EspañolMontebello Police Department Patrol Vehicle Involved in Major Pedestrian Accident By Montebello Boulevard and Victoria Avenue
MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA (January 20, 2026) – A pedestrian was critically injured in a Montebello car accident with a Los Angeles County police cruiser near the intersection of Montebello Boulevard and Victoria Avenue.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:35 PM on January 18. Officers received a call about a driver who may be under the influence.
A responding unit was traveling eastbound on Beverly Boulevard when they were involved in a collision with the pedestrian. Video footage of the accident shows that the man was crossing the street when he was hit.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. He was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
A full investigation by the California Highway Patrol is ongoing.
Liability for Montebello Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21954, the driver of every vehicle must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. Any person operating a motor vehicle should take several measures to safeguard the well-being of pedestrians.
- Speed: Drivers must operate their vehicles at a safe speed at all times. This may necessitate that they travel well below the stated speed limit at night and during other times of reduced visibility.
- Horn: Drivers should use their horns to let pedestrians know of their presence.
- Turn Signals: Drivers should use their turn signals to let pedestrians know about their intentions.
- Blind Spots: Drivers should check their blind spots before making any turns at intersections.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a pedestrian in the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Police officers and other operators of authorized emergency vehicles have certain protections under the law. They will typically have immunity from legal claims if they were responding to an actual emergency with their lights and sirens. When police officers are not responding to an emergency, they must obey traffic laws like every other driver.
Steps to Take After Los Angeles Police Vehicle Accidents
Many people are seriously injured or killed every year in accidents with authorized emergency vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2023, 198 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles. More than half of these deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles (57%). Deaths among pedestrians accounted for 23% of the total, while emergency vehicle drivers represented 11%, and emergency vehicle passengers accounted for about 7% of the deaths.” It’s important that certain actions are taken after any accident with a police vehicle.
- Medical Attention: Victims should seek medical attention as early as possible. Failing to seek medical attention can create numerous medical and legal difficulties down the road.
- Dashcam Footage: The dashcam footage from the police vehicle involved should be collected and reviewed. All patrol vehicles in Los Angeles are equipped with dash cameras.
- Eyewitnesses: All of the eyewitnesses to the collision should be interviewed as soon as possible while their memories are still fresh. These witnesses can help reveal what may have led up to a crash.
- Legal Review: Any person injured due to the negligent actions of a police officer should seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help secure all relevant evidence and take steps to hold the responsible party accountable.
Accidents with police vehicles are often highly preventable. They tend to be the result of police officers that disobey traffic regulations. Many police officers believe that they can act with impunity on the roadway and that they will never be challenged because they represent law enforcement. But this is far from the truth. Any person injured due to the negligent actions of a police officer can seek some measure of accountability through a personal injury claim.
Investigating Los Angeles County Police Vehicle Accidents
We at the Carrillo Law Firm extend our best wishes to the pedestrian injured in this Montebello police vehicle accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about a Montebello police vehicle accident? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to getting accident victims the medical and financial support that they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
