[01-12-2026] San Luis Obispo County, CA – Multi-Vehicle Pileup on Southbound Highway 101 Near Tefft Street in Nipomo

A multi-vehicle pileup occurred on southbound Highway 101 near the Tefft Street off-ramp in Nipomo, San Luis Obispo County, on Monday afternoon, January 12, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported at approximately 3:57 p.m. and involved at least four vehicles. 

One of the vehicles crashed through a fence and onto the frontage road. Seven people were evaluated at the scene, with four being transported to the hospital, according to Cal Fire spokesperson Ryan Grebe.

As of 4:30 p.m., southbound traffic was slow due to the crash, with the No. 1 lane of the highway blocked. Traffic was backed up to at least Los Berros Road, and there were also reports of slow-moving northbound traffic, according to Caltrans traffic cameras.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?

Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:

• Check yourself for any injuries.
• Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
• Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
• Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
• Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.