EspañolLos Angeles Police Department Vehicle Involved in Major Collision Involving Two Vehicles near East Vernon Avenue and Avalon Boulevard
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 12, 2026) – At least four people were injured in a south Los Angeles car accident involving an LAPD police cruiser at the intersection of East Vernon Avenue and Avalon Boulevard.
Los Angeles officials are saying that the incident occurred around 11:11 AM on Friday morning. A Los Angeles Police Department cruiser was heading through the intersection when it was involved in a collision with a red SUV and black sedan.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help all of the victims. At least four patients were treated, including the officer involved.
The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time. A full investigation into the circumstances leading up to the crash remains ongoing.
Liability for Los Angeles Police Department Accidents
Police departments in California can be liable for the wrongful actions of their employees who are working within the course and scope of their employment under California Vehicle Code § 17001. Accidents involving authorized emergency vehicles are governed by a number of laws. When a police officer is responding to an actual emergency with their lights and sirens on, they are allowed to make many traffic maneuvers that would otherwise be considered negligent. However, when an officer is not responding to an emergency, they must obey traffic regulations as would any other driver. Courts will take into consideration numerous factors when evaluating liability for any car accident involving a police cruiser.
- It matters whether the officer was responding to an actual emergency at the time of the crash.
- It matters whether that officer had their lights and sirens active to sufficiently warn the public.
- It matters whether the officer’s vehicle was traveling at an appropriate speed for the prevailing conditions.
- It matters whether traffic signals or other conditions limited one driver’s ability to react.
If a police officer fails to exercise due care to avoid colliding with another vehicle, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Consider, for example, Torres v. City of Los Angeles, 58 Cal. 2d 35 (Cal. 1962). That case involved two Los Angeles fire engines that were responding to an emergency when they collided at an intersection. The collision caused multiple injuries and one death. The court explained that authorized emergency drivers have a duty to exercise the degree of care that a reasonable person would to prevent collisions. The California Supreme Court eventually affirmed the judgment for the plaintiffs.
Steps To Take After Accidents Involving Emergency Vehicles
Many people are seriously injured or killed every year in accidents with police vehicles and other authorized emergency vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2024, 225 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles. More than half of these deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles (56%). Deaths among pedestrians accounted for 24% of the total, while emergency vehicle drivers represented 9%, and emergency vehicle passengers accounted for about 8% of the deaths.” Many steps should be taken after any accident involving a police vehicle.
- Accident victims should seek medical treatment as early as possible. Many of the injuries associated with major collisions are not going to be obvious.
- The dash camera footage from the officers involved should be carefully reviewed.
- Any person that may have witnessed the collision should be interviewed as early as possible.
- Victims should carefully consider their legal options with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Car accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve drivers that are traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions or not keeping a proper lookout. One of the major issues with police vehicles across LA in California is that their officers have continued to show a disregard for traffic regulations, even when they are not responding to emergencies. Any person injured due to the negligent actions of a police officer in Los Angeles County may be able to pursue some measure of accountability through a civil action.
Getting Legal Help for Accidents Involving the LAPD
We at the Carrillo Law Firm extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this south Los Angeles car accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information should contact the police. Many important safety questions have yet to be answered.
Have you or a loved one been injured due to the negligent actions of a Los Angeles Police Department officer? You may have legal recourse. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here to support you. We are committed to helping victims get the medical and financial support that they need to recover and move forward with their lives. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
