Tesla and Semi-Truck Crash on Interstate 5 Near Sacramento Zoo Causes Injuries and Delays

Tesla and Semi-Truck Crash on Interstate 5 Near Sacramento Zoo Causes Injuries and Delays

A semi-truck crash on Interstate 5 near Sacramento Zoo involving a Tesla caused injuries and significant traffic delays Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, on southbound I-5 near the Sutterville Road exit.

The collision was reported just before 7:50 a.m. in the southbound lanes north of the Sutterville Road off-ramp. According to the California Highway Patrol, a white Tesla was rear-ended by a semi-truck pulling a loaded trailer.

At least one person reported hitting their head, and the incident was classified as a traffic collision with minor injuries. Emergency crews responded quickly, and multiple lanes — including both the slow and fast lanes — were blocked while first responders and Freeway Service Patrol units assisted at the scene.

Fire crews were dispatched, and heavy-duty tow trucks were requested to remove the semi-truck and its trailer, which was reportedly carrying approximately 40,000 pounds of cargo. Damaged vehicles were eventually moved to the Sutterville Road area, and the roadway was cleared after more than an hour of heavy congestion.

Authorities have not released additional details about the injured parties. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Driver Safety Tips to Help Prevent Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes involving large commercial trucks can lead to serious injuries due to the significant size and weight differences between vehicles. Drivers can reduce the risk of these collisions by:

• Maintaining a safe following distance at all times
• Avoiding sudden stops whenever possible
• Staying alert in congested freeway areas
• Checking traffic flow well ahead to anticipate slowdowns
• Ensuring proper vehicle maintenance, including brakes and tires

Commercial truck drivers must also operate their vehicles with heightened caution, especially in high-traffic urban corridors like I-5 through Sacramento.

Check out this video with accident attorney Ed Smith to discover how to select the best injury lawyer for your claim:

Why Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Is Important After a Truck Accident

Crashes involving semi-trucks are often more complex than typical passenger vehicle collisions. Liability may involve:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Maintenance providers
• Cargo loading companies

An experienced personal injury attorney can conduct a thorough investigation, preserve critical evidence such as electronic logging device data, and negotiate aggressively with insurance carriers to pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Injured victims should seek medical attention immediately and consult with an attorney to understand their legal rights and options.

Contact Ed Smith – Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one was injured in this Interstate 5 crash or another serious collision, you may be entitled to compensation. The Law Offices of Ed Smith has proudly represented injured Northern Californians for decades.

For free, friendly advice, call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.