(Rancho Mirage, CA) A woman was killed Sunday night, February 22, after being struck by a vehicle in a Highway 111 accident.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the collision occurred at approximately 9:56 p.m. in the area of Highway 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive. Deputies arrived to find Alicia Miller, 62, of Palm Desert, lying in the roadway with significant injuries.
Paramedics responded shortly after and performed life-saving measures at the scene. Despite those efforts, Miller was pronounced dead at the location. Authorities did not release additional details about how long she had been in the roadway prior to the crash.
Officials did not identify the driver involved and did not clarify whether the motorist sustained any injuries. The sheriff’s department stated that alcohol or drugs do not appear to have been factors in the collision. Investigators also did not release information regarding vehicle speed, lighting conditions, or whether Miller was within a marked crosswalk.
The cause of the crash remained under investigation as deputies continued reviewing evidence and speaking with potential witnesses. Anyone with information about the Highway 111 accident was urged to contact Deputy Bret Meservey at 760-836-1600 and reference case number S260530032.
Analysis on the Highway 111 Accident
When a fatal pedestrian collision occurs on a major roadway, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews often focus on pedestrian positioning, driver attentiveness, and roadway conditions during nighttime hours.
Because the incident occurred on a primary thoroughfare, investigators may examine the Duty of Drivers Toward Pedestrians Law. This law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, including taking precautions when someone is in the roadway. Authorities may assess visibility and reaction time in evaluating the driver’s response.
If the pedestrian was crossing outside a marked crosswalk, officials could also consider the Pedestrian Responsibilities Outside Crosswalks Law. This law requires pedestrians to yield the right of way to vehicles that pose an immediate hazard. Investigators may review traffic flow and sightlines as part of that evaluation.
Authorities may further analyze the Basic Speed Law if speed becomes relevant. This law requires drivers to operate at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. These combined statutes help guide the sheriff’s department’s evaluation of the Highway 111 accident as evidence continues to be gathered.
Help for the Family
If you are related to Alicia Miller or are supporting her loved ones, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and request official sheriff’s and coroner reports when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a qualified legal professional to better understand your options after a fatal pedestrian collision. Emotional support from family members, friends, or grief counseling services can be especially important during a sudden and painful loss.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
