Atascadero Pedestrian Fatality: Rachel Hoffman, 69

Rachel Hoffman, 69, of Atascadero, Killed in Pedestrian Collision at Hwy 101 San Anselmo Road On-RampAtascadero, CA — A tragic pedestrian collision claimed the life of 69-year-old Atascadero resident Rachel Hoffman on the morning of Monday, December 1, 2025. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. near the southbound on-ramp to Highway 101 at San Anselmo Road.Authorities report that Ms. Hoffman was walking east and crossing within the marked crosswalk when she was struck by a Ford F-150 pickup truck. The pickup, driven by a 66-year-old Atascadero resident identified by CHP as Gary Tipton, was making a left turn onto the southbound highway entrance when the collision occurred. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but Ms. Hoffman was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of her injuries. There were no passengers in the truck at the time of the crash. Investigators noted that alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors at this time. The collision remains under active investigation.Avian Law Group extends our deepest condolences to Ms. Hoffman’s family, friends, and the Atascadero community following this heartbreaking loss.What Authorities Have Reported So Far- Time and location: Approximately 10:20 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the southbound San Anselmo Road on-ramp to Highway 101 in Atascadero.- Parties involved: A pedestrian, identified as Rachel Hoffman, and a Ford F-150 driven by a 66-year-old local resident.- Circumstances: CHP indicates the pedestrian was within the crosswalk while the pickup was turning left to enter the on-ramp.- Initial findings: First responders rendered aid, but the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. Drugs and alcohol are not currently suspected. The investigation is ongoing.As with any active investigation, additional facts may emerge as authorities review witness statements, roadway evidence, and any available video or data recordings.Understanding Liability in Pedestrian CrashesCalifornia law requires drivers to exercise a duty of care toward pedestrians at all times, including yielding to those who are lawfully within crosswalks and maintaining a safe lookout, especially when turning. Left-turn collisions involving pedestrians are a common scenario because motorists must scan for oncoming traffic, merging lanes, signage, and pedestrians simultaneously. Even when a pedestrian or driver makes an error, California’s comparative negligence system allows responsibility to be apportioned based on each party’s degree of fault. This means an at-fault driver can still be held financially responsible for the portion of harm attributable to their conduct.While pedestrians do not automatically have the right-of-way in every situation—for example, outside of a crosswalk or against a control signal—motorists are never relieved of their legal responsibility to act with reasonable care for pedestrian safety. Determinations about liability are fact-specific and often hinge on visibility, traffic controls, speed, turning movements, and whether the pedestrian was within a marked or unmarked crosswalk.Why On-Ramp and Left-Turn Areas Are High-Risk- Multiple visual demands: Drivers turning onto ramps often split attention between merging traffic, signage, and speed adjustments, increasing the risk of not seeing a pedestrian.- Sightline limitations: Curves, landscaping, signage, and elevation changes can obstruct views at intersections and ramp entrances.- Time-of-day factors: Morning sun glare, especially near commute hours, can impair visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.- Speed transitions: Vehicles accelerating onto highways may misjudge distance and closing speeds when pedestrians are present near crosswalks.These factors underscore why extra caution is critical in areas where local streets intersect with freeway infrastructure.Steps Families Can Take After a Fatal CrashFor families grieving a sudden loss, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. The following steps can help protect your rights and preserve important information:- Request the official collision report from CHP or the investigating agency once it becomes available.- Gather and preserve evidence: photos of the scene, skid marks, vehicle damage, traffic signals or signs, weather and lighting conditions, and footwear/clothing of the pedestrian.- Identify witnesses