Chico, CA – On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 27, 2026, a multi-vehicle collision resulting from a driver running a red light resulted in one fatality and left several others injured, according to FOX40.
The Chico Police Department reports that the accident took place around 1:00 PM at the intersection of East Lassen Avenue and Esplanade.
Authorities said a vehicle ran a red light at high speed and rear-ended another vehicle that was stopped at the intersection. The force of the impact propelled the struck vehicle into several other vehicles stopped at the opposite light, with the collision ultimately involving at least six vehicles including a Butte County transit bus carrying several passengers. Fire and police personnel who were nearby responding to a separate incident witnessed the crash and immediately redeployed to assist.
A passenger in the vehicle that was first struck died upon impact. The driver of that vehicle was transported to a local hospital with injuries. The driver of the vehicle that ran the red light sustained major injuries and was transported by ambulance for treatment. All other drivers remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
The identity of the deceased had not been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s comparative negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
Passenger Liability
A driver’s liability coverage extends to those inside their vehicle as well as outside. In many cases, those passengers are someone who knows the driver personally. So, when a passenger is injured and their driver is found liable, they may feel reluctant to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
In many cases, however, a wrongful death claim may be required for an insurer to offer a fair settlement that covers the injured party’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. A personal injury attorney can facilitate this process and, as a neutral third party, help navigate any emotional complexities that may arise.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
