Honda Civic struck pedestrian near Friars Road in the early morning hours
December 04, 2025 | Morena, CA
Authorities reported that a 33-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in the Morena area of San Diego County early Thursday morning.
Eric Woodson Jr., 33, died after a northbound Honda Civic struck him while he walked on Pacific Highway just north of Friars Road in San Diego.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the victim as Eric Woodson Jr. Preliminary investigations indicate the incident occurred around 4 a.m. when Woodson was hit by a northbound 2024 Honda Civic on Pacific Highway, just north of Friars Road.
Emergency responders transported Woodson to UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest, where he succumbed to his injuries. Police stated that neither alcohol nor drugs played a role in the crash, and the investigation continues.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key details from the incident include:
- Date and Time: Early morning on Dec. 4, 2025, approximately 4 a.m.
- Location: Pacific Highway, north of Friars Road, Morena neighborhood, San Diego County.
- Vehicle Involved: 2024 Honda Civic traveling northbound.
- Victim: Eric Woodson Jr., 33, pedestrian.
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, pronounced dead at UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest.
- Contributing Factors: None identified related to impairment, and road conditions are under review.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities have risen nationwide due to various risks. Larger vehicles, inadequate infrastructure for walkers, and distracted driving contribute significantly.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association's 2024 preliminary report, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in crashes across the U.S. that year.
Factor |
Description |
National Impact (2024 Data) |
|---|
Vehicle Size |
Bigger SUVs and trucks increase lethality in collisions. |
Contributed to 20% rise in urban fatalities (GHSA). |
Infrastructure Gaps |
Lack of crosswalks and lighting in high-traffic areas. |
40% of deaths occur outside intersections (NHTSA). |
Driver Behavior |
Speeding and failure to yield to pedestrians. |
Primary cause in 60% of cases (CDC). |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on pedestrian safety and accountability in motor vehicle incidents.
“In cases such as this, pedestrians generally have the right of way at intersections or streets, whether in a marked crosswalk or not,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond emphasized the need for thorough examinations of road conditions, signage, and lighting to determine contributing elements. These steps help families seek appropriate justice promptly.
Key takeaways:
- Evidence preservation is critical in the initial hours post-crash.
- Investigations should cover visibility and infrastructure to identify negligence.
- Timely action ensures comprehensive reviews for affected families.
“Drivers must yield to pedestrians in nearly all scenarios,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. Families may pursue wrongful death claims for losses including income, companionship, and emotional distress.
Formica advised against hasty settlements pushed by insurers, stressing the value of legal advocacy for fair compensation covering funeral costs and suffering.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).