Atascadero, CA – On the morning of Monday, December 1, 2025, 69-year-old Atascadero resident Rachel Hoffman lost her life in a fatal pedestrian accident, according to The San Luis Obispo Tribune.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 10:20 AM on Highway 101 near the southbound San Anselmo Road on-ramp.
Authorities stated that Hoffman was walking east on the sidewalk and crossing within the crosswalk when she was struck. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but Hoffman was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of her injuries.
The pickup involved was a Ford F-150 driven by 66-year-old Atascadero resident Gary Tipton, who was making a left turn onto the highway entrance. There were no passengers in the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Police said neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to have contributed to the crash. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities continue to review details of the collision.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by foot and, if a collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is subject to only partial liability in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
