San Luis Obispo County, CA – On the evening of Monday, April 28, 2025, a multi-vehicle collision involving three cars resulted in at least one fatality, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the incident occurred around 6:27 PM on Orchard Road.
Initial reports indicate that a white pickup truck, a white SUV, and a red four-door sedan were involved in the crash. Witnesses at the scene informed authorities that the white pickup truck may have been attempting an unsafe passing maneuver shortly before the head-on collision took place.
Responding officers found the vehicles blocking both lanes of the roadway, and CHP requested full roadway closure to secure the area for medical and investigative teams. Southbound traffic was closed just north of the crash site, and vehicles traveling northbound were turned around to prevent congestion and ensure safety.
At approximately 10:21 PM, CHP confirmed that the crash involved three vehicles and resulted in a fatality.
CHP reopened all lanes by 9:32 PM after clearing the roadway and completing the initial stages of the investigation. The name of the deceased has not been released, pending identification and notification of next of kin by the San Luis Obispo County Coroner’s Office.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under active investigation. Anyone with information about the events leading up to the collision is urged to contact the California Highway Patrol.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
