[12-04-2025] San Luis Obispo County, CA – Man Killed After Truck Rear-Ends Lexus on Highway 46 East in Paso Robles

A 63-year-old Paso Robles man died after his Lexus was struck by a truck while stopped at a red light on Highway 46 East and Golden Hill Road in San Luis Obispo County early Thursday morning, December 4, 2025.

According to the Paso Robles Police Department, the collision occurred around 5:30 a.m. as the man waited at the red light in the westbound lanes.

Police said a Bakersfield resident driving a Freightliner box truck failed to slow down and crashed into the rear of the Lexus. The driver of the Lexus died at the scene.

Authorities identified the truck driver as 25-year-old Gean C., who was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers In San Luis Obispo County, CA

Rear-end collisions at intersections can lead to severe outcomes, especially when a stopped vehicle is struck by a large commercial truck. These incidents often raise questions about driver attention, braking distance, and how investigators determine the factors that contributed to the crash.

Our truck accident lawyers in San Luis Obispo County can help explain how California law evaluates fatal rear-end collisions and what information may be important during an active investigation. Legal guidance may also assist with reviewing official reports, communicating with insurers, and organizing medical or insurance documentation related to the incident.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious truck accident, you may contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Rear-End Collision In San Luis Obispo County

Taking clear steps after a serious crash may help preserve important information and support your safety.

1. Call 911 And Request Emergency Assistance
   Emergency responders can assess injuries, secure the area, and create an official report that may support the investigation.
2. Document The Scene And Vehicle Damage
   If it is safe, take photos of the vehicles, the intersection, debris, and surrounding roadway conditions. These details may help clarify how the collision occurred.
3. Gather Witness Information
   Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the crash or its aftermath. Witness statements may help explain the sequence of events.
4. Keep Medical And Insurance Records
   Save treatment summaries, hospital bills, police reports, and communication with insurers. These records may be important when evaluating the impact of the incident.
5. Consult With Car Accident Lawyers
   Car accident lawyers in San Luis Obispo County may help you understand your rights, review available evidence, and outline possible next steps. Legal support may also assist with navigating insurance communication and organizing key documentation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accident Statistics

Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute show that people in passenger vehicles face the greatest risk in crashes involving large trucks. These trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a standard car and often sit higher off the ground, increasing the likelihood that a smaller vehicle could slide underneath during a collision.

In 2023, crashes involving large trucks resulted in 4,354 deaths across the United States. Sixteen percent of those killed were truck occupants. Sixty-five percent were occupants of cars or other passenger vehicles, and 17 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. When compared with 2009, which marked the lowest number of large truck fatalities since 1975, total deaths in 2023 were 38 percent higher. Fatalities among truck occupants rose even more sharply, increasing by 58 percent.