San Jose Teen Sustains Fatal Injuries after Being Struck by Ford F-150

Silver Creek High School is mourning the loss of a beloved member of its sophomore class following a fatal bike accident.  Local teen Andy Martinez is the ninth person this year to sustain fatal injuries due to a bike or pedestrian accident in the San Jose Area.  Several reports state that the 15-year-old was riding his bike to school on Monday, May 20th when he was hit by a Ford F-150 pickup truck, a block away from his destination. 

The accident occurred at the intersection of East Capitol Expressway and Silver Creek Road, at approximately 7:35 a.m.  Following the collision, Andy was taken to an unidentified hospital where he later died at 8:10 a.m. due to the severity of his injuries. Grief counselors are working with students and staff members of Silver Creek High School to help them cope with the loss of Andy, who was described as the life of the classroom.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the Martinez family and the Silver Creek High School community in their time of grief.

 

 

Investigators are working to figure out exactly how the accident occurred.  According to witnesses, Andy was heading east on East Capitol Expressway and the pickup truck was traveling north on Silver Creek Road when the two collided.  Several students confirmed that the intersection is often busy, and is known for being dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

The full investigation may reveal many details that witnesses or the parties involved may not be able to recall.  After analyzing skid marks, traffic signals, the pickup truck, and the fixed gear bike involved, investigators may be able to determine the cause of the accident.  Investigators may find that the driver of the pickup truck was driving recklessly or inattentively, both of which are common causes of pedestrian and bike accidents, and would allow the driver to be held liable for the accident.  Even if the collision is found to have been an accident, the family of Andy Martinez may have a right to obtain compensation for several other reasons; for example, if the intersection is found to be a dangerous.

There are several ways for an accident to result in the wrongful death of a loved one. The experienced bicycle accident lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP will ensure that you or a loved one receives the compensation they are entitled to.  Call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today for your free consultation and case evaluation.