Kern County, CA – On January 6, 2024, a crash on Interstate 5 involved 18 Big Rigs. According to Caltrans, I-5 was closed between Millux Rd and Old River Rd due to the crash.
In total at least 35 vehicles were involved in the collision resulting in multiple injuries and 2 tragic deaths.
The road was foggy and driver error caused the crash, possibly followed by additional drivers driving too fast for the current weather conditions and following too closely to vehicles ahead of them. The California Driver’s Handbook tells drivers “Make sure you can stop within the space you can see ahead.”
California Big Rig drivers are held to a heightened duty of care. 49 C.F.R. § 392.14 states “Extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions” when fog affects visibility.
Drivers injured in pile-up crashes should be aware that they have options. Insurers may try to blame the weather or even you for getting hit from behind. Family members who lose a loved one in a tragic crash can file a wrongful death claim, and injured parties can file a personal injury claim, usually against multiple insurers.