Tuyep Nhung Thi Nguyen Killed in San Jose Car Accident
The crash occurred on North Ninth Street just north of East Santa Clara Street
Tuyep Nhung Thi Nguyen, 79, of San Jose, died April 11, after the car she was riding in crashed into a concrete wall, San Jose police said.
The crash happened around 7:05 a.m. on North Ninth Street. A man driving a 2010 Toyota was attempting to park when he suddenly reversed at a high speed and left the road, investigators said.
Paramedics took Nguyen to a local hospital with serious injuries. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The driver remained at the crash site, just north of East Santa Clara Street. Police have not announced any citations or criminal charges.
The crash marks the city's 13th traffic death of the year. At this point last year, eight people had died in traffic crashes, police records show. Detectives asked anyone with information about the crash to contact the traffic investigations unit.
The San Jose Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash on North Ninth Street. Investigators will examine the 2010 Toyota's mechanical systems and event data recorder to determine why the vehicle accelerated backward into the concrete wall.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of the victim must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently"
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedal misapplication crashes occur thousands of times per year, frequently involving parking maneuvers.
What happens next in the SJPD investigation?
While this specific crash involved a parking maneuver, urban crash investigations often require analyzing all surrounding traffic control devices to rule out external factors. Detectives will document the exact trajectory of the Toyota as it left the road.
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, of Counsel at Bond Legal, noted that "Drivers must always exercise extreme caution, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces or parking. When a passenger is injured or killed due to a driver's actions, a personal injury attorney can provide crucial guidance and support to the victim's family, helping them navigate the legal process and seek appropriate compensation."
The San Jose Police Department traffic investigations unit continues to gather evidence from the downtown crash site. Individuals involved in fatal car accidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
California wrongful death statute
Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. California applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.