Victim Was Lying in San Jose Driveway Before Being Run Over by Garbage Truck
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA (November 10, 2025) – A male pedestrian has tragically died in a San Jose garbage truck accident while lying down in a private driveway on Bascom Avenue.
San Jose police officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:00 a.m. on Thursday. The garbage truck was headed down Shamrock Drive when it turned into a private alley.
It ran over a homeless man, causing him to sustain critical injuries in the process. The victim was apparently covered in blankets at the time of the collision.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for San Jose Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage truck drivers are required to get a commercial license and must operate with a great deal of caution to avoid accidents. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.” Drivers make a number of mistakes that contribute to pedestrian accidents.
- Blind Spots: Drivers may fail to check their blind spots before turning at intersections or into an alley.
- Speed: Drivers may operate their vehicle at a speed that is reasonable and safe given the prevailing conditions.
- Fatigue: Drivers must ensure that they are well rested before the start of any shift at work.
If a garbage truck driver fails to take reasonable measures to avoid hitting your pedestrian in the roadway, this can serve as evidence of negligence. Liability for any garbage truck accident could extend beyond any driver deemed to be at fault. The company that the garbage truck driver worked for could also be liable. Employers can be liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who were operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After San Jose Garbage Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in collisions with trucks. Many of the victims are pedestrians. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, “Light trucks accounted for 54% of pedestrian fatalities where a vehicle type was known in 2023, compared to 37% for passenger cars.” Several actions should be taken after any fatal pedestrian accident.
- Police Investigation: The police should be called to the scene as early as possible so that they can investigate what went wrong.
- Evidence Preservation: All of the evidence related to the crash should be collected and preserved. This should include any photos of the accident site.
- Independent Review: The investigation that police officers perform is far from conclusive. It is a good idea to have any collision independently reviewed by a legal team experienced with injury claims.
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are preventable. They tend to be the result of clear safety lapses on the part of drivers. Victims of pedestrian accidents are protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some accountability and justice through a civil action. This right extends to the surviving family members of any pedestrian killed in a collision.
Investigating San Jose Garbage Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian killed in this San Jose garbage truck accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Many questions still need to be answered.
Do you need more information about a San Jose garbage truck accident? Our team of pedestrian accident attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping victims understand their legal rights and holding negligent drivers fully accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to support you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
