San Jose, CA (August 26, 2024) – On Monday, a tragic wrong-way crash on Highway 85 in San Jose claimed the lives of two individuals: 47-year-old Rebecca Joanne Olsen of San Jose and an unidentified 14-year-old boy.
Accident Details: The crash occurred when a Toyota Tacoma, driven by a 39-year-old man from Florida, collided head-on with the Tesla carrying Olsen and the teenage boy. The incident was captured on video by a bystander, Normi Juarez, who observed the Tacoma speeding in the wrong direction for several minutes before the fatal collision. Juarez described the truck traveling at speeds exceeding 90 mph. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed that the driver had been going the wrong way for over 10 minutes before the crash.
Authorities are awaiting toxicology results to determine whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The driver, who remains hospitalized with major injuries, has a previous DUI conviction in Florida. The CHP is still investigating the circumstances that led to the driver’s erratic behavior and has asked for any witnesses to come forward.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this case raises several critical questions. Given the driver’s history of DUI, investigators will likely delve into whether this crash was influenced by substance use. If toxicology results show that the driver was under the influence, it could lead to criminal charges.
Additionally, the duration of the driver’s wrong-way travel prompts an inquiry into whether there was an opportunity for law enforcement to intervene earlier. The investigation will also focus on where the driver entered the freeway and why he continued in the wrong direction for an extended period.
The surviving family members of the victims may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim against the driver and potentially any entities responsible for monitoring and responding to dangerous driving behavior.
My deepest sympathies go out to the families of Rebecca Joanne Olsen and the young boy who lost their lives in this senseless tragedy.
Source: ABC 7 News