Published: September 9, 2026
By: Yaghmai Law Firm, APC
(San Bernardino, CA) – A car struck several street vendors and their customers early Saturday along a busy stretch of Highland Avenue in San Bernardino, sending many people to the hospital, authorities said.
According to police, the collision happened around 1:30 a.m. when a 77-year-old man driving a Toyota Corolla hit a parked Tacoma near the intersection of Highland Avenue and Rockford Avenue. The vehicle then continued into a crowd of people who had gathered along the sidewalk for late-night food.
The area, known locally as "Taco Row," has drawn dozens of street vendors for several years, lining the sidewalk of Highland Avenue and attracting large evening crowds. At the time of the crash, dozens of people were reportedly eating along the block.
Many of those hurt were taken to the hospital in serious condition, according to authorities. Police said no arrests were made. Video from the scene captured cooking equipment destroyed and food strewn across the street after the impact.
Know Your Rights After a Crash
After a serious crash, California law gives injured people and families limited time to act. Evidence like vehicle data, camera footage, and witness memories fades quickly. A free, no-obligation case review can help you understand your options. Call or text (888) 800-6731, or start a free case review online. Asistencia en español disponible.
Analysis of the Highland Avenue Collision
When a vehicle strikes people gathered on or beside a sidewalk, investigators typically work to reconstruct the sequence of events, including vehicle speed, the driver's path, and whether anything obstructed the roadway. Because the outcome here involved injuries but no reported arrests, the facts remain preliminary, and nothing below should be read as a finding of fault.
Under California's Basic Speed Law, Vehicle Code section 22350, a driver may not travel faster than is reasonable and prudent given conditions such as visibility and the surrounding traffic and pedestrians. Investigators often examine whether speed was appropriate for a crowded nighttime setting. Vehicle Code section 21952 requires a motorist to yield to pedestrians when driving over or upon a sidewalk, and section 21950 addresses a driver's duty of care toward pedestrians more broadly. If evidence were to show a statutory violation that caused the harm, Evidence Code section 669 can create a presumption of negligence.
More generally, Civil Code section 1714 holds each person responsible for injury caused by a lack of ordinary care. Where multiple parties may share responsibility, Civil Code section 1431.2 allocates non-economic damages by each party's percentage of fault. Any recovery would be measured under Civil Code section 3333, which compensates for all detriment proximately caused by a wrongful act.
What Injured Vendors and Families Can Do
People hurt in a crash like this can take practical steps to protect their health and legal options: obtain a copy of the police collision report, seek prompt medical evaluation even for injuries that seem minor, and preserve evidence such as photographs and witness contacts. California generally allows two years to file a personal injury claim under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, and drivers involved in an injury crash face their own reporting duties under Vehicle Code sections 16000 and 20008. Because the facts here are still developing, anyone affected may wish to speak with an attorney to understand their rights. Were you, or someone you love, involved in this crash? A San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer at Yaghmai Law Firm can explain your options and deal with the insurance companies for you. Call or text (888) 800-6731 or request a free case review.
About the Author
Houtan Yaghmai, Esq., President & Managing Attorney of Yaghmai Law Firm, APC. California State Bar No. 298487. Speaks English, French, and Persian. The firm represents personal injury clients throughout Southern California – consultations by phone, text, or video, no office visits required.
This post was assembled with AI assistance from publicly reported news sources cited below. All California Vehicle Code references were verified against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Facts were re-checked via additional web searches before publication. This post is based on initial news reports and may be updated as new facts develop. Nothing in this article is legal advice. Yaghmai Law Firm, APC is not associated with the investigating agencies and does not represent any party named in this post unless explicitly stated.
Sources:
1. NBC Los Angeles – Street vendors injured after car crash at Highland Avenue's ‘Taco Row'
