Se habla español
24/7
916.921.6400

FOLLOW US

Fairfield Fatal Collision Claims Three Lives on I-80 West

Home » Fairfield Fatal Collision Claims Three Lives on I-80 West
January 19, 2026
Edward Smith

Fairfield Fatal Collision With Multiple Deaths Includes Three Vehicles

A Fairfield fatal collision on Interstate 80 early Sunday morning tragically claimed three lives and left multiple vehicles destroyed in a fiery crash. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), CHP officers responded to reports of a major three-vehicle accident on I-80 West before the Truck Scales just after 2:00 a.m. on January 18. The vehicles involved included a Land Rover Discovery Sport, a Tesla Model Y, and a Toyota Tacoma pickup. 

One Vehicle Engulfed in Flames in Fairfield Fatal Collision

At the scene, officers found all three vehicles with major damage across all lanes. One vehicle was reportedly engulfed in flames with occupants still inside. Another had been split in half by the force of the impact.

Casualties and Scene Response

Three people were pronounced deceased at the scene. Around 2:15 a.m., one patient was transported to a nearby hospital with undisclosed injuries, while another individual declined medical treatment. Due to the severity of the crash and ongoing emergency operations, CHP temporarily shut down all westbound lanes of I-80 around 2:20 a.m. to allow investigators and first responders to process the scene safely. All three vehicles were towed as evidence.

Ongoing CHP Investigation Into Fairfield Fatal Collision

The CHP Fairfield Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether speed, impairment, or driver fatigue played a role in this tragic event. Further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Collision

When a family member loses their life in a Fairfield fatal collision caused by another party’s negligence, such as reckless driving, speeding, or impairment, surviving relatives may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

A wrongful death action can help recover financial compensation for:

  • Funeral, cremation and/or burial expenses are recoverable.
  • Lost future income and household support can be recovered.
  • Medical costs related to the incident can be recovered by filing a survivor action, which is filed by the estate. A survivor action recovers what the deceased person would have claimed if they had lived. It excludes the family’s personal pain from the loss.
  • Pain and suffering suffered by surviving family members is recoverable.

These claims not only provide financial relief but also hold negligent parties accountable for their actions and can help bring the families justice for their loss.

How a Fairfield Attorney Investigates a Fatal Multi-Vehicle Collision

When a multiple-vehicle collision in Fairfield results in fatalities, a wrongful death attorney immediately begins a detailed investigation to determine what caused the tragedy. This process includes obtaining CHP reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing crash scene photos, and analyzing vehicle damage. The attorney often works with accident reconstruction specialists to understand how the collision unfolded. 

Additional steps may involve examining road conditions near I-80 or local intersections and checking for signs of driver negligence, such as speeding, fatigue, or impairment. The goal is to identify responsible parties and assist grieving families in pursuing rightful compensation and justice.

In the following video, Attorney Ed Smith offers helpful information about wrongful death claims: 

Compassionate Legal Support for Fairfield Families

I am Fairfield wrongful death lawyer Ed Smith. As the founder of AutoAccident.com, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the devastating fatal collision in Fairfield. Losing a loved one under such tragic circumstances is unimaginable, and our legal team is here to offer guidance and support during this difficult time.

For compassionate, experienced help after a wrongful death accident, contact our accident lawyers at (707) 564-1900 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. We can also be contacted online. Free and friendly legal advice is available to help families understand their rights and options for seeking justice.

Photo attribution: Pixabay

tk: [658]