California is known throughout the country as a state with many car accidents – and for good reason. We often top the list of states experiencing the most accidents. Though any car accident has the potential for serious injuries or fatalities, pileups are the most dangerous types of accidents. Keep reading to learn about three of the worst pileup accidents in California history and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have been injured in a car accident and require legal help.
- A 93-Vehicle Pileup in 1991 In 1991 there was a massive dust storm that resulted from a multi-year drought. The dust was whipped up by 60+ mile per hour winds and blinded drivers. The accident included semi trucks whose gas tanks exploded, causing further injury. Seventeen people died on this accident, which occurred over 160 miles on Interstate 5. More than 150 people died. The interstate was closed between L.A. and San Francisco for more than a day.
- 2007 100-Vehicle Pileup The 100-vehicle pileup on Highway 99 was also caused by weather – but this time it was fog. Around 100 cars were involved in a chain-reaction accident, which led to the death of two people and dozens of injuries. There were also dozens of vehicles that were described by the California Highway Patrol as “mangled and crushed.” The crash happened south of Fresno when visibility due to fog was less than two feet. There were a few big rigs involved in this accident too, but there were no reported fires or hazardous spills.
- 70-Car Accident on I-170 in Los Angeles Once again, the weather was a factor in a 70-car accident that occurred in 2002. It started when a big rig hit a highway divider in Los Angeles while traveling on I-710. It was early in the morning rush hour and fog was reducing visibility. In total, there were around 70 vehicles involved in the pileup. Forty-five people were injured in the massive accident, but the good news is that no one died. I-170 was closed for nearly a day between I-405 and Highway 91.
