Ruiz's Vehicle Collides with 18-Wheeler on I-5 Near Highway 198
COALINGA, CA, (July 07, 2025) - A University of California at Merced soccer player was tragically killed Monday in a collision with a tractor-trailer near Coalinga.
UC Merced freshman Isaias Ruiz died in a crash with a semi-truck near Coalinga; an investigation is ongoing.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 18-year-old Isaias Ruiz, a freshman from Mendota, was driving a car that collided with an 18-wheeler on Interstate 5 near Highway 198. Ruiz was pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation.
Ruiz’s death has left a profound impact on the UC Merced community. In a statement, the university said, “He was a valued member of our Bobcat family, and the loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and those who knew and loved him.”
Friends remembered Ruiz as a young man known for his positive attitude and infectious energy both on and off the field.
A GoFundMecampaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses and support Ruiz’s grieving family during this difficult time.
FATAL SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
A variety of factors can lead to a tractor-trailer collision, including tire blowouts, vehicle malfunctions, driver fatigue, improper maneuvering, drifting between lanes, and loss of control. Despite these risks, driver error remains the leading cause of large truck crashes.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 5,472 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks in 2023. The majority of those killed were occupants of other vehicles, highlighting the severe impact these accidents can have on innocent drivers and passengers.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a seasoned semi-truck accident attorney, commented on the challenges in such cases.
“Tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” Bond said. “An attorney can advocate for victims and their families by hiring expert witnesses, conducting background checks on the driver, locating crash witnesses, and examining insurance policies. Legal counsel plays a vital role in helping families navigate the process and seek justice after a devastating loss.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
The family of Isaias Ruiz may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. In such cases, surviving family members may seek compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
“Losing a loved one in a tragic accident is an unimaginable hardship, and protecting the rights of grieving families is crucial,” said Candice Bond, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death attorney can monitor the progress of the investigation, advocate on the family’s behalf, and help ensure their best interests are protected throughout the legal process.”
Wrongful death claims serve not only to seek justice but also to provide financial and emotional support to families left behind after a sudden and devastating loss.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience in commercial trucking accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you need legal support.
(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).
Tags: Latest News, Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Fatal Semi-Truck Accident, Coalinga, UC Merced, Interstate 5, Highway 198