San Jose, CA — March 3, 2025, One person wa skilled following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 4:15 P.M. on US 101.

Authorities are investigating after an 18-wheeler accident left one person dead on March 3rd. According to official statements, an 18-wheeler operated by a 50-year-old man was travelling on US 101 in the northbound lanes near the Capitol Expressway, when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control, causing the truck to leave the roadway and overturn.
When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver had sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including what caused the semi to los control, nor the identity of the driver, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators can provide clear answers for the loved ones of the driver. A commercial truck losing control, leaving the roadway, and overturning raises serious concerns about road conditions, possible mechanical failures, and whether external factors played a role. While initial reports confirm what happened, they don’t necessarily explain why it happened. To truly understand the cause, three critical questions must be asked.
First, have authorities thoroughly investigated the crash? Law enforcement will typically document the scene, assess road conditions, and consider possible contributing factors such as weather, visibility, and roadway hazards. However, deeper analysis is often necessary. Were there hazardous conditions on US 101—such as high winds, wet pavement, or debris—that may have contributed to the truck losing control? Was the driver attempting to avoid another vehicle or obstruction? A full accident reconstruction could help determine whether external conditions played a role.
Second, has anyone looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect? When a commercial truck crashes, it’s important to consider whether mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire blowouts—may have played a role. Additionally, commercial trucks require routine maintenance and safety inspections—was this particular truck properly maintained, or had any issues been previously reported? If a defect played a role, ensuring that all relevant mechanical and electronic data is reviewed is critical before key evidence is lost.
Third, has all electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and electronic control modules (ECMs), which capture critical details such as speed, braking efforts, and steering input leading up to the crash. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras or dashcam footage from passing vehicles may provide valuable insight into what happened. If investigators don’t secure this evidence quickly, it may be lost, making it much harder to determine exactly what led to the crash.
At the end of the day, the driver’s family deserves clear answers. If the official investigation leaves any gaps, independent experts may be needed to ensure that every possible factor is considered. Whether the cause was environmental, mechanical, or something else entirely, the community owes it to those affected to make sure all available evidence is carefully examined.