I’m Ed Smith, a Truckee Car Accident Lawyer. A man was killed in a 16 car pile-up along I-80 on Thursday, September, 21. The crash involved multiple passenger vehicles as well as a big rig tractor-trailer.
What Happened?
The major car accident occurred on the westbound side of I-80 between Emigrant Gap and Cisco Grove, near the Eagle Lakes Road which runs adjacent to the westbound lanes of Interstate 80. This specific section of freeway is called the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway and winds its way through the Tahoe National Forest at an elevation between 5,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level.
Thursday morning at around 11:00 a.m. the skies took a turn for the worse as the wet weather became a mixture of rain, snow, and hail. The roads became slippery and conditions could not support the higher speeds of the interstate. One car allegedly lost control and crashed into one of the trees that are growing about 25 feet from the edge of the paved roadway. This started a chain reaction as car after car crashed into each other on the freeway. One driver was killed when his pickup crashed into a big rig according to Officer Chris Nave, a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol.
Along with the California Highway Patrol, emergency response personnel from the Tahoe National Forest, Cal Fire, and Truckee Fire came to the aid of the injured parties involved in the crash. Some minor injuries were reported to officials by some of the victims but details are unknown as to what they are. All of the westbound lanes of I-80 were shut down for about three and a half hours and were opened up again by 2:45 p.m.
We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the friends and family of the deceased motorist and all those affected by the crash.
Early Snow
This storm happened on the last day of summer as a result of a weather system that is traveling southward from up north in Oregon. Other places with elevations close to 6,000 feet or above were also hit with snowfall. The east entry to Yosemite National Park which lies high up on Tioga pass was closed due to the snow. A couple inches also fell at the Northstar California Resort, hopefully ushering in a good year for the snow pack. Fall seems to be in a rush to arrive this year as temperatures are dropping, clouds rolling in, and rain is scattered over the area. Be sure to prep your vehicle for winter driving, including checking the condition of your windshield wiper fluid and blades, as well as the status of your tires thread life.
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Truckee Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Truckee Car Accident Lawyer. For over thirty years I have served the Truckee and Norther California community as an injury lawyer. In a major accident with multiple vehicles involved, it can be difficult to figure out fault or deal with insurance. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate these muddy waters and make sure that you recover your losses. Call my office today at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. You can also reach me online here.
I have been working for the people of Northern California ever since setting up my practice in 1982 based out of Sacramento. Browse over my previous settlements and verdicts in car accident, wrongful death, personal injury, and many other cases.
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