Bakersfield, CA (December 15, 2025) – Authorities have identified Felipe Matamoros Lopez, 36, of Santa Marian, CA, as the pedestrian who was fatally struck by a truck-trailer on Highway 166, south of Maricopa.
Incident Details: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that around 4:19 p.m., Lopez, who was driving a Honda Civic with four passengers, had stopped on the westbound shoulder of Highway 166. Lopez pulled over to the shoulder after he hit a curb and embankment. As he was attempting to re-enter the vehicle on the shoulder, Lopez was struck by a truck-trailer traveling westbound.
A GoFundMe for Lopez noted that two vehicles ahead of Lopez had suddenly stopped. To avoid the collision, Lopez swerved his car off the highway. When he was inspecting the wheels, he was struck by a semi-truck. The truck reversed and ran over Lopez.
Lopez died at the scene. The truck-trailer driver was unharmed. No other passengers in the Honda were injured.
The CHP stated that alcohol was not suspected to be a factor in the crash.
Investigation: The CHP is continuing to investigate the fatal pedestrian collision that occurred on westbound Highway 166 south of Maricopa. Investigators will examine the sequence of events that led Lopez to stop on the shoulder, including why traffic ahead suddenly slowed and how his vehicle came into contact with the curb and embankment.
Troopers will analyze physical evidence from the scene, such as tire marks, debris, vehicle damage, and the truck-trailer’s travel path, to determine how Lopez was struck while on the shoulder.
Authorities are also expected to review witness statements, including those from the vehicle’s passengers, and assess the truck driver’s actions before and after the impact, including the reported reversal of the vehicle.
Although alcohol is not suspected, investigators will still evaluate speed, visibility, lane position, and whether the truck driver maintained a proper lookout. These findings will help establish fault and clarify whether traffic laws or safety regulations were violated.
Legal Considerations: Drivers operating large commercial vehicles have a duty to remain alert and exercise extreme caution when approaching stopped vehicles or pedestrians on the shoulder of a highway. Even when a pedestrian is outside the travel lane, commercial drivers may be held liable if they fail to maintain a safe distance, do not slow appropriately, or take unsafe actions after an initial impact.
If the investigation confirms negligence by the truck-trailer driver, civil liability may apply for the death of Felipe Matamoros Lopez. For Lopez’s family, this sudden and traumatic loss is devastating. In addition to the GoFundMe created, a wrongful death claim may allow surviving family members to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship, care, and guidance Lopez provided. While no legal action can undo this tragedy, pursuing a claim can help provide accountability and financial stability during an incredibly difficult time.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Felipe Matamoros Lopez as they mourn this tragic loss.
Source: Bakersfield Now