San Jose, CA – Vehicle Hits Pedestrian at S Third St & E San Carlos St

San Jose, CA (August 22, 2025) – A person on foot suffered critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle in downtown San Jose late Wednesday night. The collision happened around 10 p.m. on August 20, at the intersection of South Third Street and East San Carlos Street.

Officers with the San Jose Police Department responded to the scene following reports of a pedestrian-involved crash. Emergency crews arrived quickly and found the pedestrian with life-threatening injuries. Paramedics administered immediate aid before transporting the victim to a nearby hospital for emergency care.

Preliminary details surrounding the circumstances of the crash remain unclear, including the events leading up to the impact and whether the driver remained at the scene. Authorities have yet to release identifying information about the pedestrian or any potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or visibility conditions at the time of the incident.

The area near South Third Street was temporarily blocked off as investigators collected evidence and worked to piece together what happened. The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the San Jose Police Department.

We hope the injured pedestrian is able to recover quickly and fully.

Pedestrian Accidents in California

Pedestrian-involved accidents are a significant safety issue in California, where busy intersections and heavy foot traffic often intersect with fast-moving vehicles. In recent years, the state has reported some of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. In 2023, more than 1,100 pedestrian deaths occurred, alongside thousands more non-fatal but often serious injuries.

Here’s a closer look at some of the common contributors to pedestrian accidents:

• Urban Intersections: Busy city intersections often pose danger to pedestrians, especially at night or during high-traffic hours. Drivers may fail to yield or overlook someone crossing lawfully in a crosswalk.
• Distracted Driving: The rise of mobile phone use behind the wheel has drastically increased risks for pedestrians. Drivers distracted even for a moment may not notice a person crossing until it’s too late.
• Speeding: Higher vehicle speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of injuries when collisions occur. Pedestrians struck by speeding vehicles are far more likely to suffer fatal or critical injuries.
• Low Visibility Conditions: Poor lighting, inclement weather, or obstructed views can all play a role in pedestrian crashes, particularly at night. Reflective clothing and well-lit crossings help, but driver caution remains key.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment continue to be a leading cause of pedestrian crashes. Both pedestrians and drivers affected by substances face increased risks of collisions and severe outcomes.

If you or someone you love has been hit by a vehicle, speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer who understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll such events can cause.

At Ziff & Cohn, we’ve been fighting for injury victims in the Bay Area for over 70 years. Attorneys Harvey L. Ziff and Adrienne Z. Cohn bring deep courtroom experience and an unwavering focus on their clients’ needs. We handle every case with precision and care—from early investigations to settlement or trial. Whether you’re in San Jose or anywhere across the Peninsula, we’re ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (650) 329 – 0851 for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

Notes: Our writers created this accident news post based on information gathered from various external sources, including local and national news outlets, police reports, and occasionally eyewitness accounts of accidents. If you find any inaccuracies in this post, please contact Ziff & Cohn so we can correct the information as soon as possible. We will remove this post upon request.

Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business and should not be considered legal advice. It does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes depend on the specific details of each case. For tailored legal advice, we encourage you to contact Ziff & Cohn directly. Please note that the featured image in this post is for illustrative purposes only and is not associated with the actual accident.