San Jose, CA – December 5, 2025 | Ayuda California News
A tragedy has shaken the San Jose community after 29-year-old Ivana Balistreri and her 1-year-old daughter, Lilliana, lost their lives in a four-vehicle crash on Tuesday along Highway 87 near the Curtner exit.
At the family’s home, photos, flowers, and the small shoes of mother and daughter rest side by side—an improvised memorial that reflects an indescribable grief.
“Her life was ripped away from us”
“Ivana was a light; she lit up every room she entered,” her sister, Francesca Alexander, said through tears.
Her father, Aurelio Balistreri, still in shock, explained that Ivana didn’t even drive; he usually took her to work. On the day of the accident, her fiancé was the one driving her.
The family describes Ivana as joyful, creative, a lover of movies and all things ’70s, recently engaged in October, and a deeply dedicated mother.
Lilliana, the first baby girl born into the family in 18 years, would have celebrated her second birthday in just two weeks.
What is known about the crash
- The crash involved four vehicles and triggered a fire on the highway.
- CHP confirmed that one adult woman and one child died at the scene.
- Two other people were injured.
- The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and the family is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Legal Rights of the Victims’ Family
While the CHP investigation continues, the Balistreri family already has rights under California law to seek answers and justice.
1. Wrongful Death Claim
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 – 377.61, the family may file a claim covering:
- Funeral and related expenses
- Economic damages (loss of future financial support)
- Non-economic damages (pain, suffering, loss of companionship, comfort, and affection)
2. Punitive Damages
Available if investigators determine that gross negligence, recklessness, or extremely careless conduct contributed to the crash (CC § 3294).
3. Insurance Compensation
It may include:
- Liability of the at-fault driver
- Potential shared liability in multi-vehicle collisions
- UM/UIM coverage (uninsured/underinsured motorist), if applicable
The Emotional and Community Impact
The loss of a young mother and her baby impacts any community, but it can be especially devastating for immigrant and multigenerational families—like this Sicilian family who described Ivana as “the heart of the home.”
Cases like this highlight the growing dangers on California’s urban highways, where distracted driving, speed, and dense traffic increase the severity of multi-vehicle crashes.
Ayuda California Is Here for Families in Their Hardest Moments
In tragedies like this, families face not only unbearable emotional pain, but also:
- Sudden funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Confusion about legal responsibilities
- Insurance companies are trying to minimize payouts
At Ayuda California, we are committed to protecting affected families and guiding them with respect, compassion, and clear legal support—always in Spanish, if needed.
We can help you with:
✔️ Filing a wrongful death claim
✔️ Conducting an independent accident investigation
✔️ Negotiating directly with insurance companies
✔️ Providing legal representation regardless of immigration status
✔️ Free and confidential consultations
📞 Call us today for a free consultation.
Your family is not alone. We are here to fight for you.
