[06-21-2025] Placer County, CA – Two Killed in Head-On Crash Involving Semi-Truck on Interstate 80 Near Canyon Way in Colfax

Two people were killed in a head-on crash involving a semi-truck on Interstate 80 in Colfax on Saturday morning, June 21, 2025.

According to officials, the collision occurred on the eastbound side of I-80 near Canyon Way. All eastbound lanes were shut down following the crash, and traffic was diverted off the interstate by the California Highway Patrol.

The crash involved a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. Placer County Sheriff’s deputies responded to assist CHP at the scene.

The cause of the collision is under investigation.

Contact Our Lawyers After A Semi-Truck Accident In Colfax, CA

When a semi-truck accident results in serious injuries or fatalities, it can be a traumatic experience for all those involved. If you or a loved one has been affected by a semi-truck accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and what steps to take moving forward.

Our experienced truck accident lawyers in Colfax are here to offer guidance and support through the legal process. We can help you understand your rights, assist with gathering evidence, and provide the support you need during this challenging time.

For more information or to discuss your case, reach out to us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free consultation.

Steps To Take After A Semi-Truck Accident

Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when it results in serious injuries or fatalities. Semi-trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which makes these types of accidents particularly dangerous. If you find yourself involved in a semi-truck crash, here are the key steps to take:

1. Prioritize Your Safety And Seek Medical Care
   Your health should always be your first priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention after a semi-truck accident. Due to the severe impact of these crashes, injuries can often be more serious than they first appear, such as internal injuries or head trauma. Seeing a doctor will also create a record of any injuries, which is important for future claims.
2. Call Law Enforcement Immediately
   Always call the police after a semi-truck accident. Since these accidents often involve multiple parties and complex details, law enforcement will need to document the scene, interview witnesses, and provide a police report. This official report is vital for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
3. Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene
   If you’re able, collect as much evidence from the scene as possible. Take photos of the accident site, vehicle damages, the positions of the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This evidence is important to support your case. Pay attention to the semi-truck’s license plate number, the trucking company’s name, and any other identifying marks on the truck.
4. Notify Your Insurance Provider
   Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as you can. Be truthful about the details of the crash, but refrain from making assumptions about the cause. Semi-truck accidents are more complex than regular car accidents, and your insurance company may need more time and information to process the claim.
5. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
   Due to the complexity of semi-truck accidents, it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer who specializes in trucking accidents. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the insurance process, investigate the cause of the crash, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and property damage.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accident Statistics

Truck accidents continue to be a significant concern on U.S. roads. In 2021, crashes involving large trucks led to 5,788 fatalities and approximately 154,993 injuries. That year, authorities reported nearly 524,000 truck-related accidents. The number of deaths saw a 17% increase from 2020 to 2021.

Among the 5,788 deaths, 72% (4,149) were people in other vehicles. The second largest group, making up 17% (1,008), were occupants of large trucks. The remaining 11% (631) of the fatalities were nonoccupants, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Injuries also rose by 9%, from 141,613 in 2020 to 154,993 in 2021. The majority of those injured were people in passenger vehicles, accounting for 71% (109,981) of the total injuries. Occupants of large trucks made up 27% (42,164) of the injuries, while nonoccupants accounted for 2% (2,848). Notably, injuries to nonoccupants increased by 16%, injuries to passengers in other vehicles rose by 13%, and injuries to truck occupants saw a slight increase of 1%.