San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident Sparks Safety Concerns on California Freeways

On the morning of May 8, 2025, a tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of a man along the Interstate 215 Freeway in San Bernardino County, California. According to the California Highway Patrol’s traffic log, the incident happened near Barton Road in Grand Terrace, just before 5:00 a.m. A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle traveling northbound, prompting an immediate emergency response and a temporary closure of the freeway’s right lanes.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been released to the public. CHP officers and emergency medical services responded swiftly to the scene, but the pedestrian was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigators remain on the case, working to determine what led to this fatal collision on a stretch of freeway known for high-speed traffic and limited pedestrian accessibility.

Incidents like this raise serious questions about freeway safety and pedestrian exposure to fast-moving vehicles. While pedestrian presence on freeways is rare and often prohibited, exceptions exist, especially in cases of vehicle breakdowns, mental health crises, or unhoused individuals seeking safe passage. Whatever the cause, a tragedy like this underscores the growing urgency of improving pedestrian safety infrastructure throughout San Bernardino County.

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What Happened in the San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident on May 8, 2025

In the early morning hours of May 8, 2025, a pedestrian was fatally struck on the northbound side of the I-215 Freeway near Barton Road in Grand Terrace, part of San Bernardino County. According to the California Highway Patrol traffic incident log and ABC 7, the collision occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m. and involved at least one vehicle traveling at typical freeway speeds.

The incident resulted in a rapid deployment of emergency responders and an investigation by CHP officers. Several northbound lanes were temporarily closed as authorities examined the scene and worked to determine what led to this tragic outcome.

Location of the Fatal Crash Near Barton Road

The accident occurred near the Barton Road exit along the I-215, a major corridor that connects Riverside County to downtown San Bernardino. This particular area of the freeway lacks pedestrian infrastructure and is not intended for foot traffic. Under normal conditions, pedestrians are prohibited from walking along active freeway lanes, making such incidents rare but especially dangerous.

The Google Maps view of the crash location shows that this stretch of freeway is surrounded by commercial zones and limited shoulder access, which complicates safe navigation for anyone outside a vehicle.

Emergency Response and Immediate Investigation

Following the crash, CHP officers initiated a preliminary investigation, closing the right lanes to preserve evidence. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, and no further details about the identity of the victim had been made public as of this writing. Officials have not stated whether the victim was experiencing a vehicle breakdown, a mental health crisis, or any other condition that may explain their presence on the freeway.

The driver involved in the incident reportedly remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. As is standard protocol, officers likely performed field interviews, reviewed any available dashcam footage, and documented physical evidence along the roadway.

For more on how these types of investigations are conducted, refer to the California Highway Patrol’s collision reporting procedures.

Legal and Safety Questions After the Crash

While pedestrian traffic on freeways is illegal under most circumstances, accidents like this one raise broader safety concerns. Homelessness, mental health emergencies, and freeway-adjacent pedestrian paths often create situations where people end up on roads that were never designed for pedestrian use.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to track rising pedestrian fatalities across the country, emphasizing the need for infrastructure changes and enhanced driver awareness, especially during low-visibility hours like early morning.

Pedestrian Safety Challenges in San Bernardino County

Pedestrian safety remains a critical public health issue in San Bernardino County and throughout Southern California. Incidents like the fatal crash on May 8, 2025, along the I-215 Freeway reflect a troubling regional and national trend: pedestrians are increasingly at risk on roads not designed for foot traffic. In many cases, victims are forced into dangerous conditions due to inadequate infrastructure, socioeconomic hardship, or mental health crises. Understanding the root causes of these tragedies is essential to preventing future loss of life.

San Bernardino County Has One of California’s Highest Pedestrian Fatality Rates

San Bernardino County consistently ranks among the most dangerous areas in California for pedestrians. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), San Bernardino reported hundreds of pedestrian injuries and dozens of fatalities in recent years, placing it near the top of the list statewide for pedestrian-involved collisions. These incidents occur in both urban centers like downtown San Bernardino, and suburban areas such as Grand Terrace and Colton.

Local officials have attempted to address these issues through public awareness campaigns and infrastructure upgrades. However, data from the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) shows that large portions of the region still lack safe sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, or clearly marked crosswalks, especially near freeway corridors. This disparity places vulnerable populations, such as low-income residents and unhoused individuals, at greater risk when walking near traffic.

Freeways Are Not Designed With Pedestrian Safety in Mind

The design of California freeways prioritizes vehicle speed and volume, not pedestrian access or safety. The I-215 Freeway, where the May 8 crash occurred, is no exception. Like other interstate highways, it features limited shoulders, high speeds, and minimal lighting in certain stretches, all of which contribute to poor visibility and minimal reaction time for drivers.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has long warned that freeway design inherently increases fatality risk for pedestrians who enter or attempt to cross these roads. Pedestrian entry is generally prohibited under the California Vehicle Code Section 21956, yet enforcement and education remain limited, especially among vulnerable populations who may not be aware of these laws or who have no alternative routes.

