Darien Burns Dies After T-Bone Crash in Apple Valley Area, CHP Says

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 22, 2026
Darien Burns Dies After T-Bone Crash in Apple Valley Area, CHP Says

APPLE VALLEY, CA, (April 20, 2026) — A Victorville man was killed Monday evening in a two-vehicle collision near Apple Valley, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and San Bernardino County coroner’s officials.

Authorities said the crash occurred around 6:20 p.m. along Highway 18 at Bear Valley Road in an unincorporated area just outside Apple Valley. A blue pickup truck and a black passenger vehicle were involved in a T-bone collision under circumstances that remain under investigation.

Officials confirmed that 31-year-old Darien Burns, who was inside one of the vehicles, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. Another person involved in the crash was transported for medical treatment with injuries that have not yet been disclosed.

Investigators have not yet released details on what led to the collision, and it remains unclear whether speed, right-of-way, or other factors played a role.

Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol at (760) 241-1186.


CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Each year, road accidents claim thousands of lives in the U.S. While multiple contributing factors may be involved, unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving (including phone use or texting) are among the leading causes of fatal crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that 8,055 lives were lost in motor vehicle collisions during the first quarter of 2025.

While the cause and liability of the crash are still under investigation, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is essential for an independent investigation to be conducted by an experienced attorney.

“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview key witnesses, review any available surveillance footage from the crash scene, and obtain phone and texting records of the potentially liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for Accident Injury News.

Time is critical in cases like this, and it is important that all evidence is preserved and reviewed promptly to ensure a thorough investigation.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family members of Darien Burns may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Families of wrongful death victims may seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from a catastrophic accident.

“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and obtain the guidance needed to pursue the justice you deserve.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Accident Injury News's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News 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 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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