Big rig struck white Honda CR-V that allegedly ran a stop sign
December 31, 2025 | Madera, CA
A tragic two-vehicle crash claimed the lives of two people, including 21-year-old Isabella Marlene Villegas Nevarez, in Madera County on New Year's Eve.
Isabella Marlene Villegas Nevarez, 21, died in a two-vehicle crash involving a Honda CR-V and a big rig at Road 23 and Avenue 13 in Madera County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded just before 11 a.m. at the intersection of Road 23 and Avenue 13. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a white Honda CR-V failed to stop at a stop sign or yield the right of way, entering the path of an oncoming semi-truck.
- Date and Time: Dec. 31, 2025, around 11 a.m.
- Location: Road 23 and Avenue 13, Madera County, California
- Vehicles Involved: White Honda CR-V and a big rig semi-truck
- Victims: Isabella Marlene Villegas Nevarez, 21, and one unidentified person, both fatalities
- Contributing Factors: Investigators suspect alcohol or drugs played a role
Nevarez's family established a GoFundMe campaign to support funeral and memorial costs. "We are raising funds to help our family during this heartbreaking time," the fundraiser stated.
The CHP continues to investigate the collision.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Traffic fatalities have risen due to various driver behaviors. Key contributors include speeding, impaired driving from alcohol or drugs, and distractions like cellphone use.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 8,055 lives were lost in motor vehicle collisions during the first quarter of 2025.
Factor |
Description |
NHTSA-Reported Impact (Q1 2025) |
|---|
Impaired Driving |
Alcohol or drug influence |
Contributed to 30% of fatalities |
Distracted Driving |
Cellphone use and similar |
Involved in 25% of crashes |
Speeding |
Excessive vehicle speed |
Led to 29% of deaths |
Failure to Yield |
Running stop signs |
Common in intersection collisions |
Data sourced from NHTSA preliminary reports.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, an independent investigation by a knowledgeable attorney is crucial alongside law enforcement efforts.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal, a national analyst for Newsline.
Time is critical to preserve evidence efficiently for affected families.
- Key Takeaways:
- Conduct thorough witness interviews to build a complete picture.
- Review surveillance footage for accurate reconstruction.
- Secure phone records to identify distractions or impairments.
- Act quickly to ensure evidence integrity.
Pending results, the family of Isabella Marlene Villegas Nevarez may pursue a wrongful death claim for damages including loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“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 get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).