The crash occurred when an SUV impacted Mendoza's quad at Ottawa Road
October 07, 2025 | Apple Valley, CA
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What Happened in the Crash?
A fatal two-vehicle crash happened Oct. 7 in Apple Valley when an SUV collided with a quad at the intersection of Navajo Road and Ottawa Road, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
Apple Valley's Juan M. Rodriguez Mendoza, 40, died at the scene of a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Navajo Road and Ottawa Road in San Bernardino County.
Juan M. Rodriguez Mendoza, 40, of Apple Valley, died in the accident. Responders found both vehicles on their sides around 5 p.m. The three people in the SUV went to a hospital for observation.
- Location: Intersection of Navajo Road and Ottawa Road, Apple Valley, California
- Date: Oct. 7, 2025
- Vehicles Involved: SUV and quad, all-terrain vehicle
- Fatalities: One, Juan M. Rodriguez Mendoza
- Injuries: Three individuals hospitalized for observation
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Quad and ATV accidents often stem from speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving and vehicle instability, especially on uneven ground or in collisions with other vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 8,055 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first quarter of 2025. For ATVs and other off-highway vehicles, single-vehicle crashes, including rollovers, are common.
Off-Highway Vehicle Accident Statistics
The following table summarizes off-highway vehicle fatality crash types in the United States for 2024, sourced from the Consumer Federation of America.
Crash Type |
Number |
Percentage |
|---|
Single Vehicle Crash |
433 |
69% |
Crash with On-Road Vehicle |
112 |
18% |
Crash with Off-Road Vehicle |
12 |
2% |
Crash with Animal |
7 |
1% |
Crash with Pedestrian or Bicyclist |
3 |
0% |
Unknown |
65 |
10% |
Total |
632 |
100% |
Source: Consumer Federation of America 2024 All-Vehicles Fatalities Report
Expert Insights
In cases such as this involving quad and vehicle collisions, expert analysis stresses the need for thorough probes to establish liability and aid affected families.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Time is of the essence in cases such as this one, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge of the law and offer a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. An attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.”
— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Key Takeaway: Independent probes can reveal vital evidence missed in early reports.
- Key Takeaway: Families may qualify for compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
- Key Takeaway: Legal experts advise quick action to preserve evidence and safeguard rights.
Seeking Justice After a Fatal Accident
Pending the probe, family members of Juan M. Rodriguez Mendoza may qualify for a wrongful death claim. Events like this highlight how motor vehicle crashes can lead to devastating outcomes, and obtaining professional advice is essential.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).