Author: Andy Gillin Apr 10, 2025

A fatal hit-and-run incident in San Bernardino County left one pedestrian dead in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 138 and Oasis Road in Pinon Hills shortly after midnight. This unfortunate event highlights the ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety and hit-and-run incidents in the region.

cars on a street at night

Incident Details

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene after receiving reports of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision. At approximately 12:20 a.m., the San Bernardino County Fire Department was dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, first responders discovered the pedestrian lying in the middle of the intersection. Despite their efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased at 12:33 a.m.

The collision resulted in blocked traffic lanes, prompting a request for California Highway Patrol officers to assist with traffic control. According to witness accounts, a white pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction noticed the body, made a U-turn, and stopped near the intersection to help direct traffic until authorities arrived. Additional bystanders also assisted with traffic management at the scene.

Hit-and-Run Concerns in San Bernardino County

Hit-and-run collisions remain a serious concern throughout California, particularly in San Bernardino County. These incidents, where drivers flee the scene after causing injury or death, not only violate legal obligations but often delay critical medical assistance for victims.

California law requires all drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death to:

  • Stop immediately at the scene
  • Provide reasonable assistance to injured persons
  • Exchange contact and insurance information
  • Report the incident to law enforcement

Failure to fulfill these obligations can result in severe legal consequences, including felony charges for hit-and-run incidents involving fatalities.

Recent data from the California Highway Patrol indicates that San Bernardino County has experienced a concerning uptick in hit-and-run incidents over the past three years, with a 12% increase since 2022. 

Rural and semi-rural intersections like Highway 138 and Oasis Road are particularly vulnerable, as limited lighting, reduced police presence, and fewer witnesses can embolden drivers to flee accident scenes. 

Law enforcement officials have launched targeted campaigns to address this issue, including increased patrols in high-risk areas and the installation of additional traffic cameras at problematic intersections. Local advocacy groups continue to push for stricter penalties for hit-and-run offenders and improved emergency response resources in outlying areas of the county.

Pedestrian Safety at Highway Intersections

The intersection of Highway 138 and Oasis Road in Pinon Hills presents particular hazards for pedestrians, especially during nighttime hours. Highway intersections often combine high vehicle speeds with limited visibility and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, creating dangerous conditions.

Safety experts recommend several precautions for pedestrians navigating highway areas:

  • Wear bright, reflective clothing at night
  • Use dedicated crosswalks when available
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
  • Avoid crossing highways during low visibility conditions

The intersection of Highway 138 and Oasis Road represents a common infrastructure challenge throughout San Bernardino County, where urban expansion has increased pedestrian activity along roadways originally designed primarily for vehicle traffic. 

Transportation safety experts note that such rural highway intersections often lack dedicated pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks, pedestrian islands, or adequate lighting. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has identified several high-risk corridors in the region, including portions of Highway 138, for potential safety improvements under its Complete Streets initiative. 

These enhancements may include reduced speed zones, enhanced crosswalk visibility, pedestrian-activated warning systems, and improved shoulder areas that provide safer passage for those traveling on foot.

Legal Options for Victims and Families

When a pedestrian fatality occurs due to a hit-and-run collision, the victim’s family may have several legal avenues to pursue:

Criminal Investigation

Law enforcement will conduct a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the driver who fled the scene. This may involve reviewing traffic camera footage, collecting witness statements, and examining physical evidence from the scene.

Civil Remedies

The family of the deceased may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can provide compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Emotional distress and grief

Insurance Coverage

Even in hit-and-run cases, victims’ families may be able to recover damages through:

  • Uninsured motorist coverage from the victim’s own auto policy
  • Medical payments coverage
  • Death benefits from life insurance policies

Community Response and Prevention

The Pinon Hills community and broader San Bernardino County have consistently advocated for improved pedestrian safety measures, particularly at dangerous intersections. Prevention efforts often include:

  • Enhanced street lighting at high-risk intersections
  • Additional pedestrian crossing signals
  • Public awareness campaigns about pedestrian safety
  • Increased enforcement of traffic laws in problem areas

Following this tragic incident, local residents have organized a community safety forum scheduled for April 20th at the Pinon Hills Community Center to discuss practical solutions for the Highway 138 corridor. 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has announced plans to increase patrols in the area during overnight hours, when visibility is compromised and pedestrian vulnerability is heightened. 

Additionally, county transportation officials are conducting an expedited safety assessment of the Highway 138 and Oasis Road intersection, examining factors such as lighting conditions, signage placement, and potential infrastructure modifications. 

Local schools have also incorporated pedestrian safety into their curriculum, educating students about the heightened risks of crossing highways and the importance of visibility during nighttime hours.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Settlement Calculators

Hit-and-run accident settlement calculators serve as valuable preliminary tools for victims and their families seeking to estimate potential compensation values. These specialized online calculators incorporate multiple variables including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering multipliers, and jurisdiction-specific legal precedents to generate approximate settlement ranges. 

While not a substitute for professional legal assessment, these calculators provide victims with realistic financial expectations during the legal process and help identify which damages might be recoverable through insurance claims or litigation. 

Many personal injury attorneys offer customized settlement calculators on their websites, allowing families affected by hit-and-run incidents to input their specific case details and receive a baseline understanding of potential compensation before their initial consultation. 

It’s important to note that hit-and-run cases often involve additional complexities when calculating settlements, particularly when the responsible driver remains unidentified and compensation must be pursued through uninsured motorist coverage. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.

Moving Forward

“As someone who has represented countless pedestrian accident victims and their families, I understand the profound grief and confusion following such a devastating hit-and-run collision. If you’ve lost a loved one or been injured at this dangerous intersection, please know that you don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone. Witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence can help identify the responsible driver, even when they’ve fled the scene. Meanwhile, there may be multiple avenues for compensation through insurance policies, even before the driver is found. I strongly encourage you to contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately, as critical evidence can disappear quickly and statutory deadlines limit your time to pursue justice. Your focus should be on healing and remembrance—let a dedicated legal advocate handle the fight for the compensation your family deserves.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney

The fatal hit-and-run collision at Highway 138 and Oasis Road serves as a somber reminder of the dangers pedestrians face and the devastating impact of drivers who flee accident scenes. As investigators work to identify the responsible party, the community continues to mourn the loss of a life and advocate for measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a pedestrian accident or hit-and-run collision, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can provide guidance during these difficult times and help ensure that justice is served. GJEL accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis,meaning you don’t pay us upfront, we only get paid if we win your case. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Fremont office for free legal advice.

Here’s a resources section with links to relevant San Bernardino County authorities:

Resources and Important Contacts

For those affected by this hit-and-run incident or seeking information about pedestrian safety in San Bernardino County, the following resources may be helpful:

Law Enforcement and Traffic Authorities:

Accident Reporting and Investigation:

If you have information about this hit-and-run incident, please contact the California Highway Patrol San Bernardino Area Office or the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department immediately.

Author Photo

Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.