[01-27-2023] Placer County, CA – Suspected DUI Crash on Interstate 80 Killed One Person, Injured Three Others

Three people were injured, and one was killed after a suspected DUI crash in Placer County on Friday afternoon, January 27, 2023.

Reports confirmed that the cash occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Interstate 80 east of Penryn Road.

Authorities were notified of a three-car collision at the scene, and one of the drivers was found unresponsive. Medical aid was administered while they awaited fire personnel.

An eastbound GMC Sierra pickup was traveling at an unsafe speed, slowing traffic ahead.

According to officials, the driver looked down at his phone when he noticed traffic slowing, causing him to rear-end a Toyota Highlander.

The impact force caused the Toyota Highlander’s front end to collide with the Toyota Sienna’s rear end.

Fire personnel arrived on the scene and later pronounced the driver of the Toyota Highlander dead.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Toyota Sienna and his passengers suffered minor injuries in the collision.

Deputies arrested the pickup driver on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, and he was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with potentially broken ribs.

Two eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed for three hours due to the collision.

The cause of the collision is being investigated, and alcohol or drugs appear to be a factor.

Fatal DUI Crash Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 32 people die in drunk-driving accidents in the United States every day, or one every 45 minutes.

In 2020, 11,654 people were killed in traffic accidents caused by drunk driving, a 14% increase from 2019.

According to the California DUI Management Information System, alcohol-related collision deaths increased by 5.8% in 2017 compared to 2016.

Drivers and other road users are at risk if they drive while intoxicated. Drunk drivers waste approximately 2 billion gallons of fuel each year due to irresponsible driving.

This data demonstrates the importance of monitoring one’s drinking habits and never driving after exceeding the recommended alcohol limit.

DUI Accident Attorneys for Victims in Placer County

In California, drunk driving accident victims have the same access to the courts and legal remedies as other accident victims, including personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

By scheduling a time to discuss your case, our experienced attorneys can advise you on how to approach the insurance company in negotiations for fair compensation.

Our Placer County DUI accident lawyers have extensive experience and a solid reputation for advocating on behalf of accident victims in court. Our clients in California have received over $500 million in compensation through our efforts.

Call (888) 488-1391 or visit our website’s “Do I Have a Case?” section to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.