Chico, CA (January 9, 2025) – Authorities have identified 39-year-old Daniel Miller as the victim of a fatal collision involving a skateboarder and a vehicle in Chico on January 9, 2025.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 2:07 a.m. at the intersection of Esplanade and Mission Ranch Boulevard. According to preliminary findings, Miller was skateboarding in the middle of the road when a 21-year-old driver, a Chico resident, struck him. Chico Police Department officers arrived to find Miller in the roadway with severe injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained on-site and cooperated fully with the investigation.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Determining liability in this case may focus on factors such as whether the driver exercised proper caution. California law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid pedestrians or those using other conveyances, even if they are not in designated areas.
If evidence suggests that the driver acted negligently, Miller’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. A claim of this nature could seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages related to Miller’s untimely passing. Under California’s comparative negligence laws, even if Miller is found partially at fault for the crash because of his presence in the middle of the road, his family could still pursue the claim, with any recoverable compensation reduced by Miller’s percentage of fault.
I extend my deepest condolences to Daniel Miller’s family and friends during this heartbreaking time.
Source: ABC 7 KRCRTV