Penryn, CA – On the evening of Thursday, June 5, 2025, a single-vehicle collision on Interstate 80 left a woman dead and a man seriously injured, according to KCRA, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash occurred around 7:33 PM on westbound Interstate 80, just east of Penryn Road in Placer County.
Authorities say a 1997 Toyota 4Runner SUV was traveling in the number three lane when it veered off the roadway and struck a tree on the right-hand shoulder. The impact was severe enough to cause the vehicle to overturn and wrap partially around the tree. Investigators believe a tire issue may have contributed to the crash, though the cause remains under investigation.
The front passenger, a 21-year-old Carmichael woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 27-year-old man also from Carmichael, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Multiple dogs were found inside the vehicle following the collision. They were safely secured and have been placed under the care of Placer County Animal Control, authorities confirmed.
Responding units included fire and medical personnel, as well as Caltrans crews who closed the number three westbound lane for several hours during the investigation and cleanup. A SigAlert was issued, and the roadway fully reopened by approximately 9:45 PM.
CHP stated that neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to have played a role in the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional details have been released at this time.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
