Vehicle struck Munoz on southbound Interstate 215 on-ramp
January 31, 2026 | San Bernardino, CA
A 43-year-old Colton resident, Eric Munoz, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle on the southbound Interstate 215 on-ramp near Inland Center Drive late Saturday evening.
Eric Munoz, 43, of Colton, died after being struck by a vehicle on the southbound Interstate 215 on-ramp at Inland Center Drive in San Bernardino.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reported the collision occurred around 11:32 p.m. Munoz was pronounced dead at the scene, with further details on the incident pending investigation.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities confirmed that an unknown vehicle struck Munoz while he was on the on-ramp. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but the pedestrian could not be saved.
- Victim: Eric Munoz, 43, from Colton
- Location: Southbound Interstate 215 on-ramp at Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino
- Time: Approximately 11:32 p.m. on Jan. 31
- Outcome: Fatality at the scene
- Vehicle Involved: Unknown make and model, and driver details unavailable
- Agency: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities have surged across the U.S., highlighting ongoing safety concerns on roadways. Factors such as driver distraction, poor lighting, and insufficient crosswalk infrastructure contribute significantly.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths increased 80% from 2009 to 2023, far outpacing other traffic fatalities, which rose only 13%.
Factor |
Description |
Impact on Pedestrian Safety |
|---|
Reckless Driving |
Speeding or impaired operation |
Increases collision severity, GHSA reports 20% of fatalities involve alcohol |
Inadequate Infrastructure |
Missing sidewalks or crosswalks |
Forces pedestrians into traffic, the Federal Highway Administration notes 15% higher risk on such roads |
Poor Visibility |
Dim lighting or signage |
Nighttime crashes account for 75% of pedestrian deaths, per CDC data |
Road Design |
Highways prioritizing vehicles |
On-ramps like I-215 pose unique hazards, NHTSA data shows 10% rise in such incidents |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving pedestrian collisions, thorough investigations are crucial to uncover contributing factors like road conditions and driver responsibility.
“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, managing partner of Bond Legal.
Bond emphasized the need for independent investigations to protect affected families.
- Road lighting, signage, and surface conditions must be examined to determine liability.
- Pedestrians generally have priority over vehicles in shared spaces.
- Families may pursue claims for losses, including companionship and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica added that such claims can cover funeral costs, lost income, and pain and suffering, urging families to avoid rushed settlements with insurers.
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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).