An 18-year-old woman was killed following a suspected DUI crash in south San Jose on Saturday night, August 10, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal accident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on the southbound lanes of Highway 101, just south of Hellyer Avenue.
The victim, later identified as 18-year-old Emily H., was returning home from a late shift at California’s Great America in Santa Clara when the incident happened. About five minutes away from home, she was rear-ended by another vehicle. She then reportedly pulled over to exchange information with the driver.
While speaking with the driver who rear-ended her, a second driver, identified as a 43-year-old woman from Morgan Hill, struck and killed Emily H.
CHP reported that the 43-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, causing injury. She sustained minor injuries in the crash. It is not immediately known if the other driver who first rear-ended the victim was injured as well.
The victim’s father has since started a fundraiser campaign to give his daughter a proper farewell. As of Tuesday morning, the fundraiser had raised approximately $4,300 of its $10,000 goal.
The southbound lanes of Highway 101 were partially closed for several hours following the crash and reopened just before 3:00 a.m. Sunday.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the CHP San Jose area office at (408) 961-0900.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.