Case Background
On March 26, 2024, Marcela Ceron De Sanchez was driving eastbound in the two-way left-turn lane on Arrow Boulevard in Fontana, California, preparing to turn north into the Arbor Gate Apartments at 16550 Arrow Blvd. She brought her vehicle to a stop because her path was blocked by Tyrell Marcus Jones and an ambulance. Jones then got into his vehicle, switched on his "Code 3" emergency lights, and reversed into the center median lane striking Ceron De Sanchez's vehicle.
Ceron De Sanchez filed a personal injury complaint on September 16, 2024, in the San Bernardino County Superior Court, naming Jones and the City of Fontana as Defendants. The complaint was filed as an unlimited civil case, indicating damages in excess of $35,000.
Cause
The incident arose from a motor vehicle collision. Jones reversed his vehicle into the center median lane and struck the Plaintiff's car while she was stopped and waiting to make a turn. The complaint alleged that Jones's actions violated California Vehicle Code Section 22106. Because Jones was employed by the City of Fontana and was acting within the scope of that employment at the time of the collision, the city was named as a co-Defendant under a theory of employer liability.
Injury
As a result of the collision, Ceron De Sanchez suffered multiple categories of harm. She incurred hospital and medical expenses, sustained property damage to her vehicle, lost wages from her job, and lost use of her property. She also claimed general damages for pain and suffering, as well as loss of earning capacity. The complaint further sought damages for future medical expenses, future wage loss, and future general damages, indicating that her injuries had lasting effects beyond the date of the accident.
Damages Sought
The Plaintiff sought compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial, along with costs of suit. She did not seek punitive damages. The complaint left the specific dollar amount to be established according to proof at trial.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Marcela Ceron De Sanchez
· Counsel for Plaintiff: David F. Garcia, Esq.
Defendant: Tyrell Marcus Jones; City of Fontana
· Counsel for Defendant (City of Fontana): Brian T. Chu | Haleigh Cummings, Esq
Plaintiff's Position
Garcia argued that Jones drove negligently when he reversed his city vehicle into a lane already occupied by the Plaintiff. At the time of the collision, Jones was on duty for the City of Fontana, which made the city responsible for his actions under California Government Code Sections 815.2, 815.4, 820, and 835, as well as California Vehicle Code Sections 22106 et seq. and 17001. The Plaintiff maintained that she was stopped and posed no hazard — Jones simply failed to check that the lane behind him was clear before reversing.
Claims
The complaint raised two causes of action. The first was a motor vehicle negligence claim against Jones as the driver and against the City of Fontana as his employer. The second was a general negligence claim covering the same conduct and Defendants. Both causes of action centered on the March 26, 2024 collision at 16550 Arrow Blvd, Fontana.
The Plaintiff alleged that because Jones activated his Code 3 emergency lights and then reversed without confirming the path was clear, he created an unsafe condition that directly caused the Plaintiff's injuries. The city bore responsibility because Jones performed this act in the course and scope of his employment.
Defense
The City of Fontana, represented by Serviam by Wright LLP, filed its answer on January 14, 2025, in a related subrogation action brought by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Case No. CIVSB2434473). The city entered a general denial, disputing all allegations and all claimed damages.
The city raised sixteen affirmative defenses. It argued that the Plaintiff's insured, Marcela Sanchez, and Erik Sanchez bore some responsibility for the collision through their own negligence. It further argued that the insured assumed the risk involved in their conduct. The city also raised defenses tied to its status as a public entity, including statutory immunity under Government Code Sections 815 and 820.2 for discretionary acts by public employees. Additional defenses included failure to mitigate damages, failure to comply with the California Government Claims Act presentation requirements, and an accord and satisfaction defense, suggesting a prior settlement or payment may have already been made to the insured parties.
Jury Verdict
The jury returned a verdict in favor of Marcela Ceron De Sanchez on June 2, 2026. The presiding juror signed the verdict form on that date, and the Court clerk filed it the same day.
On the negligence verdict form (VF-401), the jury answered each question as follows:
The jury found that Tyrell Marcus Jones was negligent. It further found that his negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to the Plaintiff.
The jury set total damages at $80,000, without any reduction for fault on the Plaintiff's part.
When asked whether the Plaintiff herself was negligent, the jury answered no. Because the jury determined she was not at fault, it did not proceed to the question of comparative fault apportionment.
On the final question of percentage of responsibility, the jury assigned 100% of the fault to Tyrell Marcus Jones and 0% to Marcela Ceron De Sanchez, bringing the total to 100%.
The verdict resulted in a full, unreduced award of $80,000 to the Plaintiff.
Court documents are available upon request at [email protected]