Low-Light Conditions Amplify the Danger for Pedestrians

Visibility is a major factor in pedestrian crashes, particularly those that happen during dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours. The crash in San Bernardino occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m., a time when the rising sun offers little illumination, and many drivers are still adjusting to early-morning conditions. According to the National Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur during dark or low-light conditions.

Inadequate Street Lighting Creates Deadly Blind Zones

Lighting infrastructure near freeway exits like Barton Road is often outdated, damaged, or absent entirely. The FHWA’s roadway lighting guide emphasizes that proper lighting improves driver reaction time and helps identify pedestrians from a greater distance. However, in areas with limited tax revenue or strained city budgets, streetlight repair and installation can fall by the wayside. This delay puts lives at risk, especially along busy corridors near freeway entrances or exits.

City and county leaders must prioritize lighting upgrades to reduce fatalities. Municipal lighting audits and public reporting tools can help identify the most dangerous intersections and road segments. These improvements can be especially impactful in areas with pedestrian traffic during early morning hours, when drivers are less alert and visibility is reduced.

Poverty and Homelessness Contribute to Freeway Pedestrian Incidents

San Bernardino County has long struggled with high poverty rates and one of the largest homeless populations in California. According to the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership, thousands of individuals in the region live without permanent shelter, and many camp near freeway corridors, bridges, and underpasses for temporary protection. This proximity to high-speed roadways makes them especially vulnerable to pedestrian accidents.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has reported a strong correlation between pedestrian fatalities and socioeconomic stress. People experiencing homelessness often walk long distances, lack access to public transportation, and may cross roads or freeways to access shelters, food banks, or hospitals. These activities can lead to devastating consequences when they occur on or near vehicle-dominated infrastructure.

Freeway Design Fails to Account for Mental Health Emergencies

Not all pedestrian freeway incidents involve simple attempts to cross a road. In many cases, individuals are suffering from a mental health crisis when they enter the roadway. Whether due to disorientation, suicidal ideation, or substance use, these incidents demand a different kind of intervention—one rooted in public health, not just traffic enforcement.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers national data showing that emergency calls involving suicidal individuals on freeways are increasing. Many communities lack adequate crisis response infrastructure, forcing law enforcement to fill the gap with limited resources. This imbalance can result in fatal consequences, especially when the person in crisis walks into fast-moving traffic during low-visibility hours.

Systemic Infrastructure Inequities Disproportionately Harm Vulnerable Pedestrians

San Bernardino County’s pedestrian safety problems don’t affect everyone equally. A study by the California Walks coalition found that low-income communities and communities of color are more likely to be located near dangerous roadways with little pedestrian infrastructure. These residents often rely on walking as a primary form of transportation, yet must do so in environments that were never designed to accommodate them safely.

Efforts to fix these problems often exclude the neighborhoods most in need. While certain “road diet” projects and traffic-calming improvements have been implemented in wealthier suburban areas, communities in and around Grand Terrace and central San Bernardino continue to lag behind. Funding disparities, bureaucratic red tape, and lack of political pressure all contribute to the continued marginalization of these communities.

Legal Options for Families After Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in San Bernardino

When a pedestrian is killed in a traffic collision, surviving family members are left grappling with more than just grief. They face sudden financial burdens, unanswered questions, and the heavy weight of knowing the tragedy could have been prevented. Under California law, families have the right to pursue legal action when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, whether it’s a careless driver, a government agency responsible for road safety, or both.

Wrongful death claims are a vital legal tool for holding at-fault parties accountable and securing the resources families need to move forward. If your family has been affected by a fatal pedestrian accident in San Bernardino, understanding your legal options is the first step toward justice.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that allows surviving relatives to seek compensation for the death of a loved one caused by another party’s negligence or misconduct. In California, this legal right is governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, which specifies who can file and what types of damages may be recovered.

Wrongful death claims are distinct from criminal cases. Even if no charges are filed or if a driver is acquitted in criminal court, a family may still pursue civil damages based on the same facts. These claims can hold negligent drivers accountable and may also extend to municipalities or contractors responsible for unsafe road design or lighting failures.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

California law limits eligibility to a specific group of surviving relatives. Those who can typically file include:

• The deceased person’s spouse or domestic partner
  
• The deceased’s children
  
• In some cases, parents, stepchildren, or other financial dependents

When multiple eligible individuals exist, they may join together in a single lawsuit. The goal is to ensure the family’s financial and emotional losses are represented and fairly addressed through the legal system. The California Courts Self-Help Guide offers additional information on who may file and how to begin the process.

