[10-02-2025] Placer County, CA – Juvenile Killed, Three Seriously Injured in Single-Vehicle Crash on Westbound I-80 Near Colfax

A juvenile was killed and three other people seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash near Colfax in Placer County on Thursday afternoon, October 2, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 12:10 p.m. on westbound Interstate 80.

Only one vehicle was involved. Officers are investigating whether speed or weather were factors in the collision. A photo from the scene shows a black vehicle on the shoulder of the highway.

The crash initially shut down all westbound lanes, but one lane has since reopened. The ages and genders of all people involved have not been released.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Placer County, CA

Single-vehicle accidents, especially those resulting in fatalities or serious injuries, can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims and their families. Understanding your legal rights after such a crash is important for navigating the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and other damages.

Car accident lawyers in Placer County can help you explore the available legal options after a single-vehicle collision. Legal support may include reviewing accident reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how compensation may be pursued for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Early legal guidance may help clarify the next steps and ensure your rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Single-Vehicle Accident In Placer County, CA

Single-vehicle accidents, particularly those with fatalities or serious injuries, can be traumatic for victims and families. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve critical evidence for future claims.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Report the accident to emergency services immediately and ensure that anyone injured receives prompt medical evaluation. Even minor injuries should be assessed, as some may not be immediately visible.
2. Document The Scene And Damage
   If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This documentation may be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes.
3. Gather Information From Witnesses
   Collect names and contact details from any witnesses to the collision. Their statements can provide important insight into the circumstances of the accident.
4. Consult With Car Accident Lawyers
   A lawyer can help explain your legal options, assist with insurance matters, and ensure that time-sensitive evidence is preserved. Early legal involvement may help protect your rights and ensure the case is handled properly.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

During the first six months of 2023, the number of people who died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States fell slightly compared to the same period in 2022. Preliminary reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show about 19,515 deaths, which is around 3.3% fewer than the 20,190 deaths recorded in the first half of 2022. This continues a trend of declining traffic fatalities for the fifth quarter in a row, with both the first and second quarters showing lower numbers than the previous year.

Even though more Americans were on the road, the fatality rate decreased. Early 2023 data indicate that total driving increased by roughly 2.3%, with drivers covering approximately 35.1 billion additional miles compared with the first half of 2022. When taking this higher driving volume into account, the rate of deaths per 100 million miles traveled dropped to 1.24, reflecting improved safety relative to overall road use.