Sacramento, CA — A devastating multi-vehicle collision on westbound Interstate 80 near Interstate 5 claimed the life of one person and left two others injured on Monday afternoon, August 19, 2024, according to KCRA.
The accident, which occurred around 4:30 PM in the Natomas area of Sacramento, triggered a chain reaction that resulted in three vehicles catching fire.
The crash began when the driver of a pickup truck, traveling eastbound on I-80, failed to notice the stopped traffic ahead. The truck slammed into the back of a Toyota Tacoma, igniting a series of collisions involving five vehicles in total. The impact was so severe that the first three vehicles, including the Tacoma, were quickly engulfed in flames.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma tragically lost their life at the scene, despite the swift arrival of emergency responders. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the deceased individual. Two other individuals sustained injuries in the crash; one suffered major injuries, while the other had minor injuries. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene. Alexandra Geer, who was driving nearby, recounted, “At least two vehicles were completely engulfed in flames, and it looked pretty awful.” Another driver, Andrea, shared her shock: “All of a sudden, I saw a lot of dark smoke. I got closer and realized that a white truck was completely engulfed in flames.”
The Sacramento Fire Department responded quickly, working to extinguish the fires and provide medical assistance. “It’s very sad that somebody lost their life,” Andrea added, reflecting the sentiments of many who witnessed the aftermath.
The incident resulted in significant traffic delays as crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the cause of the collision. DUI is not suspected as a factor in the crash.
Wrongful Death Claims
While no amount of money can bring back loved ones lost in a vehicular fatality, the emotional toll of such a loss is often compounded by the financial burden that falls on surviving family members.
Filing a Wrongful Death claim with the insurance provider of those who bear even partial liability can provide compensation to help cover medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of support for the deceased’s dependents.
Insurance companies have a vested interest in minimizing the payouts for claims. Therefore, the expertise of a skilled personal injury attorney is crucial in securing fair compensation and justice for the deceased.
