Sacramento Multi-Vehicle Accident Involving Six Big-Rigs Leaves One Dead and Over a Dozen Motorists Hospitalized

A multi-vehicle accident in severe white-out conditions recently left one man dead and more than a dozen hospitalized for their injuries in the high Sierra.  The accident involved more then forty vehicles, including six big rigs.  The accident caused a complete shut down on Interstate 80 near Yuba Gap, 70 miles east of Sacramento.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident was a chain-reaction crash caused by a heavy snowstorm and white-out conditions in the Sierra Nevada.  One man who died appeared to be in his 60′s according to CHP Sargent Curtis Fouyer.  Fouyer died when he stepped out of his truck as one of the big rigs had begun rolling over several cars; he was crushed in the accident.

Many motorists were not injured, but remained trapped in their vehicles for a time.  Just before the tragic accident occurred, officials had announced that tire chains were required on that portion of Interstate 80.

While it is certain that weather conditions played a big role in this accident, it is also clear that many drivers were not paying attention or failed to drive cautiously in the white-out conditions.  Big rigs are heavy, and often loaded with tens of thousands of pounds of goods, making it even more difficult for them to stop, particularly when roads are slick and icy.  Although it is advised to avoid getting on the roads in extreme weather conditions, this tragic accident may have been avoided if drivers had been on alert and driving with extreme caution.

Big trucks are often involved in accidents on our nation’s highways.  Frequently, drivers are rushing to make appointments on time with too little sleep, speeding, or insufficiently trained.  Faulty equipment or trucks that are not well maintained may lead to an accident.  While it isn’t clear in this instance if a big rig was at fault, it is clear that something went wrong for a big truck to roll over several cars.

Brown Chiari is a team of Buffalo New York truck accident lawyers dedicated to representing the rights of those who have been injured in accidents involving large or commercial trucks.  Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.