Fatal Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Ricardo Valencia, 42, on I-35 Access Road in Schertz, Texas

Modified Date: 
Fri, 03/14/2025 - 8:02am
Accident Date: 
Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Schertz Police release name of motorcyclist killed in Tuesday evening crash

The Schertz Police Department says the crash happened just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 in the I-35 access road near FM 3009.

 

A tragic multi-vehicle collision on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, claimed the life of 42-year-old Ricardo Valencia of Cibolo. The fatal crash occurred just after 6:30 p.m. on the Interstate 35 access road near FM 3009 in Schertz, involving a motorcycle, an SUV, and an 18-wheeler. According to the Schertz Police Department, officers responding to the scene discovered Valencia, the motorcycle operator, lying on the ground with a good Samaritan already performing CPR. Law enforcement continued life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived at the location. Despite these efforts, Valencia was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the collision. The exact circumstances leading to this devastating accident remain under active investigation by local authorities, who have not yet released additional details about how the three vehicles came into contact or which factors may have contributed to the crash.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at a significant transportation junction in Schertz, where the I-35 access road intersects with FM 3009 (Roy Richard Drive). This area serves as a major thoroughfare connecting Schertz and neighboring communities, including Cibolo where the victim resided. The intersection experiences heavy traffic volume, particularly during evening rush hours when this accident took place. The access road runs parallel to Interstate 35, one of Texas's busiest highways connecting San Antonio to Austin. This particular stretch features multiple commercial establishments that generate considerable entering and exiting traffic. The area is known for challenging visibility conditions during sunset hours and complex traffic patterns where vehicles merge from both FM 3009 and various business entrances. The proximity to the main interstate also means traffic frequently moves at higher speeds than typical surface streets.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas transportation law, motorcycle accidents involving multiple vehicles often involve complex determinations of liability. Texas follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule where injured parties may recover damages as long as they are not more than 51% responsible for the accident. Survivors of individuals killed in traffic accidents may have grounds for wrongful death claims, which must be filed within two years of the date of death according to Texas's statute of limitations. Potential compensation could include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and non-economic damages such as mental anguish and loss of companionship. Insurance considerations typically involve the deceased's motorcycle insurance, the other drivers' liability coverage, and possibly underinsured motorist protection. Commercial vehicle involvement adds another layer of complexity, as trucking companies often carry separate insurance policies with higher coverage limits.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

  • Schertz Police Department: (210) 619-1200
  • Schertz Fire Department: (210) 619-1300
  • Schertz EMS: (210) 619-1400

Traffic Safety Resources

  • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Safety Division: (512) 416-3200
  • Bexar County Traffic Safety Coalition
  • Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition

Support Services for Accident Victims

  • Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program: (800) 983-9933
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Services: (877) 623-3435
  • Texas Department of Public Safety Crash Reports: (512) 424-2000

Legal and Regulatory Information

  • Texas Transportation Code
  • Texas Department of Insurance
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
People Involved: 
Ricardo Valencia