San Jose, CA – In the early hours of Sunday, August 2, 2026, a suspected DUI hit-and-run resulted in the death of a pedestrian, marking the city’s 26th fatal collision of 2026, according to KRON.
The San Jose Police Department reports that the accident took place just after 2:00 AM near Bernal Road and Via Del Oro.
Authorities said the driver of a black 2017 Chevy pickup truck struck a pedestrian and fled the scene. The pedestrian died as a result of the crash. Through extensive follow-up, SJPD patrol officers located the suspect vehicle in San Jose.
The driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence, vehicular manslaughter, and felony hit-and-run.
The names of the driver and victim had not been released at the time of reporting. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Banzon of the San Jose Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit. The investigation remains ongoing.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
San Jose DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It also requires drivers involved in any collision to stop, render aid, and remain at the scene to cooperate with law enforcement. An impaired driver who flees the scene of a fatal crash may face criminal prosecution in addition to civil liability, and may be considered to have committed negligence per se, increasing his share of liability in the collision.
Regardless of the outcome of the criminal case, the victim’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
San Jose Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, near Bernal Road and Via Del Oro, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
