Semi-truck struck man outside stopped Honda Civic on Soda Lake Road
December 15, 2025 | Kern, CA
A tragic incident unfolded on Highway 166 near Soda Lake Road in Kern County, where 36-year-old Felipe Matamoros Lopez from Santa Maria lost his life after being struck by a semi-truck.
Authorities reported the crash happened around 4:19 p.m. on Dec. 15, as Lopez was returning to his stopped Honda Civic.
Felipe Matamoros Lopez, 36, of Santa Maria, was killed after being struck by a semi-truck on Highway 166 at Soda Lake Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) detailed that Lopez was traveling westbound in a Honda Civic with four other occupants. The vehicle pulled over to the shoulder after striking a curb, prompting a tire inspection on the right side.
- Location: Highway 166 at Soda Lake Road, Kern County, California
- Time: Approximately 4:19 p.m. on Dec. 15
- Vehicles Involved: Honda Civic, stopped on the shoulder, and a passing semi-truck
- Victim Details: Felipe Matamoros Lopez, 36, of Santa Maria, and pronounced dead at the scene
- Other Occupants: Four additional people in the Honda Civic, and no injuries reported
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by CHP and Kern County Coroner’s Office
While attempting to re-enter the Honda Civic, Lopez was fatally struck by the semi-truck. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but he was declared deceased on-site.
Why Do Semi-Truck Accidents Like This Occur?
Semi-truck crashes often stem from multiple contributing factors, making them complex to investigate. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, large trucks pose unique risks due to their size and weight.
Factor |
Description |
Contribution to Crashes |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
Drivers are not fully attentive to the road |
Common in 20-30% of incidents |
Speeding |
Exceeding safe speeds for conditions |
Increases stopping distance significantly |
Driver Fatigue |
Long hours lead to impaired reaction |
Affects up to 13% of truck accidents |
Improper Maneuvering |
Difficulty handling turns or lanes |
Prevalent in pedestrian-involved cases |
Tire Issues or Mechanical Failures |
Blowouts or control loss |
Linked to 10% of large vehicle crashes |
Failure to Yield |
Not giving the right-of-way to stopped vehicles or pedestrians |
Key in roadside incidents |
In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,472 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks, with 12% involving pedestrians or bicyclists. These statistics underscore the dangers of highway shoulders and interactions between passenger vehicles and heavy trucks.
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving semi-trucks and pedestrians, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations.
“In cases such as this, crashes often result from distracted driving, negligent operation, speeding, or failing to yield to individuals near the roadway,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst insights include:
- Hiring witnesses can reconstruct accident scenes and identify liabilities.
- Background checks on drivers reveal patterns of negligence or violations.
- Locating eyewitnesses and reviewing insurance policies strengthens claims.
- Families may pursue compensation for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
“The emotional toll on families after such losses is profound, and protecting their rights through a detailed investigate is essential,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
These professionals stress that semi-truck accidents require specialized handling to ensure accountability.
Crash Investigation and Next Steps
The CHP continues to investigate the circumstances, focusing on road conditions, vehicle states, and driver actions. Preliminary findings point to the sudden stop and pedestrian exposure as critical elements.
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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).