San Luis Obispo County, CA – In the early morning of Thursday, February 27, 2025, Daniel Lopez-Ortiz, 33, of Atascadero, was killed in a single-vehicle crash after his truck veered off the road and struck a tree, according to KEYT.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 2:48 AM on eastbound Highway 58, east of Red Hill Road.
Officers and emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the crash and found Lopez-Ortiz unresponsive inside the vehicle. Emergency personnel attempted to assess the situation, but Lopez-Ortiz had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
A preliminary investigation suggested that Lopez-Ortiz may have been driving at a high rate of speed when his vehicle failed to navigate a curve in the roadway. As a result, the Toyota Tacoma left the road and collided with a tree. The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle, and authorities believe the crash was severe enough to result in immediate fatal injuries.
Officials stated that alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in the crash, though further investigation is needed to confirm any impairment. Authorities will continue reviewing evidence, including toxicology reports and road conditions, to determine the exact cause of the collision.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
San Luis Obispo Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a San Luis Obispo Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
