[02-10-2026] San Luis Obispo County – Teen Hurt, Driver Arrested After Pickup Slams Into Tree

February 10, 2026

San Luis Obispo, California – A minor was hospitalized with serious injuries late Sunday night after a truck veered off the roadway and struck a tree in Cambria, according to authorities.

The crash happened around 10:30 p.m. along Moonstone Beach Drive near Stafford Drive, along the oceanfront. The California Highway Patrol said emergency crews transported the injured juvenile by ambulance to Adventist Health Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for treatment of major injuries.

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Investigators identified the driver as 19-year-old Cambria resident Diego Gomezquintero. He was taken into custody and booked at the San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing a crash that led to injuries, based on sheriff’s booking records.

Officials said the driver suffered only minor injuries. As of Monday afternoon, no further details had been released about the injured juvenile. Jail records later indicated Gomezquintero was no longer listed as being in custody.

Source: The Tribune

Can You Get Compensation if the At-Fault Driver Is Under 21?

Yes. You can still recover compensation if the driver who caused the crash is under 21. In California, age does not eliminate liability for negligent driving. If a younger driver causes an accident, injured victims can pursue a claim through the driver’s insurance policy — and in some cases, against a parent, guardian, or vehicle owner.

Here’s how these claims typically work.

Who Is Financially Responsible When the Driver Is Under 21?

Compensation usually comes from one or more of these sources:

The under-21 driver’s auto insurance policy
A parent’s or household insurance policy (if the driver is listed or covered)
The vehicle owner’s insurance (if different from the driver)
A parent or guardian who signed the minor’s license application
An employer’s policy (if the young driver was working at the time)

Even if the at-fault driver is a minor, insurance coverage often still applies.

What If the Under-21 Driver Was DUI or Acting Recklessly?

If the under-21 driver was intoxicated, street racing, or driving recklessly, that can strengthen your injury claim. Evidence of illegal or dangerous behavior may support:

Higher settlement value
Claims for full medical costs and lost income
Pain and suffering damages
Possible punitive damages in extreme cases

A car accident lawyer near Bakersfield can investigate police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements to document fault.

What Damages Can You Claim?

If you were injured, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical bills (current and future)
Lost wages and reduced earning ability
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Long-term disability impacts

A personal injury lawyer near Bakersfield can calculate the full value of your losses and handle negotiations with the insurer.

Important Note About Insurance Limits

Younger drivers sometimes carry minimum coverage limits. When policy limits are low, your attorney may look for additional liable parties or secondary coverage sources to increase recovery.

Call J&Y Law for Help

If you were hurt by a driver under 21, do not assume you cannot recover damages. J&Y Law can review your case, identify all responsible parties, and fight for full compensation.

Call J&Y Law today at (877) 718-5027 for a free consultation.