Pedestrian struck and killed on Twentynine Palms Highway
YUCCA VALLEY, CA, (August 06, 2025) - A woman was killed Wednesday night in a traffic collision in Yucca Valley, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office reported. The crash occurred near the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Prescott Avenue.
Carmen Barker, 37, of San Bernardino, was fatally struck by a vehicle Wednesday night in Yucca Valley, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
The victim was identified as 37-year-old Carmen Barker of San Bernardino. Preliminary reports indicate Barker was struck by a vehicle around 10:45 p.m. She died at the scene from her injuries, according to fire officials.
The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. No charges have been filed at this time.
The investigation is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Walking on American roads has grown increasingly dangerous over the years, largely due to the surge in heavier vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks, speed-focused road design, and reckless driver behavior. Eighty-four percent of pedestrian deaths in 2023 occurred in urban areas, up from 59% in 1975, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of a victim must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is generally the driver’s legal responsibility to yield to pedestrians,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. The family of Carmen Barker may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
“Surviving family members can seek compensation for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic accident,” Bond explained.
“Insurance companies often push for quick settlements that undervalue the claim,” she added. “A dedicated attorney will fight to protect the rights of the family and help ensure they receive fair and just compensation.”
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).