San Luis Obispo County, CA – In the early hours of Friday, January 30, 2026, a suspected DUI rollover crash resulted in major injuries to an unidentified passenger after a vehicle lost control on Cuesta Grade, according to The San Luis Obispo Tribune.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 3:12 AM near Highway 101 just south of Tassajara Creek Road.
Authorities said a driver identified as Jose Pena was operating a green Toyota Tundra northbound on Highway 101 at an unknown speed when he lost control of the vehicle for reasons that remain under investigation.
The truck rolled over multiple times, ejecting the front-seat passenger onto the right shoulder of the roadway. Officials said the passenger suffered major injuries and was transported by medical evacuation helicopter to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment. Pena was able to exit the vehicle on his own after it came to rest blocking one lane of traffic.
Investigators reported that a second collision occurred as a result of the initial crash, though no injuries were associated with that secondary incident. Authorities determined that Pena was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, and he was arrested and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on felony DUI charges.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to review the circumstances leading up to the rollover and passenger ejection.
Personal Injury Claims
When the actions of reckless drivers cause others to be injured, the cost of recovery should not fall on their victims. Filing a Personal Injury Claim with the at-fault party’s insurance can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
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.
