Chico, CA – On the evening of Sunday, September 6, 2026, a pedestrian collision resulted in the death of Joel Seltzer, 89, of Chico, according to FOX40.
The Chico Police Department reports that the accident took place around 9:12 PM at East Avenue and Ceres Avenue, an intersection in a residential area near Seltzer’s home.
Authorities said Seltzer left his home without telling anyone and crossed the street against a red traffic signal, according to surveillance footage obtained by investigators. A vehicle struck him, leaving him in critical condition. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Investigators determined the driver bore no fault in the collision, was not impaired, and was not speeding at the time of the crash.
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.
Chico Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers to remain alert for pedestrians at all times, even when a pedestrian crosses outside of a marked crosswalk or against a traffic signal. Initial law enforcement investigations, while thorough, do not always capture every piece of evidence relevant to civil liability, and a more detailed review can sometimes reveal factors such as inadequate lighting, obstructed sightlines, or driver inattention that were not fully considered in the initial findings.
Under California’s comparative negligence law, even if Seltzer is found partially at fault for entering the roadway against the signal, his family may still be entitled to pursue compensation if any degree of negligence on the part of the driver contributed to the crash. A wrongful death claim, if supported by the evidence, can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Chico Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, at East Avenue and Ceres Avenue, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