Compensation Available in a San Bernardino Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death claims allow families to seek compensation for a variety of economic and non-economic losses. These damages reflect both tangible expenses and the emotional toll of losing a loved one in a preventable crash.

Funeral and Burial Costs

Families are entitled to recover all reasonable funeral and burial expenses. In California, these costs often exceed $10,000, especially when they include transportation, services, burial plots, and memorials. A successful wrongful death claim can reimburse families for these out-of-pocket expenses and ease the financial pressure that follows an unexpected death.

Loss of Financial Support

If the deceased was the primary breadwinner or contributed financially to the household, surviving relatives may seek compensation for lost income. This includes not only current wages but also projected future earnings, pensions, benefits, and retirement savings the decedent would have provided over their lifetime.

The court may consider the victim’s age, health, career, and anticipated work trajectory in calculating this amount. Expert testimony from economists is often used to establish these long-term financial projections.

Emotional and Companionship Losses

The law recognizes that the emotional suffering caused by the death of a spouse, parent, or child is just as real as any financial loss. Wrongful death claims can include compensation for:

There is no cap on these damages in most pedestrian-related wrongful death cases in California. Courts rely on witness testimony, psychological evaluations, and family statements to determine the appropriate amount.

Loss of Companionship and Support

The death of a loved one deprives surviving family members of the emotional closeness and everyday support that person once provided. In wrongful death claims, California law allows for compensation that reflects this loss of companionship, whether it’s the quiet presence of a spouse, the shared responsibilities of a co-parent, or the trusted counsel of a sibling. These losses cannot be measured in dollars alone, but the legal system recognizes their real and lasting impact on the lives of those left behind.

Loss of Guidance and Nurturing

For children who lose a parent in a fatal pedestrian crash, the loss extends far beyond financial support. It includes the absence of daily care, life lessons, emotional encouragement, and a stable family structure. Courts understand that the death of a parent can derail a child’s development and long-term well-being. That’s why wrongful death claims often seek compensation for the lost guidance, moral support, and nurturing that a parent would have provided throughout the child’s life.

Pain and Suffering Experienced by Close Relatives

The psychological toll of losing a loved one in a sudden, violent crash can lead to lasting trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. These emotional injuries are legally compensable in California wrongful death claims, particularly when the surviving relatives witness the incident or its aftermath. Courts consider the intensity and duration of emotional suffering when calculating damages, ensuring that families are not left to bear the mental anguish of their loss without support or acknowledgment.

Proving Negligence After a Pedestrian Fatality

In order to succeed in a wrongful death case, the plaintiff must prove that the at-fault party acted negligently and that this negligence directly caused the death. This involves demonstrating four legal elements:

1. Duty of Care – The driver or entity had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care.
   
2. Breach of Duty – That duty was violated by a careless, reckless, or unlawful act.
   
3. Causation – The breach directly led to the victim’s death.
   
4. Damages – The family suffered measurable financial and emotional harm.

In pedestrian accident cases, breaches of duty often include speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield at a crosswalk, or operating a vehicle while impaired. In other cases, the breach may involve governmental negligence, such as broken streetlights, poorly designed roadways, or a failure to install pedestrian signals.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) provides information about pedestrian safety initiatives and standards that may apply when assessing roadway-related liability.

Liability May Extend Beyond the Driver

While the driver is typically the primary focus in a pedestrian crash investigation, liability may also extend to other parties. For example, if poor road design contributed to the crash, such as a lack of crosswalks, signage, or lighting, the city or county may share responsibility.

Under the California Tort Claims Act, a family may bring a claim against a public entity, but strict deadlines apply. Most government claims must be filed within six months of the incident, making early legal action crucial.

A knowledgeable attorney can investigate the crash scene, obtain video footage or traffic data, and consult with experts to determine whether roadway conditions, defective signals, or visibility issues contributed to the fatal outcome.

The Importance of Prompt Legal Action

Time is of the essence in any wrongful death claim. In California, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit under the Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If a government agency is involved, a separate administrative claim must be submitted within six months of the incident.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. This is why consulting with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible is critical for preserving your rights.

Get Legal Help After a San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident

Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is an unimaginable tragedy, especially when it happens under preventable circumstances. If your family is mourning the loss of someone due to a fatal crash on the I-215 Freeway or elsewhere in San Bernardino County, you deserve answers, accountability, and compassionate legal support.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’ve stood beside thousands of California families facing the devastating aftermath of wrongful deaths and serious injury crashes. Our team knows how to investigate complex pedestrian fatalities, preserve critical evidence, and hold negligent drivers, municipalities, and insurance companies accountable.

You don’t have to face this alone. We offer free, confidential consultations and work on a contingency basis; you pay nothing unless we win for you. Let us help you understand your legal rights and take the first step toward justice.

Call us today at (310) 736-6869 or reach out online. We’re available 24/7. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start building your case.