Major Crash Involving Big Rigs Shuts Down Capital City Freeway

Major Crash Involving Big Rigs Shuts Down Capital City Freeway

A major crash involving big rigs early Friday morning shut down the southbound lanes of the Capital City Freeway near Watt Avenue and the I-80 merge, causing major delays. A SigAlert was issued around 6:30 a.m. after a semi jackknifed and began leaking diesel across multiple lanes.

Details of the Crash and Widening Congestion

According to CHP logs, the crash involved a white semi, another big rig with a white trailer, and a silver Honda. Traffic congestion quickly worsened, stretching back to Greenback Lane on I-80. Cleanup was underway, and the diesel leak was contained to the roadway.

Investigation Ongoing

Thankfully, no injuries were reported in the incident, though the cause is still under investigation. Drivers are advised to take alternative routes such as I-80 west to I-5 south to avoid delays.

5 Tips for Staying Safe Around Semi Trucks

Big rigs have large blind spots on all sides. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they likely can’t see you. When sharing the road with Semi-Trucks consider these safety tips:

1. Stay Out of Blind Spots – Avoid lingering in a truck’s “no zones,” especially along the sides and directly behind.
2. Give Plenty of Space – Leave extra room when merging, passing, or following a truck to account for their longer stopping distances.
3. Pass Safely and Quickly – Always pass on the left side and don’t cut in too closely after passing.
4. Avoid Sudden Moves – Signal early and avoid abrupt lane changes or braking near trucks.
5. Be Patient and Predictable – Don’t tailgate or drive aggressively. Give trucks time and space to maneuver safely.

Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Attorney After a Big Rig Accident

Accidents involving big rigs and commercial trucks are often far more complex and damaging than standard vehicle collisions. If you’ve been injured in one, hiring a personal injury attorney isn’t just helpful, it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and your future.

Here’s why working with a skilled attorney is essential after a truck accident:

1. Truck Accidents Involve Complicated Laws: An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these complexities and use them to build a strong case on your behalf.
2. Multiple Parties May Be Responsible: A skilled attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to identify every potential source of liability.
3. Insurance Companies Don’t Play Fair: A personal injury attorney levels the playing field by negotiating on your behalf and protecting your best interests.
4. Proving Damages Takes Legal Skill: A skilled attorney will gather medical records, expert opinions, accident reports, and other evidence to show the full extent of your damages.
5. You May Be Entitled to More Than You Think: An experienced lawyer ensures that nothing is overlooked when calculating what you’re owed.
6. You Deserve to Focus on Healing: A personal injury attorney will keep your case moving forward while you concentrate on getting better.

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

Injured in a Big Rig Accident? Let Ed Smith and AutoAccident.com Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you’ve been injured in a collision with a big rig, don’t face the aftermath alone. AutoAccident.com can provide the legal knowledge, resources, and support needed to get the compensation you deserve. Ed Smith, a skilled personal injury attorney based in Sacramento and throughout California, invites accident victims to contact his law firm for free consultations. His team has been handling personal injury and wrongful death cases since 1982, with a track record of successful outcomes.