often file a claim with the at-fault person’s insurance company. This is because many people have insurance to cover accidents, like car insurance. The insurance company might pay for things like medical bills and other costs related to the injury. However, sometimes insurance companies try to pay less than what the victim deserves. In these cases, the victim might need to get help from a lawyer to make sure they get fair compensation.

It’s important for victims to know their rights and to act quickly. There are usually time limits for filing claims, called statutes of limitations. If a victim waits too long, they might not be able to get any money at all. So, it’s a good idea for victims to talk to a lawyer soon after the accident to understand their options and make sure they don’t miss any important deadlines.